Acquired partial lipodystrophy with C3 hypocomplementemia and antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies.

Acquired partial lipodystrophy is an extremely rare condition of unknown etiology characterized by progressive loss of fat of the face, neck, trunk, and upper extremities. It usually begins during childhood and is more common in girls. C(3) hypocomplementemia is seen in 70% of patients with acquired partial lipodystrophy. Unlike generalized forms of the disease, no insulin resistance occurs. We present three boys with acquired partial lipodystrophy having C(3) hypocomplementemia. In addition, one of them had antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies.