Liposuction for lower limb lipodystrophy in congenital analbuminaemia: a case report

Congenital analbuminaemia is a very rare autosomal dominant disorder in which patients have no serum albumin and markedly low serum total protein concentration. Clinically patients present with mild oedema, hypotension, fatigue and lipodystrophy often with abnormal body habitus. With only around 50 reported cases in the literature worldwide, management of the resulting lipodystrophy remains unclear. A 42-year-old male who was diagnosed with congenital analbuminaemia presented with bilateral lower limb lipodystrophy disproportionately affecting his thighs. This was associated with concerns over appearance, difficulties with mobility and finding clothing. He successfully underwent bilateral lower leg liposuction and has had no recurrence of his symptoms after 12 months. We have demonstrated that liposuction along with controlled compression therapy is a safe and effective treatment for managing lipodystrophy secondary to congenital analbuminaemia. Although rare, clinicians need to be aware that liposuction is a successful treatment modality, which should be made available to this select group of patients.