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Localized involutional lipoatrophy: a clinicopathologic study of 16 patients
P R Dahl1, M J Zalla, R K Winkelmann
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Idiopathic lipoatrophy, a localized fat loss, often follows injections and presents with unique microscopic changes. Macrophage infiltration and involuted fat lobules characterize this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Adipose Tissue Biology
Background:
- Idiopathic lipoatrophy is defined as localized adipose tissue loss without prior inflammation.
- This condition can occur after injections in the affected areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of focal lipoatrophy.
- To analyze a distinct pathological pattern of fat lobule involution in affected patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 16 patients with focal lipoatrophy.
- Histopathological examination including immunoperoxidase staining and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Most common sites were buttocks and proximal extremities; lesions were solitary or multiple.
- Histology revealed decreased adipocyte size, hyaline material, and diminutive fat lobules resembling embryonic fat.
- Macrophage infiltration (CD68 positive) was observed, with some becoming lipophages.
Conclusions:
- Involutional lipoatrophy is a common post-injury response in fat tissue.
- Macrophage infiltration of fat lobules is a key feature.
- The pathological changes justify the term involutional lipoatrophy due to resemblance to embryonic fat lobules.
