Skin, Lipodermatosclerosis

Lipodermatosclerosis (also known as chronic panniculitis with lipomembranous change) is a chronic inflammatory dermatologic condition that classically presents clinically as indurated plaques on the lower legs, typically in elderly patients with a history of venous stasis. Though typically a clinical diagnosis based on the lesion’s morphology and distribution, biopsy can be considered if there is diagnostic uncertainty. The classic histologic finding of this entity is lipomembranous fat necrosis of the subcutis, which can be accompanied by chronic inflammation (including multinucleated giant cells), fibrosis, and atrophy.

Treatment consists of treating the underlying etiology, and typically includes the use of compression stockings to correct stasis, with other potential modalities including venous ablation and anti-coagulants, if clinically indicated.