Centrifugal lipodystrophy of the face mimicking progressive lipodystrophy

Abstract

We report a Japanese boy with centrifugal lipodystrophy. The initial lesion developed on the forehead as an area of erythema which showed centrifugal spread and central fading to leave a residual depression. Three years later, similar erythematous lesions appeared on the cheeks, and he developed a cadaverous appearance. A central depression on the upper trunk was surrounded by an erythematous border and there was right cervical lymphadenopathy. Histological examination revealed inflammatory changes in the subcutaneous fat. Although this patient showed the characteristics of both centrifugal and progressive lipodystrophy (partial lipodystrophy), we consider that he has centrifugal lipodystrophy of the face because of the overall features of the lesions.