Treatment of Hirsutism in a Woman With Familial Partial Lipodystrophy of Dunnigan Type

A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Lipodystrophies are rare disorders. Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD) is characterized by loss of subcutaneous fat from the limbs and trunk. Affected patients are insulin-resistant and may develop glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In these patients, the prevalence of polycystic ovaries and infertility is higher than in the general population. Besides infertility, clinical signs of hyperandrogenism can be of great importance for affected women. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with FPLD. The patient suffered from severe hirsutism. Hormone serum measurements showed an elevated testosterone. After detailed consultation with the treating internist, antiandrogenic hormone therapy was initiated. The article summarizes the possibilities, problems, and results of antiandrogenic therapy in a patient with FPLD.