Lipomatosis dolorosa (Q90764)

Lipomatosis dolorosa [Dercum disease] is a syndrome largely limited to obese middle-aged women in which multiple painful subcutaneous fatty deposits develop in association with easy bruisability and a symptom complex which includes psychiatric disturbances, fatigue, weakness and musculoskeletal aches. The fatty deposits may be diffuse or nodular in form and may be generalised, localised or juxta-articular in distribution. Pain may be extreme and can occur spontaneously or as a response to pressure. Symptoms tend to be poorly responsive to treatment. Some patients fulfil the criteria for fibromyalgia and the distinction between the two syndromes is not always clear cut.