The successful use of lipectomy in the management of airway obstruction in a woman with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Abstract

Lipodystrophy is a common complication of highly active antiretroviral therapy and is associated with significant comorbidities. Altered fat distribution, particularly lipohypertrophy of the dorsal cervical fat pad is associated with reduced quality of life as well as medical complications. We report the rare case of a patient with airway obstruction secondary to HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction was successfully performed to relieve her airway obstruction and to facilitate a tracheostomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of its kind. We also provide a brief review of the literature on the current management options for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

• Authors: Edison Tsui, Ronald Bogdasarian, Eric Blomain
• Journal: BMJ case reports (BMJ Case Rep) Vol. 2015 (Feb 18 2015) ISSN: 1757-790X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25694636 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Topics

• Adipose Tissue (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Airway Obstruction (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active (adverse effects)
• Female
• HIV Infections (drug therapy)
• HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome (complications)
• Humans
• Lipectomy (methods)
• Middle Aged
• Radiography
• Tracheostomy
• Ultrasonography, Interventional