Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Patients with Lipodystrophia Centifugalis Abdominalis

  Objective  To study the clinical and histopathological features of lipodystrophia centrifugalis abdominalis (LCA).

  Methods  The clinical and histopathological data of 5 patients with LCA diagnosed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital form July 2009 to July 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.

  Results  The mean age of onset was 7.2 years (4-13 years). The disease courses ranged from 1 to 3 years. In most cases, the asymptomatic, circumscribed skin atrophy involved the abdomen and inguinal fold. The underlying blood vessels were visible. Histological examination revealed decrease or loss of subcutaneous fat in the atrophic area. The patients were treated with oral traditional Chinese medicine (for promoting blood circulation) and vitamin E.

  Conclusions  LCA is a rare lipodystrophic disease. The diagnosis of LCA is mainly based on clinical findings and pathological features. Unfortunately, no effective treatment for this disease has been available.