Centrifugal lipodystrophy: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Centrifugal lipodystrophy
| synonyms        = [[Braun-Falco syndrome]]
| field          = [[Dermatology]]
| symptoms        = Loss of [[subcutaneous fat]]
| complications  = [[Metabolic syndrome]], [[insulin resistance]]
| onset          = Childhood
| duration        = Chronic
| causes          = Unknown
| risks          = Genetic predisposition
| diagnosis      = Clinical evaluation, [[biopsy]]
| differential    = [[Lipodystrophy]], [[lipoatrophy]]
| treatment      = [[Cosmetic surgery]], [[hormone replacement therapy]]
| medication      = [[Thiazolidinediones]], [[metformin]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depends on associated conditions
| frequency      = Rare
}}
'''Centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy''' (CAL), also known as [[lipodystrophia centrifugalis abdominalis infantalis]], is a rare pediatric form of [[lipodystrophy]] characterized by localized '''loss of subcutaneous fat''' in the '''abdominal region'''. It is primarily seen in '''children''' and tends to be '''self-limiting''', with spontaneous resolution in many cases.
'''Centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy''' (CAL), also known as [[lipodystrophia centrifugalis abdominalis infantalis]], is a rare pediatric form of [[lipodystrophy]] characterized by localized '''loss of subcutaneous fat''' in the '''abdominal region'''. It is primarily seen in '''children''' and tends to be '''self-limiting''', with spontaneous resolution in many cases.
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
Centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is classified as a '''localized lipodystrophy disorder''', where there is '''progressive loss of subcutaneous fat''' in a centrifugal pattern. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but proposed theories suggest:
Centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is classified as a '''localized lipodystrophy disorder''', where there is '''progressive loss of subcutaneous fat''' in a centrifugal pattern. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but proposed theories suggest:
* '''Inflammatory processes''' Autoimmune-mediated destruction of adipose tissue.
* '''Inflammatory processes''' – Autoimmune-mediated destruction of adipose tissue.
* '''Metabolic dysfunction''' Abnormal lipid metabolism leading to fat atrophy.
* '''Metabolic dysfunction''' – Abnormal lipid metabolism leading to fat atrophy.
* '''Genetic predisposition''' Familial clustering suggests a possible hereditary component.
* '''Genetic predisposition''' – Familial clustering suggests a possible hereditary component.
* '''Viral or environmental triggers''' Certain infections or environmental exposures may precipitate the disease.
* '''Viral or environmental triggers''' – Certain infections or environmental exposures may precipitate the disease.
 
== Clinical Features ==
== Clinical Features ==
CAL typically presents in '''young children''' and is characterized by:
CAL typically presents in '''young children''' and is characterized by:
* '''Progressive fat loss''' Starting around the '''umbilical region''' and spreading outward in a centrifugal pattern.
* '''Progressive fat loss''' – Starting around the '''umbilical region''' and spreading outward in a centrifugal pattern.
* '''Asymptomatic or mild discomfort''' Most cases are '''painless''', although some children report mild tenderness.
* '''Asymptomatic or mild discomfort''' – Most cases are '''painless''', although some children report mild tenderness.
* '''Skin changes''' The overlying skin remains intact, but mild [[hyperpigmentation]] or atrophic changes may be observed.
* '''Skin changes''' – The overlying skin remains intact, but mild [[hyperpigmentation]] or atrophic changes may be observed.
* '''Bilateral involvement''' Though often asymmetric, both sides of the abdomen may be affected.
* '''Bilateral involvement''' – Though often asymmetric, both sides of the abdomen may be affected.
 
Unlike '''generalized lipodystrophy''', CAL remains '''localized to the abdominal region''' and does not lead to significant metabolic complications.
Unlike '''generalized lipodystrophy''', CAL remains '''localized to the abdominal region''' and does not lead to significant metabolic complications.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is primarily '''clinical''', based on characteristic '''fat loss patterns'''. Key diagnostic steps include:
Diagnosis of centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is primarily '''clinical''', based on characteristic '''fat loss patterns'''. Key diagnostic steps include:
* '''Detailed history and physical examination''' Assessing the onset, progression, and distribution of fat loss.
* '''Detailed history and physical examination''' – Assessing the onset, progression, and distribution of fat loss.
* '''Histopathology (if biopsy is performed)''':
* '''Histopathology (if biopsy is performed)''':
* '''Loss of adipocytes''' in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
* '''Loss of adipocytes''' in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
* '''Minimal inflammatory infiltration'''.
* '''Minimal inflammatory infiltration'''.
* '''No evidence of necrosis or fibrosis'''.
* '''No evidence of necrosis or fibrosis'''.
* '''Imaging studies''' Such as [[ultrasound]] or [[MRI]] to exclude other fat-atrophy syndromes.
* '''Imaging studies''' – Such as [[ultrasound]] or [[MRI]] to exclude other fat-atrophy syndromes.
 
== Differential Diagnosis ==
== Differential Diagnosis ==
Several conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CAL, including:
Several conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CAL, including:
* '''[[Localized lipodystrophy]]''' Including post-inflammatory lipodystrophy and trauma-induced atrophy.
* '''[[Localized lipodystrophy]]''' – Including post-inflammatory lipodystrophy and trauma-induced atrophy.
* '''[[Partial lipodystrophy]]''' Conditions like '''Barraquer-Simons syndrome''' with fat loss in other regions.
* '''[[Partial lipodystrophy]]''' – Conditions like '''Barraquer-Simons syndrome''' with fat loss in other regions.
* '''[[Lipoatrophy]]''' A broader category of conditions leading to subcutaneous fat loss.
* '''[[Lipoatrophy]]''' – A broader category of conditions leading to subcutaneous fat loss.
* '''Metabolic lipodystrophy syndromes''' Such as '''congenital generalized lipodystrophy''', which has systemic involvement.
* '''Metabolic lipodystrophy syndromes''' – Such as '''congenital generalized lipodystrophy''', which has systemic involvement.
 
== Treatment and Management ==
== Treatment and Management ==
Currently, there is '''no specific treatment''' for centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy. Most cases '''resolve spontaneously''' over time without significant intervention. Management focuses on:
Currently, there is '''no specific treatment''' for centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy. Most cases '''resolve spontaneously''' over time without significant intervention. Management focuses on:
* '''Observation and reassurance''' Parents should be informed about the '''self-limiting nature''' of the condition.
* '''Observation and reassurance''' – Parents should be informed about the '''self-limiting nature''' of the condition.
* '''Supportive care''':
* '''Supportive care''':
* Moisturizers for any '''skin changes'''.
* Moisturizers for any '''skin changes'''.
* Sunscreen for '''hyperpigmented areas'''.
* Sunscreen for '''hyperpigmented areas'''.
* '''Cosmetic options''' In rare cases with persistent '''fat loss''', options like '''autologous fat grafting''' may be considered for aesthetic concerns.
* '''Cosmetic options''' – In rare cases with persistent '''fat loss''', options like '''autologous fat grafting''' may be considered for aesthetic concerns.
 
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is '''excellent''', with most cases resolving within '''months to a few years'''. Unlike other lipodystrophy syndromes, it '''does not''' lead to metabolic complications such as [[insulin resistance]], [[diabetes mellitus]], or [[dyslipidemia]].
The prognosis for centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is '''excellent''', with most cases resolving within '''months to a few years'''. Unlike other lipodystrophy syndromes, it '''does not''' lead to metabolic complications such as [[insulin resistance]], [[diabetes mellitus]], or [[dyslipidemia]].
== Related Pages ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Lipodystrophy]]
* [[Lipodystrophy]]
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* [[Congenital generalized lipodystrophy]]
* [[Congenital generalized lipodystrophy]]
* [[Metabolic disorders]]
* [[Metabolic disorders]]
[[Category:Lipodystrophy]]
[[Category:Lipodystrophy]]
[[Category:Pediatric diseases]]
[[Category:Pediatric diseases]]
[[Category:Metabolic disorders]]
[[Category:Metabolic disorders]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]

Latest revision as of 00:39, 4 April 2025


Centrifugal lipodystrophy
Synonyms Braun-Falco syndrome
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Loss of subcutaneous fat
Complications Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance
Onset Childhood
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Unknown
Risks Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy
Prevention N/A
Treatment Cosmetic surgery, hormone replacement therapy
Medication Thiazolidinediones, metformin
Prognosis Variable, depends on associated conditions
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy (CAL), also known as lipodystrophia centrifugalis abdominalis infantalis, is a rare pediatric form of lipodystrophy characterized by localized loss of subcutaneous fat in the abdominal region. It is primarily seen in children and tends to be self-limiting, with spontaneous resolution in many cases.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is classified as a localized lipodystrophy disorder, where there is progressive loss of subcutaneous fat in a centrifugal pattern. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but proposed theories suggest:

  • Inflammatory processes ‚Äì Autoimmune-mediated destruction of adipose tissue.
  • Metabolic dysfunction ‚Äì Abnormal lipid metabolism leading to fat atrophy.
  • Genetic predisposition ‚Äì Familial clustering suggests a possible hereditary component.
  • Viral or environmental triggers ‚Äì Certain infections or environmental exposures may precipitate the disease.

Clinical Features[edit]

CAL typically presents in young children and is characterized by:

  • Progressive fat loss ‚Äì Starting around the umbilical region and spreading outward in a centrifugal pattern.
  • Asymptomatic or mild discomfort ‚Äì Most cases are painless, although some children report mild tenderness.
  • Skin changes ‚Äì The overlying skin remains intact, but mild hyperpigmentation or atrophic changes may be observed.
  • Bilateral involvement ‚Äì Though often asymmetric, both sides of the abdomen may be affected.

Unlike generalized lipodystrophy, CAL remains localized to the abdominal region and does not lead to significant metabolic complications.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is primarily clinical, based on characteristic fat loss patterns. Key diagnostic steps include:

  • Detailed history and physical examination ‚Äì Assessing the onset, progression, and distribution of fat loss.
  • Histopathology (if biopsy is performed):
  • Loss of adipocytes in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
  • Minimal inflammatory infiltration.
  • No evidence of necrosis or fibrosis.
  • Imaging studies ‚Äì Such as ultrasound or MRI to exclude other fat-atrophy syndromes.

Differential Diagnosis[edit]

Several conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CAL, including:

  • Localized lipodystrophy ‚Äì Including post-inflammatory lipodystrophy and trauma-induced atrophy.
  • Partial lipodystrophy ‚Äì Conditions like Barraquer-Simons syndrome with fat loss in other regions.
  • Lipoatrophy ‚Äì A broader category of conditions leading to subcutaneous fat loss.
  • Metabolic lipodystrophy syndromes ‚Äì Such as congenital generalized lipodystrophy, which has systemic involvement.

Treatment and Management[edit]

Currently, there is no specific treatment for centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy. Most cases resolve spontaneously over time without significant intervention. Management focuses on:

  • Observation and reassurance ‚Äì Parents should be informed about the self-limiting nature of the condition.
  • Supportive care:
  • Moisturizers for any skin changes.
  • Sunscreen for hyperpigmented areas.
  • Cosmetic options ‚Äì In rare cases with persistent fat loss, options like autologous fat grafting may be considered for aesthetic concerns.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for centrifugal abdominal lipodystrophy is excellent, with most cases resolving within months to a few years. Unlike other lipodystrophy syndromes, it does not lead to metabolic complications such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.

Related Pages[edit]