Multiple symmetric lipomatosis: a review of 3 cases

Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis, or Madelung's disease, is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by the presence of loose adipose tissue deposits localized in the cervical region and in the upper body. The neoformations grow slowly and their initial consequence is purely esthetic. They can, however, lead to compression of the laryngotacheal area and of the esophagus. This disease usually affects middle-aged males from the Mediterranean area with a history of alcohol abuse. Although most cases have been sporadic, a few authors have indicated that the disorder may be hereditary. It is thought that this pathology originates from an alteration in lipid metabolism. Since the patients were asymptomatic temperance and diet was proposed, surgical removal of the lipomatose mass is the treatment of choice in case of complications due to fat mass compression on upper aerodigestive tract. The authors present three cases of Madelung's disease with different and particular manifestations.