Specific management of lipodermatosclerosis (sclerotic hypodermitis) in acute and chronic phase - 05/11/22
Résumé |
Key points |
• | Lipodermatosclerosis is presented as a complication of venous insufficiency or obesity with a high risk of progression to leg ulcers. |
• | The diagnosis of lipodermatosclerosis is primarily clinical. |
• | Lipodermatosclerosis has 2 stages of evolution: acute and chronic. |
• | The acute phase is characterized by a delimited, indurated, erythematous, hot, painful placard of the lower limbs and may be misdiagnosed with bacterial cellulitis. |
• | The chronic phase is characterized clinically by an indurated, well-limited, hyperpigmented placard, classically giving an aspect of “inverted champagne bottle” of the lower limbs. |
• | The treatment of lipodermatosclerosis is poorly codified. Many therapeutic approaches have been proposed in the literature whit no clear evidence of clinical efficacy. |
• | Compression with bands or stockings is the basis of treatment at all stages of the disease. |
Summary |
Lipodermatosclerosis or sclerotic hypodermitis is presented as a complication of venous insufficiency and in particular of post-thrombotic syndrome with a high risk of progression to leg ulcers. However, it has also been described in obese patients without venous insufficiency, and even in the course of various systemic diseases including scleroderma. It most often affects middle-aged women and is usually bilateral, with a typically “inverted champagne bottle” leg appearance. The pathogenic role of venous hypertension explains why compression with bands or stockings is the basis of treatment. In acute phase, which may precede or complicate chronic forms, the pain is so severe that compression is not tolerated. In acute phase, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-lesional use of triamcinolone, and capsaicin transdermal patches indicated for neuropathic pain have been proposed. In chronic forms, the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency and/or incontinent perforating veins, documented during a Duplex ultrasound scan, is usually proposed, whenever possible. In association with elastic compression, pentoxifylline and colchicine have been used without clear evidence of clinical efficacy. Finally, in the most advanced clinical presentation with the appearance of a sclerotic gaiter associated with ulcerations, surgical treatment with excision–cutaneous grafting associated or not with perforating veins ligation and a fasciotomy may be discussed as a last resort for treatment.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Lipodermatosclerosis, Sclerotic hypodermitis, Venous insufficiency
Plan
Vol 47 - N° 4
P. 186-190 - octobre 2022 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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