Lipodermatosclerosis is characterized by:

Lipodermatosclerosis is a condition that represents a severe form of chronic venous insufficiency and is primarily characterized by its impact on the subcutaneous tissue. The hallmark of lipodermatosclerosis is the chronic panniculitis, which leads to changes in the fat layer beneath the skin. This condition manifests as thickening and fibrosis of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, along with alterations in adipose tissue that are referred to as lipomembranous changes.

These changes occur due to prolonged venous hypertension, which leads to inflammation and subsequent fibrotic changes in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The skin overlying affected areas typically appears indurated, reddened, or can develop a characteristic "champagne bottle" appearance, often around the ankles.

Understanding the underlying pathology of lipodermatosclerosis is important for diagnosing and managing chronic venous disease. Factors such as acute venous thrombosis, subcutaneous edema, and inflammation, or saphenofemoral junction insufficiency do play roles in chronic venous insufficiency but do not specifically define the unique features of lipodermatosclerosis. The recognition of chronic panniculitis with lipomembranous changes allows for a more precise understanding and approach for