Sporadic multiple lipomatosis: a case report and review of the literature

The finding of multiple lipomas, or lipomatosis, can be a marker for several clinical or familial syndromes. Familial multiple lipomatosis is a benign hereditary disorder of adipose regulation associated with hyperlipidemia. Multiple symmetric lipomatosis involves the local infiltration of adipose tissue of the neck, upper torso and mediastinum. This condition is often found in alcoholics and has been associated with diabetes mellitus. An afflicted patient's family history is important both to reveal occult pathology and to help determine the disease's prevalence in the population. In this article, we report the case of a patient with sporadic multiple lipomatosis and provide a brief review of the literature.