Lipodystrophy - A Rare Condition with Serious Metabolic Abnormalities

Lipodystrophy is a rare lipid storage disorder that is characterized by a loss of adipose tissue. It can be inherited due to monogenic mutation or acquired by medi-cation and autoimmune illness. Two primary forms of inherited lipodystrophy are congenital generalized lipodystrophy manifested as a near-complete loss of fat tissue since birth and familial partial lipodystrophy with progressive, partial loss of fat tissue during late childhood and puberty. Lipodystrophy results in severe metabolic conditions, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hepatosteatosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, acanthosis nigricans, and hypertension. This chapter summarizes the symptoms, causes, and treatments of inherited and acquired lipodystrophy.