Lipoedema and overweight leading to generalised oedema: a case report

ABSTRACT

The aim of the case report was to discuss generalised oedema in a patient with lipoedema and obesity, describing a novel concept of a stage 0 lymphoedema that was denominated as subclinical systemic lymphoedema. A 35-year-old female patient reported to the clinic due to telangiectasia of the lower limbs and leg pain that increased in the heat and when she spend a lot of time in a standing position. The patient had a physical appearance of lipoedema involving the upper and lower limbs associated with a family history of lipoedema, Body Mass Index (BMI) of 33.9 kg/m2 . Bioelectrical impedance analysis demonstrated important changes in intracellular and extracellular water as well as in all limbs and the thorax beyond the limits of normality. The telangiectasia was treated with sclerotherapy and pateint was instructed to lose weight and perform physical activity.