EXTREMELY HIGH HDL LEVELS IN A PATIENT WITH MULTIPLE SYMMETRICAL LIPOMATOSIS

An extreme form of hyperalphalipoproteinemia was studied in a patient affected by multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL); four relatives and t hree MSL controls were also evaluated. Plasma lipids and apolipoprotei ns were measured and overall lipoprotein profile was assessed by densi ty gradient ultracentrifugation. The patient showed a plasma HDL-chole sterol of 138 mg/dl and an apo A-I of 218 mg/dl; moreover significantl y high HDL levels were found in two unaffected relatives. The hypobeta lipoproteinemia trait was also found both in the patient and in one of his daughters. We suggest that some pre-existing conditions may enhan ce lipoprotein metabolism alterations in this lipid storage disease.