Diagnosing Lipedema

CURRENT

History and Physical Exam

FUTURE

Genetics

Biomarkers

There's an App for that!

  • App that compares images of one's legs to a database of diagnosed legs

  • Leg shape assessment, along the lines of the "Like a Glove" brand jeans fitter to determine "big legs"

Soft Tissue Imaging

  • MRI

  • CT

  • Ultrasound

  • Airport scanners (no really, some of us light up as we walk through them!)

Lymph Vessel Imaging

  • NIRFLI

  • Lymphoscintigraphy - Currently used to rule out lymphedema

  • SPY Elite

Imaging of Fat Content

  • DEXA (1, 2)

Changes in Biochemical / Bio-mechanical Properties

  • Na-MRI

Assessing blood capillary fragility

  • Angiosterometer

Water Volume Measurements

  • Streeten Test

 

References (in development)

DEXA

1 Dietzel R, Reisshauer A, Jahr S, Calafiore D, Armbrecht G., Body Composition in lipoedema of the legs using dual-energy X-ray absorptiomety: a case-control study. Brit J Derm. 173: 594–596; 2015

2  “Fat Distribution and Glucose Metabolism in Individuals with and without Williams Syndrome” (NCT01864304)