Pretibial myxedema: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:01, 15 February 2025

A skin condition associated with thyroid disease

Pretibial myxedema

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

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

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 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 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

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.

Related pages

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-'''Pretibial myxedema''' (PTM) is a [[dermatological]] condition often associated with [[Graves' disease]], an [[autoimmune]] disorder that is the most common cause of [[hyperthyroidism]]. It is also known as '''thyroid dermopathy'''. The skin condition is characterized by swelling in the lower legs and feet.
+{{Short description|A skin condition associated with thyroid disease}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Symptoms ==
+==Pretibial myxedema==
+[[File:Myxedema.jpg|thumb|right|Pretibial myxedema showing characteristic skin changes.]]
-The most common symptom of pretibial myxedema is the appearance of raised, thickened areas of skin on the shins and feet. These areas may be red, pink, or brown, and may have a waxy or shiny appearance. Other symptoms can include:
+'''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.
-* [[Skin]] that appears swollen or puffy
+==Pathophysiology==
-* Skin that feels tight or stiff
+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.
-* Skin that is red or warm to the touch
-* Difficulty moving the affected area
-== Causes ==
+==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.
-Pretibial myxedema is caused by an autoimmune response in Graves' disease where antibodies attack the tissues under the skin, causing inflammation and the accumulation of a substance called [[glycosaminoglycans]].
+==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 ==
+==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.
-Diagnosis of pretibial myxedema is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the skin and a history of Graves' disease. In some cases, a [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
+==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.
-== Treatment ==
-Treatment for pretibial myxedema can include:
-* [[Corticosteroid]] creams or ointments to reduce inflammation
-* Compression stockings to reduce swelling
-* In severe cases, oral corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs may be used
-== Prognosis ==
-The prognosis for pretibial myxedema is generally good, although the condition can be persistent and may recur. Treatment can help to manage symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin.
-== See also ==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Graves' disease]]
-* [[Hyperthyroidism]]
+* [[Thyroid gland]]
-* [[Dermatology]]
+* [[Autoimmune disorder]]
-* [[Autoimmune disease]]
+* [[Myxedema]]
 [[Category:Dermatology]]
-[[Category:Endocrinology]]
+[[Category:Thyroid disease]]
-[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
-{{stub}}