Multiple symmetric lipomatosis of Madelung-Launois-Bensaude with alcoholic liver cirrhosis: Report of a case

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis of Madelung-Launois-Bensaude is a rare disease and has been well described in Mediterranean regions, affecting mainly adult Caucasian males with a history of excessive alcohol intake. Patients present with symmetric growth of lipomatous tissues in neck and shoulders which slowly progress to involve upper trunk and back, thus taking a distinct Cushingoid appearance. Its pathogenesis may be related to impaired lipid metabolism of adipose tissues with increased lipoprotein lipase activity and insensitivity to epinephrine stimulated lipolysis. Its clinical course is mostly benign, but may occasionally lead to somatic and autonomic neuropathy. Differential diagnosis will include Cushing's syndrome and alcohol-induced pseudo-Cushing's syndrome. Here we report a case of this syndrome in a 56 year-old male with biopsy proven alcoholic liver cirrhosis who has been followed in our clinic for two years. Literature review is provided.