SCR-LIP-000002 · Claim · machine-readable JSON →

Clinical signs that help diagnose lipedema and distinguish it from lymphedema include a usually negative Kaposi-Stemmer sign, the cuff sign with foot sparing, fat painful on palpation, easy bruising, and minimal pitting edema (Stemmer becomes positive only when secondary lymphedema/lipolymphedema develops).

Evidence over time

Evidence (2)

• DOI:10.1590/1677-5449.202301832 — supporting · consensus · n=113 · 2025 · risk of bias: moderate
  consensus on Stemmer, pain, bruising, pitting
• Amato ACM, 2019 — supporting · case report · n=1 · 2019 · risk of bias: high
  comparative table

Context (PECO)

Answers these questions

• Is lipedema a distinct disease, separate from obesity and lymphedema? context

Gaps & caveats

Signs lack validated sensitivity/specificity; diagnosis remains clinical and operator-dependent.

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