We report the case of a 13-year-old boy with bilateral distal femoral unicameral bone cysts (UBCs) associated with acquired
generalized lipodystrophy. As opposed to congenital generalized lipodystrophy, cystic bone lesions in acquired generalized
lipodystrophy are rare. After radiographic and histologic confirmation of the UBCs, we performed percutaneous intramedullary
decompression, curettage, and grafting. UBCs can be an important manifestation of acquired generalized lipodystrophy. Cystic
bone lesions appear to be less common in acquired generalized lipodystrophy than in congenital generalized lipodystrophy,
and intramedullary adipose tissue loss may be a predisposing factor for the development of bone lesions in patients with acquired
generalized lipodystrophy. When evaluating a patient with lipodystrophy, doctors should recognize the clinical course may
include the development of UBCs.
Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest,
patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the reporting of this case, that all the investigations were
conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was
obtained.
This work was performed at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.