Lipedema

Signs and symptoms of lipedema typically appear during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Symptoms vary from person to person, but usually include abnormal deposits of body fat in both legs, extending from the buttocks to the ankles.^[3] This often painful disorder usually worsens gradually, although some individuals develop minor lipedema that stabilizes.^[4] In the early stages of lipedema, most individuals have a normal appearance above their waist. As the disorder progresses, the chest, torso, abdomen, and upper extremities may also become enlarged.^[3]

The skin overlying the affected areas usually appears normal, although it may lose elasticity. People with lipedema tend to bruise easily, possibly due to the increased fragility of small blood vessel within the fat tissue.^[3][2]

The cause of lipedema is unknown. The condition occurs almost entirely in females and often develops after puberty or other periods of hormonal change (such as pregnancy or menopause). Many people with lipedema are obese or overweight, however, normal weight individuals are also affected. Many people with lipedema have a family history of relatives with similarly enlarged legs. A genetic cause is suspected, but not confirmed.^[1][3]

Lipedema is difficult to evaluate and diagnose and is best done by a medical professional who has expertise in the disorder. Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, MRI, lymphangiogram, and/or lymphoscintigraphy may be useful in diagnosing lipedema, although test results may appear 'normal' in the early stages of the disorder.^[2][3][4]

It is important to differentiate lipedema from other similar disorders including but not limited to: obesity, lipohypertrophy (a condition with similar signs and symptoms, but without pain and edema), and lymphedema (swelling caused by an abnormal pooling of fluids). In advanced cases, other causes of classic edema of the lower legs should be considered, such as chronic venous insufficiency (the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart), idiopathic edema, edema due to internal disease, and postural edema (collection of fluid in the feet and ankles after standing for a long time).^[2][3][4]

Classical guidelines for diagnosing lipedema include the following criteria: occurrence almost exclusively in women; bilateral and symmetrical presentation with minimal involvement of the feet; minimal pitting edema, pain, tenderness, and easy bruising; and persistent swelling of lower extremities despite elevation or weight loss.^[5] Updated guidelines propose a diagnosis of lipedema with the criteria as classically defined in addition to symptoms of the upper leg(s) and arm(s) such as a circularly thickened layer of fat affecting the skin.^[4]

There is no one treatment for lipedema; however various strategies may be useful to manage symptoms. One such method is complete decongestive therapy (CDT). CDT is an intensive program that combines different treatment approaches such as bandaging, compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage (massage technique that aims to encourage drainage of lymph fluid), exercise, and self care. In a study of 38 women with lipedema, CDT was found to successfully reduce the rate of bruise formation.^[1][4][6]

Surgery is the only technique to remove abnormal fat tissue; however its use is controversial. Surgery may damage the lymphatic vessels and should be undertaken only by surgeons with expertise in treating lipedema.^[1][2][4]