Abhimanyu Garg, M.D. Answers Questions On: Lipodystrophy and Adipose Tissue Disorders

Lipodystrophies are disorders of adipose tissue (fat) characterized by selective loss of fat from various parts of the body. There are several different types of lipodystrophies, and the degree of fat loss may vary from very small depressed areas to near complete absence of adipose tissue.

It’s difficult to diagnose because it’s rare. Not many physicians have seen it in their lifetime, so it’s not always clear to them when they see a patient who may have lipodystrophy.

If they are far away, we will ask them to send their physician’s notes, lab results, and pictures so we can understand a bit better what we’re dealing with before they come in person.

If they are a candidate for our research program, we send them a special kit in which they can send us back blood samples so we can start molecular testing.

If they have already been diagnosed and they are seeking my advice for management or treatment, I see them in the clinic and discuss the different options.

Some of them have premature mortality, but it really depends on the subtype. Some patients have a lifespan that’s comparable to someone with diabetes, for example.