SCR-LIP-000010 · Claim · machine-readable JSON →

Qualitative ultrasound patterns of the dermis and hypodermis (Lipedema Dermal and Hypodermal Classification, LDHC) describe structural changes (septal alteration, echogenic nodules, dermal-hypodermal junction disruption) that may correspond to stages of inflammation and fibrosis.

Emerging diagnostic Evidence certainty: low (GRADE)

Evidence over time

DOI:10.4236/jbise.2025.184008 — supporting · case series · n=34 · 2025 · risk of bias: high
Vargas et al.; obese non-lipedema show preserved layered septa
DOI:10.4236/jbise.2025.188026 — supporting · case report · 2025
The article provides evidence that ultrasound can classify lipedema through the identification of specific ultrasonographic features.

Populationwomen with clinically diagnosed lipedema, obesity excluded

Conditionlipedema

Exposurehigh-frequency ultrasound (qualitative)

Comparatornormal/obese architecture

Outcomemorphologic classification

Scopesingle-center retrospective imaging

Retrospective; no interobserver validation or clinical-stage correlation.