Frequency of lipoedema in patients consulting a vein clinic for mild to moderate superficial venous disorder with symptoms: A retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION: Lower limb lipoedema is a chronic condition of the adipose connective tissue of the skin that affects women. Its frequency is not well known, hence the main objective of this study. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of the records of phlebology consultations in private practice in a single center from April 2020 to April 2021. Inclusion criteria were: women aged 18 to 80 years, presenting with symptoms attributable to veins and the presence of at least one dilated reticular vein. RESULTS: The files of 464 patients were analyzed. 7.7% had lipoedema, 3.7% lymphedema, 3% stage 3 obesity. The 36 patients with lipoedema were 54.7±16 years old (mean, Standard Deviation), with a Body Mass Index of 31.3±5.5. Leg pain was the major symptom (32/36) and no patient had a positive pitting test. CONCLUSION: Lipoedema is a frequent condition in phlebology consultations.