LIPEDEMA OF THE LEGS: A SYNDROME CHARACTERIZED BY FAT LEGS AND EDEMA

Abstract

Lipedema of the legs is a syndrome characterized by fat legs and orthostatic edema. A clinical evaluation of 119 patients with lipedema has been presented. The condition is often confused with vascular diseases affecting the lower extremities, especially chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema. Of the 119 patients, all but one were women. A similar condition often occurs in other members of the family. The majority of the patients were overweight, a preponderance of the excess fat being in the lower half of the body. In most instances this represented an exaggeration of the normal female configuration. The age at which an increase in the size of the legs was first noted could not be accurately determined, but there was apparently no greater frequency of onset during the decades of the menarche or menopause than in other decades. Discomfort in the legs, consisting of diffuse pain, tenderness and aching distress, was a prominant symptom in about one half of the group. Chronic indurated cellulitis and stasis lesions did not occur unless there was an associated, coincidental chronic venous insufficiency. The basal metabolic rate was usually less than 0%, but none of the group had clinical evidence of myxedema. Mild to marked anxiety concerning the appearance of the lower extremities and possible serious significance of the edema was usual. About one third of the patients presented evidence of neurosis.