Society and culture
Lipodystrophy United is an American organization founded and run by lipodystrophy patients to support each other and raise awareness about lipodystrophy syndromes.Lipodystrophy UK is a dedicated UK charity set up to support people affected by Lipodystrophy.March 31 is observed as the World Lipodystrophy Day. See also
Keppen–Lubinsky syndrome
Lipoedema

References


== External links ==
isotretinoin, etretinate, acitretin and other vitamin A derivatives) may be of significance. There is a correlation between these factors but not a cause or effect. The distinctive radiological feature of DISH is the continuous linear calcification along the antero-medial aspect of the thoracic spine. DISH is usually found in people in their 60s and above, and is extremely rare in people in their 30s and 40s. The disease can spread to any joint of the body, affecting the neck, shoulders, ribs, hips, pelvis, knees, ankles, and hands. The disease is not fatal; however, some associated complications can lead to death. Complications may include paralysis, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and lung infections. Although DISH manifests in a similar manner to ankylosing spondylitis, they are separate diseases. Ankylosing spondylitis is a genetic disease with identifiable marks, tends to start showing signs in adolescence or young adulthood, is more likely to affect the lumbar spine, and affects organs. DISH has no indication of a genetic link, is primarily thoracic and does not affect organs other than the lungs, and only indirectly due to the fusion of the rib cage.Long-term treatment of acne with vitamin derived retinoids, such as etretinate and acitretin, have been associated with extraspinal hyperostosis. Diagnosis
DISH is diagnosed by findings on x-ray studies. Radiographs of the spine will show abnormal bone formation (ossification) along the anterior spinal ligament. The disc spaces, facet and sacroiliac joints remain unaffected. Diagnosis requires confluent ossification of at least four contiguous vertebral bodies.