A patient with soft tissue masses in the neck and leg pain.
The patient was admitted with an acutely painful left ankle. She gave a year's history of intermittent pain and swelling of the left ankle. The only feature of note from her previous medical history was the excision of two large neck lipomas 20 years earlier. These had since recurred, but further surgery had not been undertaken as she remained asymptomatic. The patient reported that she did not drink alcohol.
On examination, there were large, bilateral, soft tissue masses extending from the neck to the upper back and shoulders (Fig. 1). The left ankle was red, hot and swollen. Ankle movements were painful.
Haematological and biochemical evaluation was unremarkable apart from mild renal impairment. A clinical diagnosis of cellulitis was made and a rapid recovery ensued after a course of antibiotics.
Plain radiographs of the left leg (Fig. 2) were taken to exclude osteomyelitis. Because of her appearances and the changes noted on plain radiography, MRI was performed for further evaluation. The patient was examined in a Siemens Magnetom 0.2 T open-core system. Images were obtained of both the neck (Fig. 3) and the legs (Fig. 4).
Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis (MSL), known also as benign symmetrical lipomatosis, Madelung's disease and Launois-Bensaude disease, is a rare condition first described by Brodie in 1846 and subsequently classified by Madelung and Launois. Its present descriptive name was introduced by Enzi [1].
MSL is rare in the UK and most prevalent in middle-aged Mediterranean males. The dominant clinical feature is painless fat accumulation around the neck, upper back and shoulders. Patients may become symptomatic due to compression of the great vessels and trachea and require surgery. Further manifestations include haematological, metabolic and hepatic disturbances and these are exacerbated by concomitant alcoholism.
Kazumi [2] described a mitochondrial defect leading to alteration of lipolysis in brown fat, the distribution of which is similar to the peculiar position of lipomas in MSL.
MRI [3] helps to determine the extent of the fat accumulation prior to possible surgical resection and also confirms the fatty nature of the subcutaneous masses. A liposarcoma may be identified by an alteration in the otherwise homogeneous MRI signal or by non-suppression in STIR sequences. Cushing's syndrome, which also shows excess fat deposition, is characterised by abnormal biochemisty and osteoporosis.
Osteonecrosis has not been described in MSL previously, however there are multiple associations of altered lipid metabolism and osteonecrosis. Bone infarctions are a recognised complication of hypercortisolism, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, and gout as well as haemoglobinopathies, collagen small vessel disease and Caisson disease [4].
Jones [5] examined the relationship of osteonecrosis with different clinical disorders characterised by defective lipid metabolism and suggested a common pathway of continuous or intermittent intraosseus fat emboli leading to focal intravascular coagulation and resulting in osteonecrosis.
Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis with extensive osteonecrosis has not been described previously and the present case might widen the differential diagnosis of bone infarction.
Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis
According to the presented imaging data (including the patient’s neck and knee/ankle X-rays and corresponding MRI images), the following main features are observed:
Based on the above imaging findings and the patient’s history (69-year-old female with multiple soft tissue masses in the neck and shoulder-back region, as well as leg pain), the following possible diagnoses can be considered:
Considering the patient’s clinical symptoms (multiple soft tissue masses in the neck and shoulder-back regions, leg pain), MRI showing symmetrical masses with fat-like signals, and signs in the knee and ankle regions suggestive of osteonecrosis, the most likely best diagnosis is:
Multiple Symmetrical Lipomatosis (MSL) with Concomitant Osteonecrosis (Bone Infarction)
This diagnosis aligns with a rare form of MSL involving abnormal lipid metabolism, leading to possible bone changes and osteonecrosis. If it is necessary to rule out malignant lesions (such as liposarcoma) or other metabolic disorders, further pathological biopsy and additional biochemical/endocrine assessments may be considered.
Disclaimer: This report is provided solely as a reference-based analysis on the supplied imaging and medical history and cannot replace in-person consultation or professional medical advice. For specific diagnostic and treatment plans, please consult an appropriate specialist.
Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis
