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Infections preceding the development of Dercum disease

Karen Beltran1, Rita Wadeea1, Karen L Herbst1

  • 1College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1625 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, Arizona, 85724, United States.

Idcases
|January 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Dercum Disease (DD), a rare condition causing painful fat masses, may be triggered by infections like Lyme disease. Prompt infection diagnosis and treatment could prevent further fat damage in DD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Dercum Disease (DD) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by painful subcutaneous adipose tissue masses.
  • DD symptoms overlap with fibromyalgia, and its etiology remains unclear, with proposed links to metabolic, autoimmune, or genetic factors.
  • Alterations in lymphatic vessels are a known feature of Dercum Disease.

Observation:

  • This case series details seven patients where Dercum Disease onset followed an infection.
  • Identified preceding infections included histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and Lyme disease.
  • The study reviews known effects of infectious agents on adipose tissue.

Findings:

  • The presented cases suggest a potential link between specific infections and the development of Dercum Disease.
  • Infections may play a role in the pathogenesis of DD, contributing to the formation of painful lipomas.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering infectious triggers in DD diagnosis.

Implications:

  • Early identification and management of infections preceding DD could be crucial.
  • Timely treatment of these infections may help mitigate or prevent the progression of Dercum Disease.
  • Further research into the infectious etiology of DD is warranted to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
CoccidioidomycosisDercum diseaseHistoplasmosisLyme diseaseToxoplasmosis

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