Pretibial myxedema: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Pretibial myxedema | |||
| image = [[File:Myxedema.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Pretibial myxedema on the shins | |||
| field = [[Endocrinology]] | |||
| synonyms = Thyroid dermopathy, Graves' dermopathy | |||
| symptoms = [[Swelling]] and thickening of the skin, usually on the shins | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[ulceration]] | |||
| onset = Typically occurs in adults | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Graves' disease]] | |||
| risks = [[Hyperthyroidism]], [[autoimmune disorders]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination, [[skin biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Lymphedema]], [[lipodermatosclerosis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Corticosteroids]], [[compression therapy]] | |||
| medication = Topical or systemic corticosteroids | |||
| frequency = Occurs in 1-4% of patients with Graves' disease | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A skin condition associated with thyroid disease}} | {{Short description|A skin condition associated with thyroid disease}} | ||
'''Pretibial myxedema''' is a form of [[myxedema]] that occurs in the skin, particularly over the shins. It is most commonly associated with [[Graves' disease]], an [[autoimmune disorder]] that affects the [[thyroid gland]]. This condition is characterized by the deposition of [[mucopolysaccharides]] in the dermis, leading to a thickening of the skin. | '''Pretibial myxedema''' is a form of [[myxedema]] that occurs in the skin, particularly over the shins. It is most commonly associated with [[Graves' disease]], an [[autoimmune disorder]] that affects the [[thyroid gland]]. This condition is characterized by the deposition of [[mucopolysaccharides]] in the dermis, leading to a thickening of the skin. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Pretibial myxedema is caused by the accumulation of [[glycosaminoglycans]], such as [[hyaluronic acid]], in the dermis. This accumulation is due to the stimulation of fibroblasts by [[autoantibodies]] that are also involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. The result is a localized thickening and induration of the skin. | Pretibial myxedema is caused by the accumulation of [[glycosaminoglycans]], such as [[hyaluronic acid]], in the dermis. This accumulation is due to the stimulation of fibroblasts by [[autoantibodies]] that are also involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. The result is a localized thickening and induration of the skin. | ||
==Clinical presentation== | ==Clinical presentation== | ||
The condition typically presents as non-pitting edema and thickening of the skin over the anterior aspect of the lower legs. The affected skin may appear waxy, and in some cases, it can have a peau d'orange (orange peel) texture. The lesions are usually bilateral and symmetric. | The condition typically presents as non-pitting edema and thickening of the skin over the anterior aspect of the lower legs. The affected skin may appear waxy, and in some cases, it can have a peau d'orange (orange peel) texture. The lesions are usually bilateral and symmetric. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of pretibial myxedema is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin lesions and the presence of [[thyroid disease]]. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, showing mucin deposition in the dermis. | Diagnosis of pretibial myxedema is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin lesions and the presence of [[thyroid disease]]. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, showing mucin deposition in the dermis. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of pretibial myxedema focuses on managing the underlying thyroid disorder. Topical corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of the skin. In some cases, compression therapy can be beneficial. | Treatment of pretibial myxedema focuses on managing the underlying thyroid disorder. Topical corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of the skin. In some cases, compression therapy can be beneficial. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis of pretibial myxedema varies. In some patients, the condition may improve with treatment of the underlying thyroid disease, while in others, it may persist or progress. | The prognosis of pretibial myxedema varies. In some patients, the condition may improve with treatment of the underlying thyroid disease, while in others, it may persist or progress. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Graves' disease]] | * [[Graves' disease]] | ||
* [[Thyroid gland]] | * [[Thyroid gland]] | ||
* [[Autoimmune disorder]] | * [[Autoimmune disorder]] | ||
* [[Myxedema]] | * [[Myxedema]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Thyroid disease]] | [[Category:Thyroid disease]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:52, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Pretibial myxedema | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Thyroid dermopathy, Graves' dermopathy |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Swelling and thickening of the skin, usually on the shins |
| Complications | Infection, ulceration |
| Onset | Typically occurs in adults |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Graves' disease |
| Risks | Hyperthyroidism, autoimmune disorders |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, skin biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Lymphedema, lipodermatosclerosis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Corticosteroids, compression therapy |
| Medication | Topical or systemic corticosteroids |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Occurs in 1-4% of patients with Graves' disease |
| Deaths | N/A |
A skin condition associated with thyroid disease
Pretibial myxedema is a form of myxedema that occurs in the skin, particularly over the shins. It is most commonly associated with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. This condition is characterized by the deposition of mucopolysaccharides in the dermis, leading to a thickening of the skin.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Pretibial myxedema is caused by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, such as hyaluronic acid, in the dermis. This accumulation is due to the stimulation of fibroblasts by autoantibodies that are also involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. The result is a localized thickening and induration of the skin.
Clinical presentation[edit]
The condition typically presents as non-pitting edema and thickening of the skin over the anterior aspect of the lower legs. The affected skin may appear waxy, and in some cases, it can have a peau d'orange (orange peel) texture. The lesions are usually bilateral and symmetric.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of pretibial myxedema is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin lesions and the presence of thyroid disease. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, showing mucin deposition in the dermis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of pretibial myxedema focuses on managing the underlying thyroid disorder. Topical corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of the skin. In some cases, compression therapy can be beneficial.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis of pretibial myxedema varies. In some patients, the condition may improve with treatment of the underlying thyroid disease, while in others, it may persist or progress.