Background: Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a rare disorder that is characterized by abnormal adipose tissue growth mainly at the neck, abdominal wall, back, shoulder girdle, and arms. A suggested mechanism for accumulation of adipose tissue is a defect in the lipolytic pathway of fat cell.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical, morphologic, and biochemical findings in Korean patients.
Method: A total of 32 patients with MSL were evaluated retrospectively. Ten patients were seen at our hospital. The remaining 22 patients from literature were reviewed. Biochemical analyses and neurologic studies were performed.
Results: All cases were a sporadic form of MSL. The age of onset ranged from 26 to 70 years (mean of 49.4 years). The male-to-female ratio was 31:1. All but two patients were alcoholics with a daily intake of more than 80 g of alcohol for at least 10 years. In metabolic studies of 17 patients, a Fredrickson type IIb or IV hyperlipoproteinemia was found in three patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol values were higher in three patients. A glucose tolerance test was abnormal in five patients. A high prevalence of neurologic abnormalities was observed. Clinical signs of peripheral neuropathy were present in 11 of 13 patients. Central nervous system involvement was found clinically in 3 of 13 patients.
Conclusion: The surgical removal of the fatty tissue and abstinence from alcohol are essential for relieving the patients from functional impairment. Not only metabolic studies of lipid abnormalities but also a complete neurologic examination were required in order to improve the quality of life in MSL patients.