Lluis Barraquer-Roviralta (1855-1928): Spanish neurologist described progressive lipodystrophy

Lluis Barraquer-Roviralta, a Spanish neurologist, described the syndrome of progressive lipodystrophy in 1907. This syndrome was subsequently known as Barraquer's syndrome. The main feature of Barraquer's syndrome is the progressive atrophy of the subcutaneous fat of the face. Plastic surgeons are familiar with Barraquer's name because they often correct the facial deformity associated with Barraquer's syndrome. Although plastic surgeons recognize Barraquer for his description of progressive lipodystrophy, his main contributions were to the field of neurology. Barraquer, who is considered the founder of the specialty of neurology in Spain, contributed to the start of neurosurgery in Spain, as well. Barraquer was an expert in diseases of the peripheral nervous system and developed medicines to treat tabes dorsalis. His drawings and photographs of the nervous system were unparalleled. His iconographic collection helped to define the anatomy and pathology of numerous neurological diseases. His pictures were featured in the main neurology textbook of the time and are presently housed in the Museum of Medical History in Spain. During his career at the University of Barcelona Barraquer was well known for his lecturing ability and for training the first neurologists in Spain. In addition to describing progressive lipodystrophy, Barraquer also was the first to describe the grasp reflex of the foot, now known as Barraquer's reflex. Of his remarkable accomplishments, Barraquer is best remembered for his description of two phenomena that now bear his name, Barraquer's reflex and Barraquer's syndrome. Although Lluis Barraquer-Roviralta's main contributions were to the field of neurology, his description of progressive lipodystrophy in 1907 will forever endear him to future generations of plastic surgeons.