/lit/ - Literature

HIV-associated lipodystrophy, also known as lipodystrophy in HIV-infected patients (LD-HIV), is a condition characterized by loss of subcutaneous fat associated with infection with HIV.[1]:497

HIV-associated lipodystrophy commonly presents with fat loss in face, buttocks, arms and legs.

There is also fat accumulation in various body parts. Patients often present with "buffalo hump"-like fat deposits in their upper backs. Breast size of patients (both male and female) tends to increase.

The exact mechanism of HIV-associated lipodystrophy is not fully elucidated. There is evidence indicating both that it can be caused by anti-retroviral medications and that it can be caused by HIV infection in the absence of anti-retroviral medication.