Type 1C Multiple Symmetrical Lipomatosis: A Cause of Misdiagnosis in Females

Cureus. 2023 Jun 26;15(6):e40970. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40970. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis (MSL) is a disease that causes symmetrical fat deposits in the neck, shoulders, and upper trunk. It is more common in the neck area in men who consume alcohol. The male-to-female ratio varies from 15:1 to 30:1. Madelung's disease has been reported in a small number of female patients who do not consume alcohol. Pseudoathletic appearance (MSL type 1C) is rare and causes misdiagnosis. We would like to present a 50-year-old woman with an athletic appearance who had fat deposits on her shoulders and upper chest. After excluding obesity and Cushing's syndrome, which were initially considered, we aimed to remind people of this entity that causes symmetrical fat deposits in the upper trunk in females.

Keywords: benign symmetric lipomatosis; fat accumulation; lipom; madelung’s disease; multiple symmetrical lipomatosis (msl).

Publication types

  • Case Reports