TYPES
Acquired lipodystrophy may have the following types:
- Acquired generalized lipodystrophy (Lawrence syndrome)
- Acquired partial lipodystrophy (Barraquer-Simons syndrome)
- Localized lipodystrophy
- High active antiretroviral induced lipodystrophy
SYMPTOMS
Acquired lipodystrophy may have various subtypes. The symptoms may depend upon the specific type of acquired lipodystrophy and the extent of the disorder. The specific symptoms can change among individuals with the corresponding subtype.
Acquired generalized lipodystrophy (Lawrence syndrome)
People with this kind of lipodystrophy experience the loss of subcutaneous fat from the face, neck, and arms and legs.
Acquired partial lipodystrophy (Barraquer-Simons syndrome)
This kind of lipodystrophy starts at a young age. Fat distribution is normal as an infant and during early childhood. After some time, fat stretches out to the arms, neck, chest and the upper abdomen.
High active antiretroviral therapy–induced lipodystrophy
This type of lipodystrophy occurs in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after getting antiretroviral treatment known as HIV-1 protease inhibitor-containing HAART. Affected individuals lose subcutaneous fat from the arms, legs, and face. Some may have abundant fat in the face, neck, upper back, and abdomen.
Localized lipodystrophy
This type of lipodystrophy is characterized by subcutaneous fat deposits in a certain part of the body. It may be due to injections of medicines such as insulin. Affected individuals have lost subcutaneous fat in the affected region that presents as a dimple or pit with the overlying skin unaffected.