Lipedema: A Review of the Literature
Okhovat JP, Alavi A; 2014
Synopsis: This article reviews the existing literature regarding epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management strategies for lipedema.
Abstract: Lipedema is a disorder of adipose tissue that primarily affects females and is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. Relatively few studies have defined the precise pathogenesis, epidemiology, and management strategies for this disorder, yet the need to successfully identify this disorder as a unique entity has important implications for proper treatment. In this review, we sought to review and identify information in the existing literature with respect to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management strategies for lipedema. The current literature suggests that lipedema appears to be a clinical entity thought to be related to both genetic factors and fat distribution. While distinct from lymphedema and obesity, there are some existing treatments such as complex decongestive physiotherapy, liposuction, and laser-assisted lipolysis. Management of lipedema is complex and distinct from lymphedema. The role of newer randomized controlled studies to further explore the management of this clinical entity remains promising.
Keywords: lipedema, lipoedema, lymphedema, lymphoedema, obesity, fat leg, management
APA Citation: Okhovat, J., & Alavi, A. (2014). Lipedema: A Review of the Literature. The International Journal Of Lower Extremity Wounds, 14(3), 262-267. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1534734614554284
AMA Citation: Okhovat J, Alavi A. Lipedema: A Review of the Literature. The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds. 2014;14(3):262-267. doi:10.1177/1534734614554284.
