[Annular lipoatrophy of the ankles treated by fat grafting: Case report and review of the literature]

Abstract

Introduction: Annular lipoatrophy of the ankles is a rare disease. Eleven cases are described in the literature.

Case report: We report the case of a 10-year-old girl having an annular lipoatrophy of the ankles. The clinical history begins with the appearance of inflammatory infiltrated nodules at the two legs, which have evolved in a few months to a circumferential lipoatrophy of the ankles. Laboratory studies showed a very high antistreptolysin O titer, concluding streptococcal origin of this hypodermitis. After two years of stable lesions, the patient received two sessions of fat injection.

Result/discussion: A satisfactory outcome of the adipocyte graft was observed with reconstitution of shapely legs, stable over time. Eleven cases described in the literature are found. It is a pediatric pathology seen predominantly in female children. The evolution towards lipoatrophy is systematic with or without treatment initiated at the inflammatory phase. We first discuss the management of aesthetic sequelae of this disease.

Conclusion: Fat grafting appears to be a good indication for the treatment of the cosmetic sequelae seen in annular lipoatrophy of the ankles.

Keywords: Annular lipoatrophy of the ankles; Autogreffe adipocytaire; Fat grafting; Lipoatrophie annulaire des chevilles.