Membranous lipodystrophy. Clinical and electrophysiological observations in the first South African case.

A 37-year-old white man with membranous lipodystrophy (ML), the first case from Africa, is reported. Two years before presentation a diagnosis of presenile dementia of uncertain aetiology had been made. The diagnosis of ML was confirmed on histological examination of bone fragments obtained during surgery for reduction of pathological fractures. Computed tomography of the head showed typical cerebral atrophy and basal ganglia calcification. Electrophysiological observations included normal peripheral and central conduction studies.