Published online Mar 16, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i8.1983
Peer-review started: November 16, 2020
First decision: December 13, 2020
Revised: January 3, 2020
Accepted: January 22, 2021
Article in press: January 22, 2021
Published online: March 16, 2021
Processing time: 109 Days and 1.9 Hours
Madelung disease (MD) is a rare disorder of fat metabolism, resulting in diffuse, symmetrical and painless deposition of adipose tissue in subcutaneous superficial fascial space and/or deep fascia space of the head, neck and shoulders, etc.
We report a case of MD accompanied by type 2 diabetes in a 61-year-old Chinese male. The patient presented with progressive fat deposition over the mandible, neck, abdomen and elbows. He had a history of smoking and alcohol abuse. Excessive fat deposition was seen in the mandible, elbows and the abdominal area of the patient by ultrasonic examination. Computed tomography showed diffuse and marked soft masses (fat density) in the subcutaneous superficial fascia space of the neck. The patient was diagnosed with MD. He was advised to abstain from alcohol and was followed up regularly.
This report discusses the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of MD, and raises the clinician’s awareness of this disease.
Core Tip: Madelung disease (MD) is a rare disorder of fat metabolism, which results in diffuse and symmetrical deposition of adipose tissue in the subcutaneous superficial fascia space and/or deep fascia space in various parts of the body, such as the neck and shoulders, etc. Recently, a case of MD accompanied by type 2 diabetes was diagnosed and treated in our hospital. The clinical characteristics of MD are still under-recognized. Herein we discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of MD in order to improve the clinician’s understanding of the disease.