Pathogenesis of membranous lipodystrophy. Case report and review of the literature.

Membranous lipodystrophy occurred in a 35-year-old woman and membrane-like material was found in her epiphyses and short bones. Electron microscopy allowed a study of the relationship between the pathologic tissue and normal fat, suggesting that the membrane-like material is derived from degenerated cells. Nucleation of hydroxyapatite crystals was also observed in the membranous material. Because basal ganglia calcifications were demonstrated with the use of computed tomography, brain and bone lesions may be assumed to share the same pathogenesis. Lipid and mucopolysaccharide metabolism was found to be normal.