Benign Symmetrical Lipomatosis

ABSTRACT

Benign symmetrical lipomatosis(BSL) is a rare disease of unknown origin characterized by symmetrical and diffuse deposits of nonencapsulated fatty tissue. It is located on the neck, the shoulder, the proximal regions of the extremities and the abdomen. It is strongly associated with alcoholism. Other associated diseases include liver disease, dyslipidemia, gout, abnormal glucose tolerance, and malignancies of the upper airways. BSL is found mainly in middle-age, mediterranean men. Imaging using either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is often recommended. Dietary restriction provides no relief. Abstinence from alcohol may delay further progression but does not cause regression of the deformity. The only effective therapy for BSL is surgical removal but recurrence is common. Physicians should be aware of this condition because of its association with metabolic disease and malignancies