[Respiratory localizations of Launois-Bensaude symmetrical lipomatosis. Apropos of 3 cases].

The authors report 3 observations of cervico-facial lipomatosis with mediastinal localization. In the 3 cases the rather unusual localization of Launois and Bensaude's disease produced respiratory troubles which worsened a chronic respiratory insufficiency due to another cause. Once a tracheotomy had to be done because of tracheo-malacia. Another time there was a pharynged localization. This disease etiology always remains obscure, usually appearing in alcoholic addicts of about 50. Mediastinal localizations have been unfrequently described but must be searched for systematically. The evolution is chronic, without specific treatment. If there is already a chronic respiratory insufficiency in relation with a chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy or a cardiac insufficiency, then the mediastinal localization becomes an aggravating factor.