Lipedema: a clinical entity distinct from lymphedema.

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Lipedema: a clinical entity distinct from lymphedema.
Abstract
In a review of 250 cases of lymphedema of the lower extremity, 9 patients were noted to share unique similarities in their history and physical findings. Although these patients had mild swelling in their pretibial areas and were all referred with a diagnosis of lymphedema of the legs, their findings differed significantly from the usual patient with either congenital or acquired lymphedema. Notably, the lower extremity swelling was always bilateral and symmetrical in nature and never involved the feet. Skin changes characteristic of lymphedema were not found, and consistent fat pads were present anterior to the lateral malleoli in each patient. These findings are representative of a clinical entity known as lipedema, which is distinct from lymphedema and for which treatment may be different.
Publication
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Volume
94
Issue
6
Pages
841-7; discussion 848-849
Date
1994 Nov
Journal Abbr
Plast Reconstr Surg
Language
eng
ISSN
0032-1052 0032-1052
Extra
Place: United States
Citation
Rudkin, G. H., & Miller, T. A. (1994). Lipedema: a clinical entity distinct from lymphedema. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 94(6), 841–847; discussion 848-849.