title: Semicircular lipoatrophy: an electrostatic hypothesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Semicircular lipoatrophy (SL) is a benign pathology characterized by subcutaneous adipose tissue atrophy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine causes of SL.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed research on 42 cases of SL who had developed symptoms of lipoatrophy with a technical study of the building and clinical study of the affected patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Electromagnetic field and electrostatic charge measurements were performed. No signals different from typical radio, TV and other wireless communication devices were recorded. Electrostatic charges were recorded in floors, environments and on different furniture; they were positive, and all charges disappeared on contact with the worker's skin. Data about the workplace were collected, and clinical examinations were performed, including blood and biochemistry tests and 18 ultrasound skin tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As no abnormal electromagnetic measurements were found and electrostatic changes and occupational behaviors showed some relevant data and as after changes in order to control the electrostatic environment all of them improved, we can conclude that electrostatic charges but not electromagnetic ones are the main cause of SL.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Linares-García Valdecasas
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cuerda-Galindo
authors.forename: Julio Ramiro
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Bargueño
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Naranjo Garcia
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vogelfrang-Garncarz
authors.forename: M Angustias
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Palomar-Gallego
mesh_terms: D001284:Atrophy; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018877:Sick Building Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D055672:Static Electricity / Q000009:adverse effects*; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000473:pathology*