Classification of a case of steatomeria

The authors discuss obesity from the point of view of classification, presentation and etiology and describe their clinical approach in a case of hypergynous lipodistrophy in a female patient. A detailed history was taken and the patient underwent an accurate clinical examination. Preoperatively, blood samples were taken to assess endocrinological status, blood sugar and fats. Interesting information was obtained through -ray investigations, total body scintigraphy and magnetic resonance. Such investigations were performed to assess the amount, the aspect and the distribution of fat. The data obtained were analysed according to the different distribution of fat in the patient's body and to the type of fat, that we divide into 'essential' and 'storage' fat. The study of the patients metabolism does not make it possible, however, to find its relation to the anatomical and clinical situation, thus stressing the difficully of a classification of this disease.