A doença de Madelung caracteriza-se pelo acúmulo simétrico de massas de tecido lipomatoso, não-encapsulado, na região cervical e tronco superior (tipo I; mais comum) ou de forma difusa, como uma simples obesidade (tipo II). Constitui uma entidade benigna rara, de etiologia desconhecida, porém com uma clara associação com o abuso de álcool. É mais freqüente em homens de meia idade e descendentes de italianos. Os autores apresentam 3 casos de Lipomatose Simétrica Múltipla, classificados como tipo I, que referiam deformidade estética e diminuição da mobilidade cervical, sem queixas de compressão do trato aerodigestivo. Os pacientes foram tratados cirurgicamente, com bom resultado estético e sem complicações perioperatórias, comprovando a eficácia da abordagem cirúrgica. Também fazem uma revisão da literatura.
Madelung's disease is characterized by symmetric deposition of non-encapsulated lipomas in the neck and upper shoulder (type I) or by diffuse distribution, such as simple obesity (type II). This is a benign and rare condition of unknown etiology, despite the clear association with alcohol abuse. It is more comMadelung's disease is characterized by symmetric deposition of non-encapsulated lipomas in the neck and upper shoulder (type I) or by diffuse distribution, such as simple obesity (type II). This is a benign and rare condition of unknown etiology, despite the clear association with alcohol abuse. It is more common among male Italian descendents. The authors report three cases of type I Madelung's disease, with cosmetic deformities, decrease of neck mobility and no aerodigestive tract complaints. The patients were treated by surgical excision, with good cosmetic results and without early complications, showing how the surgery is an effective treatment. We also conducted a literature review. mon among male Italian descendents. The authors report three cases of type I Madelung's disease, with cosmetic deformities, decrease of neck mobility and no aerodigestive tract complaints. The patients were treated by surgical excision, with good cosmetic results and without early complications, showing how the surgery is an effective treatment. We also conducted a literature review.