• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.122-126
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• 2015

Madelung's disease, or benign symmetric lipomatosis, is an uncommon disorder that is characterized by massive symmetrical deposits of adipose tissue in the upper trunk, neck and head, and is usually associated with alcohol abuse; as such, patients usually complain of cosmetic issues. Historically, Madelung's disease is usually encountered in men between 30 and 60 years of age, and is more prevalent in the Mediterranean population. In this case study, we describe a rare case of Madelung's disease, in an Asian patient who presented with symmetrically located bilateral masses in the anterior neck, which grew progressively larger over a period of seven years.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.305-308
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• 2020

Madelung's disease (MD) otherwise known as Launois-Bensaude syndrome, multiple symmetrical lipomatosis, or benign symmetric lipomatosis, is a rare disease characterized by abnormal diffuse lipomatosis in proximal upper limbs and neck. Here, we report a rare case of MD. A 66-year-old man presented with massive growth of soft tissues in the cervico-occipital region of more than 2 years duration. Physical examination showed diffuse enlargement of the anterior neck (Madelung's collar) and three huge humps at the posterior neck. Under a diagnosis of MD, lipectomy via a single anterior transverse incision and liposuction were performed. This rare case report may be helpful for assessing patients with abnormal diffuse lipomatosis in the neck and proximal upper limbs.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.769-772
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• 2006

Purpose: Benign symmetrical lipomatosis(Madelung's disease) is a disease of uncertain etiology that manifests as massive lipomatous deposits in specific area of the body. It is usually located on the neck, shoulder, proximal regions of the extremities and the abdomen. Madelung's disease is found many in middle-aged, Mediterranean man. Imaging using either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is often recommended. Dietary restriction provides no relief of disease. Abstinence with alcohol may delay further progression but does not regression tumor mass. The objective of this study is to prove effectiveness of liposuction for treatment of benign lipomatosis. Methods: We conducted liposuction as a treatment for benign lipomatosis. After general anesthesia, We conducted power assisted liposuction and amount of suctioned volume was about 2500 cc. After surgery, we did compressive dressing and then followed by pressure garment. Results: Six months after surgery, patient was examined for follow up at outpatient department. Recurred lipoma was not observated. Patient was satisfied with result.Conclusion: The only effective therapy for Madelung's disease is surgical removal but recurrence could be occurring. Also multiple surgical scars will be visible. We report a patient with multiple large lipomatosis successfully treated with liposuction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.463-467
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• 2023

Madelung's disease (MD) is a rare disease characterized by diffuse, nonencapsulated, multiple fat masses in different areas of the body. In this case report, we present a case of MD in Asia and its management. A 66-year-old man with a history of hypertension presented with massive growth of soft tissue around the neck, breasts, upper back, and lower abdomen. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed remarkably hypertrophic fat tissue around the neck and anterior chest was wall, which consistent with the diagnosis of MD. Multiple linear incisions were made on the neck and 763, 186, 635 g of posterior, right, and left fat tissues were excised, respectively. A single wide, transverse incision was done to excise 1,072 g of fat from the upper back. Masses of both breasts were excised, preserving the inferior pedicle, weighing 1,086 (right) and 1,164 g (left). The recovery was optimal and the patient was discharged without complications. In this case, we excised the adipose masses as much as possible and improved contour and symmetry. However, the fat infiltrations in the patient were diffusely distributed, making total fat excision difficult. This rare case report may help in managing patients with MD.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.5 s.262
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• pp.419-422
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• 2006

Benign symmetric lipomatosis (BSL), also called Madelung's disease, is a rare disease in middle-aged chronic alcohol user. The cause of BSL is unknown. A 63 year-old man with rapid growing lesions in both shoulders for 2 months visited our hospital. Except for cosmetic problem, no abnormal finding was found in blood cell analysis and chemistry; however, excessive fat deposition was found on radiographic findings. Lipoma was revealed in pathologic examination and BSL was diagnosed clinically. Patient is being followed up without any specific problem.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.58-62
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• 2015

Benign symmetric lipomatosis, also known as Madelung's disease, Launois-Bensaude syndrome and multiple symmetric lipomatosis is a cutaneous condition characterized by extensive symmetric fat deposits in the neck, shoulders, and upper trunk. But symmetrical lipomatosis of the tongue is very rare and characterized by involvement exclusively of the tongue, invasiveness, and absence of encapsulation of the adipose tissue. A 75-year-old man presented with about a year history of painless tongue masses on both lateral border. Bilateral partial glossectomy was performed and subsequently was confirmed as symmetrical lipomatosis pathologically. We report this case with a review of the literatures.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.70 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 2011

Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis (MSL), also called Madelung's disease, is a rare disorder of unknown etiology and characterized by abnormal accumulation of large subcutaneous fatty masses in neck, shoulder, and upper trunk. MSL has known to predominantly affect middle-aged men with a history of alcoholism. Although the clinical course of MSL is considered to be slowly progressive, in advanced stage, fatty masses in the neck may compress the upper aerodigestive tract, resulting in dyspnea and dysphagia. The treatment of MSL is surgical resection, but radical excision is very difficult and recurrence after surgery is frequent. We report the case of 55-year-old man with long lasting MSL, which caused severe airway obstruction. This patient was admitted with progressive dyspnea and massive accumulation of fat around the vocal cord that was detected on a neck CT scan. This abnormal fatty infiltration in supraglottic region caused upper airway obstruction.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.48-51
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• 2014

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a rare disease characterized by symmetrical massive fatty deposits on the face, neck, shoulders, and upper trunk. We report a 74-year-old man who complained of painless subcutaneous nodules on his posterior neck that developed 3 weeks earlier. In a week, variably-sized similar lesions developed on both his shoulders and upper extremities. At the time of his hospital visit, several firm nodules as big as a walnut to a child's fist and with the normal-skin-hue were observed on his posterior neck, both shoulders, upper extremities, and trunk. The histological examination of his upper left arm revealed more mature adipocytes without encapsulation in the subcutaneous tissue. MSL was generally known to occur slowly over months or years. However, this is an unusual case that showed a fast-growing nature.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.97-102
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• 1999

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis(Madelung's disease) seems to represent a relatively common disease in Europe but has not been described in the Korean literature. It is characterized by highly typical symmetric deposits of subcutaneous fat on the neck, arms, and upper part of the trunk. The localized increase of adipose tissue is hyperplastic in nature and probably results from a local defect in adrenergic stimulated lipolysis. Multiple symmetric lipomatosis is frequently, but inconstantly, associated with alcoholism, liver disease, glucose intolerance, and hyperuricemia, but their etiologic role remains to be established. Clinical importance is the apparent high incidence of malignant tumors of the upper airways requiring through ear, nose, and throat and internal examination of all patients. Another importance is possibility of airway obstruction due to mass effect. Dietary treatment and weight loss are of limited value. Surgical treatment gives only temporary relief and should be restricted to patients with functional impairment. We report a case of a 63-year-old man with multiple symetric lipomatosis and alcoholism.