Lipedema: What we don't know

Lipedema is a loose connective tissue disease characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue in the limbs of women. Despite its incidence of 10-20%, lipedema is often underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed.

This review aims to outline current, available evidence regarding this enigmatic syndrome and gives a synopsis of the subjects that are still unknown.

PubMed and Embase searches were conducted to identify relevant articles on lipedema pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Lipedema can be considered a disease of the adipocytes or a circulatory disorder of the lymphatics. The relationship between lymphatics and adipose tissue remains controversial. The clinical distinction between lipedema, lymphedema, phlebolymphedema, and lipolymphedema can be difficult. Diagnoses often coexist, further complicating the diagnosis of lipedema, which is currently made on clinical grounds alone. The value of diagnostic imaging studies is unclear. Liposuction appears to be an effective treatment and significantly improves symptoms.

Diagnosing lipedema remains a challenge due to its heterogeneous presentation, co-existing diseases, and lack of objective diagnostic imaging. Further directions for research include the effect of excess skin resection surgery on lymphatic drainage.