Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature

Balkis El Darawish; Valentina Broshtilova; Irina Yungareva; Nencho Smilov; Aleksandar Trenovski; Yoanna Velevska; Sonya Marina

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15

Case Report |

| Peer-Reviewed

Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature

Balkis El Darawish

, Valentina Broshtilova

, Irina Yungareva

, Nencho Smilov

, Aleksandar Trenovski

, Yoanna Velevska

, Sonya Marina^*

Published in International Journal of Clinical Dermatology (Volume 7, Issue 1)

Received: 15 April 2024 Accepted: 10 May 2024 Published: 30 May 2024

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Abstract

Eruptive xanthomas are most often the result of impaired lipid metabolism. They can be caused by a primary dysregulation in lipid metabolism (familial hyperlipoproteinemias) or by an increase in serum lipids from concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, rarely hyperthyroidism, alcohol abuse, cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis, monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma and leukemia) or from the use of certain medications (beta-blockers, estrogens, retinoids, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, the antimycotic Miconazole and the antipsychotic Olanzapine (secondary hyperlipoproteinemias). Early diagnosis and adequate therapy of the skin changes and the comorbid underlying disease prevent serious life-threatening complications. A case of a 34-year-old man with papular yellowish lesions on the elbows is presented. The patient has accompanying diseases of diabetes mellitus, alcohol addiction, liver cirrhosis, chronic acute pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis. The clinical diagnosis of eruptive xanthomas was confirmed by histopathological examination revealing foam cells in the dermis. Laboratory blood tests revealed an accelerated ESR and elevated blood glucose, transaminases, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic therapy combined with a dietary regimen improved the patient's condition and laboratory parameters. A partial reversal of skin lesions occurred. An overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory tests, differential diagnosis, dietary regimen, and treatment of eruptive xanthomas are presented.

Published in	International Journal of Clinical Dermatology (Volume 7, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15
Page(s)	24-29
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Eruptive Xanthomas, Chronic Alcohol Abuse, Dyslipidemia

1. Introduction

Skin manifestations often indicate underlying systemic dysfunctions that can potentially lead to life-threatening complications

[1-3]

. Xanthomas, first described in the early twentieth century, are rare benign neoplasms associated with disturbances in lipid metabolism

[4]

. They can manifest as a dermatological indication of metabolic diseases, generalized histiocytosis, or localized lipid phagocytosis. Eruptive xanthomas (EX) typically occur in the setting of extreme hypertriglyceridemia linked with underlying lipid metabolic disorders

[5-11]

. While hereditary cases are commonly associated with primary hyperlipoproteinemias

[12]

, instances with normal serum lipid levels have also been documented

[11, 13]

2. Clinical Case

A 34-year-old man presented with a sudden onset of mildly pruritic, multiple, clustered, yellowish, firm, raised skin papules on the elbows (Figure 1). He reported consuming a significant amount of alcohol systemically (approximately 750 ml of concentrate daily) for at least one year. There was a positive family history of hereditary hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. The patient was obese, with a body mass index of 38 kg/m², and had arterial hypertension (average blood pressure 150/95 mmHg). Laboratory findings revealed elevated hyperglycemia, liver function tests indicating hepatocellular damage (AST 62 IU/L, ALT 223 IU/L, GGT 108 IU/L), increased acute inflammatory markers (ESR 80 mm/h), and dyslipidemia (total cholesterol 8.9 mmol/L, triglycerides 6.34 mmol/L). Histological examination demonstrated compact conglomerates of lipid-laden macrophages with foamy and vacuolated cytoplasm in the dermis (Figure 2), consistent with eruptive xanthomas. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hepatosplenomegaly, nephrolithiasis in the left kidney, chronic pancreatitis, and cholecystitis. The patient underwent systemic antidiabetic therapy with metformin and hepatoprotective therapy with ademetionine. A strict low-fat and low-carbohydrate diet was advised, and alcohol use was discontinued. At the 2-month follow-up, there was partial resolution of skin lesions with a decrease in blood sugar to 5.5 mmol/L, total cholesterol to 5.2 mmol/L, and triglycerides to 1.4 mmol/L.

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Figure 1. Multiple miliar to lenticular firm yellowish papules on the left elbow.

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Figure 2. H&E, x 40 Histological examination demonstrated lipid-laden macrophages with foamy and vacuolated cytoplasm, forming compact conglomerates in the dermis.

3. Discussion

Approximately 8.5% of individuals with severe hypertriglyceridemia develop xanthomas during their lifetime

[8]

. Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia typically develop eruptive xanthomas in their second or third decade

[14]

. There is no sex predisposition. Xanthomas result from disturbances in lipid metabolism and local dysfunction of tissue macrophages, which often exhibit reduced lipoprotein lipase activity. Consequently, elevated serum lipids cannot be effectively metabolized, leading to their accumulation within cells. Eruptive xanthomas can arise in both hyperlipidemic and normolipidemic patients, although primary (familial) dyslipidemias caused by genetically determined defects in lipid metabolism are more commonly observed

[12, 15-17]

The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying eruptive xanthomas are not fully understood, but it is hypothesized that their occurrence parallels the formation of atherosclerotic vascular changes

[16]

. Mechanical injury to the vascular wall increases the permeability of dermal capillaries, allowing pathological lipoproteins to exit the vascular bed and accumulate in macrophages, giving rise to characteristic "foamy" cytoplasmic cells and, less frequently, multinucleated Touton giant cells. The mechanisms driving normolipidemic xanthomatoses remain unclear

[13]

. The secondary disorder of lipid metabolism in the presented patient is the result of obesity, diabetes mellitus, damage to the liver and pancreas, and systemic alcohol abuse.

Fredrickson-Levy and Lee classified familial lipoproteinemias into six distinct classes, with eruptive xanthomas most commonly associated with elevated levels of chylomicrons and VLDL (types I, IV, and V)

[12, 18, 19]

. The condition is also part of the "chylomicronemia" syndrome, characterized by serum chylomicron levels exceeding 1000 mg/dl, lipemia retinalis, and gastrointestinal symptoms

[20-22]

. Eruptive xanthomas can also develop in secondary hyperlipoproteinemias secondary to conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, rarely hyperthyroidism, alcoholism, cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis, monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma, and leukemia

[12, 18, 23-29]

. Notably, eruptive xanthomas are more prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes

[30]

. Psycho-emotional stress, pregnancy, and certain medications (beta-blockers, estrogens, retinoids, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, antimycotic, and antipsychotic drugs) can also induce hyperlipoproteinemia or hypertriglyceridemia, leading to eruptive xanthoma manifestations

[31-34]

. Paraproteinemia and lymphoproliferative diseases such as histiocytosis or myeloma may manifest or develop eruptive xanthomas during their course

[35-38]

Eruptive xanthomas are characterized by a sudden onset of milia-like and lenticular papules, sometimes with a small erythematous halo. They typically measure 1-4 mm in diameter, occasionally larger. Lesions resembling vesicles or pseudo-pustules have also been reported

[39]

. Papules may be discrete, disseminated, clustered, or confluent in plaques. Their coloration varies from erythematous, erythematous-yellowish, yellowish-brown, orange-yellowish to yellowish. Predilection sites include the extensor surfaces of the limbs, shoulder girdle, gluteal region, thighs, and areas above pressure points, with elbows and knees being predominantly affected. Involvement of facial skin and oral mucosa is rare

[18, 40]

. Isolated cases of eruptive xanthomas exhibiting the Köbner phenomenon have been described

[35, 41, 42]

. The lesions are typically asymptomatic, occasionally tender, and rarely pruritic.

Histologically, eruptive xanthomas feature abundant foamy histiocytes laden with lipid material, single Touton giant cells, and extracellular lipids in the dermis. An inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and neutrophils is often present

[4, 43, 44]

Eruptive xanthomas pose a challenging differential diagnosis. Xanthoma disseminatum is a rare disease of unknown pathogenesis characterized by histiocytic proliferation as the primary feature, with lipid deposits occurring secondarily. It presents with numerous small reddish-brown papules distributed evenly on the face, skin folds, trunk, and proximal limbs

[44, 45]

. Disseminated granuloma annulare differs from eruptive xanthomas by the absence of perivascular and xanthomized histiocytes, lipid deposits, and hyaluronic acid deposition at the lesion margins

[46, 47]

. Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (micronodular form of juvenile xanthogranuloma) primarily affects children and young adults, typically presenting as a single orange-yellowish nodule localized on the scalp, face, or upper torso

[48, 49]

. Generalized eruptive histiocytosis (Langerhans cell histiocytosis) is a rare, benign, usually self-limiting disease characterized by the sudden onset of multiple, symmetrical, firm, erythematous, or brownish papules and nodules on the face, trunk, and proximal extremities. Histopathological examination reveals numerous histiocytic cells with pale cytoplasm and an irregular reniform nucleus, without clear cells or Touton giant cells

[50]

. Chronic tophaceous gout presents with pale yellowish papules, nodules, or nodules on the ears, tendons, and bursae. Initially soft and sometimes fluctuant, the tophi gradually thicken and harden. Inflammatory episodes may cause softening and fistula formation, with discharge of a mushy substance. Histopathological examination shows a foreign body-type granuloma with central urate crystals surrounded by histiocytes and foreign-body-type giant cells, with fibrous capsule formation during chronicity

[51]

. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the deposition of calcium and other minerals mainly in elastic fibers of the skin, eyes, and blood vessels, less frequently in other tissues such as the digestive tract. Yellowish papules typically appear laterally on the neck, in the axillae, inguinal and flexural folds of the elbows and knees during the second or third decade of life. Common manifestations include visual impairment, periodic lower limb weakness, and gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly from the stomach

[52]

. Lipoid proteinosis, also known as Urbach–Wiethe syndrome or hyalinosis of the skin and mucosa, is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by lipoid-protein deposits in various organs and tissues, including the skin and mucous membranes lining the oral cavity, larynx, vocal cords, respiratory tract, and eyes. Skin and mucous membranes thicken, with characteristic pearly papules on the eyelids. Skin becomes prone to injury, with bullae and cicatrix formation, nodular, warty, cobblestone-like lesions, and white or yellow infiltrates on the lips, buccal mucosa, tonsils, uvula, epiglottis, and frenulum of the tongue. Macroglossia may develop, alongside voice changes due to vocal cord thickening. Respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea and dry cough may occur, along with intracranial calcifications leading to epilepsy and neuropsychiatric abnormalities. Hair loss, mumps, dental abnormalities, corneal ulceration, and focal macular degeneration are rare. Histological examination typically reveals a thickened dermis with bundles of amorphous homogeneous hyaline-like substance in its upper layers

[53, 54]

. Molluscum contagiosum, caused by a virus of the Poxviridae family, presents with round, oval, or hemispherical papules and nodules with central umbilication

[55]

. Lesions may be skin-colored or pink-red, with larger mollusca exhibiting a central keratotic plug. They may appear singly, scattered, or in confluent mosaic patterns on the skin or mucous membranes. Histopathological examination reveals characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (molluscum bodies). Acneiform drug reactions are associated with a history of medication use, with lesions regressing upon discontinuation

[6]

In patients with eruptive xanthomas, evaluation should encompass the "Four Ds" - Diet, Drugs, Disorders of metabolism, and Diseases - associated with secondary hypertriglyceridemia

[56-58]

. Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying causative diseases (such as diabetes, chronic renal failure, pancreatitis, etc.) are crucial to prevent complications

[9-11, 59, 60]

. Spontaneous resolution of smaller xanthomas has been reported following liver transplantation and plasmapheresis

[11, 14]

. Management strategies include dietary modifications, weight reduction, and increased physical activity

[5, 9, 11, 12, 18, 28]

. A balanced low-calorie, low-fat diet is essential to control blood sugar and triglyceride levels, with an emphasis on increased consumption of vegetables, salads, cereals, and fish, and decreased intake of saturated fats (found in meat, dairy products, coconut and palm oil) and sugars (found in carbonated drinks, biscuits, and sweets). Weight loss is achieved through a combination of diet and regular physical activity. If lesions persist, medications regulating lipid metabolism may be prescribed

[7, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 56-58]

, including HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), fibrates (clofibrate, fenofibrate, etc.), cholesterol absorption inhibitors (ezetimibe), nicotinic acid (niacin), anion exchange resins (cholestyramine), and food supplements containing omega-3-unsaturated fatty acids. In cases where medical therapy is ineffective, local chemical destruction with trichloroacetic acid, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical excision may be considered

[11, 15, 20]

Adverse reactions to eruptive xanthoma treatment typically relate to systemic therapy. The use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors [Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)] is associated with well-known side effects ranging from mild myalgia to rare but severe complications such as rhabdomyolysis and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy

[61]

4. Conclusions

Eruptive xanthomas (EX) represent a dermatological manifestation of underlying systemic dysfunctions, primarily disturbances in lipid metabolism. They can occur in both hyperlipidemic and normolipidemic individuals, with primary dyslipidemias being more common, particularly in familial cases. The pathogenesis of EX involves the accumulation of pathological lipoproteins within tissue macrophages, leading to characteristic skin lesions.

The diagnosis of EX requires careful evaluation and differentiation from other dermatological conditions presenting with similar manifestations, such as xanthoma disseminatum, disseminated granuloma annulare, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, generalized eruptive histiocytosis, chronic tophaceous gout, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, lipoid proteinosis, molluscum contagiosum, and acneiform drug reactions.

Management of eruptive xanthomas involves addressing underlying systemic conditions contributing to hypertriglyceridemia, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and pancreatitis. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, weight reduction, and increased physical activity, are essential components of therapy. Pharmacological interventions targeting lipid metabolism, such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, fibrates, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, may be prescribed if conservative measures are insufficient. In refractory cases, local interventions such as chemical destruction, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical excision may be considered.

Adverse reactions to treatment, particularly systemic therapy with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, should be monitored closely. Despite challenges, early diagnosis and comprehensive management of eruptive xanthomas are crucial to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this condition and to optimize therapeutic strategies.

Abbreviations

AST	Aspartate Aminotransferase
ALT	Alanine Aminotransferase
GGT	GLUTAMYLTRANSFERASE
HMG-CoA	β-Hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Darawish, B. E., Broshtilova, V., Yungareva, I., Smilov, N., Trenovski, A., et al. (2024). Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature. International Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 7(1), 24-29. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15

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Darawish, B. E.; Broshtilova, V.; Yungareva, I.; Smilov, N.; Trenovski, A., et al. Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature. Int. J. Clin. Dermatol. 2024, 7(1), 24-29. doi: 10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15

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Darawish BE, Broshtilova V, Yungareva I, Smilov N, Trenovski A, et al. Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature. Int J Clin Dermatol. 2024;7(1):24-29. doi: 10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15,
  author = {Balkis El Darawish and Valentina Broshtilova and Irina Yungareva and Nencho Smilov and Aleksandar Trenovski and Yoanna Velevska and Sonya Marina},
  title = {Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature
},
  journal = {International Journal of Clinical Dermatology},
  volume = {7},
  number = {1},
  pages = {24-29},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijcd.20240701.15},
  abstract = {Eruptive xanthomas are most often the result of impaired lipid metabolism. They can be caused by a primary dysregulation in lipid metabolism (familial hyperlipoproteinemias) or by an increase in serum lipids from concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, rarely hyperthyroidism, alcohol abuse, cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis, monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma and leukemia) or from the use of certain medications (beta-blockers, estrogens, retinoids, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, the antimycotic Miconazole and the antipsychotic Olanzapine (secondary hyperlipoproteinemias). Early diagnosis and adequate therapy of the skin changes and the comorbid underlying disease prevent serious life-threatening complications. A case of a 34-year-old man with papular yellowish lesions on the elbows is presented. The patient has accompanying diseases of diabetes mellitus, alcohol addiction, liver cirrhosis, chronic acute pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis. The clinical diagnosis of eruptive xanthomas was confirmed by histopathological examination revealing foam cells in the dermis. Laboratory blood tests revealed an accelerated ESR and elevated blood glucose, transaminases, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic therapy combined with a dietary regimen improved the patient's condition and laboratory parameters. A partial reversal of skin lesions occurred. An overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory tests, differential diagnosis, dietary regimen, and treatment of eruptive xanthomas are presented.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature

AU  - Balkis El Darawish
AU  - Valentina Broshtilova
AU  - Irina Yungareva
AU  - Nencho Smilov
AU  - Aleksandar Trenovski
AU  - Yoanna Velevska
AU  - Sonya Marina
Y1  - 2024/05/30
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15
T2  - International Journal of Clinical Dermatology
JF  - International Journal of Clinical Dermatology
JO  - International Journal of Clinical Dermatology
SP  - 24
EP  - 29
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2995-1305
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15
AB  - Eruptive xanthomas are most often the result of impaired lipid metabolism. They can be caused by a primary dysregulation in lipid metabolism (familial hyperlipoproteinemias) or by an increase in serum lipids from concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, rarely hyperthyroidism, alcohol abuse, cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis, monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma and leukemia) or from the use of certain medications (beta-blockers, estrogens, retinoids, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, the antimycotic Miconazole and the antipsychotic Olanzapine (secondary hyperlipoproteinemias). Early diagnosis and adequate therapy of the skin changes and the comorbid underlying disease prevent serious life-threatening complications. A case of a 34-year-old man with papular yellowish lesions on the elbows is presented. The patient has accompanying diseases of diabetes mellitus, alcohol addiction, liver cirrhosis, chronic acute pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis. The clinical diagnosis of eruptive xanthomas was confirmed by histopathological examination revealing foam cells in the dermis. Laboratory blood tests revealed an accelerated ESR and elevated blood glucose, transaminases, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic therapy combined with a dietary regimen improved the patient's condition and laboratory parameters. A partial reversal of skin lesions occurred. An overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory tests, differential diagnosis, dietary regimen, and treatment of eruptive xanthomas are presented.

VL  - 7
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Balkis El Darawish

Spectro - Institute of Medical Aesthetics, Sofia, Bulgaria

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4985-3410
Valentina Broshtilova

Department of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Pediatrics, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2317-0398
Irina Yungareva

Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, Medical Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sofia, Bulgaria

http://orcid.org/0009-0009-3613-7184
Nencho Smilov

Clinic of Urology, Medical Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sofia, Bulgaria

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0218-2069
Aleksandar Trenovski

Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sofia, Bulgaria

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-0402-301X
Yoanna Velevska

Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Dermatovenereology, Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6172-0808
Sonya Marina

Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, Medical Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sofia, Bulgaria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8830-517X

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APA Style

Darawish, B. E., Broshtilova, V., Yungareva, I., Smilov, N., Trenovski, A., et al. (2024). Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature. International Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 7(1), 24-29. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15

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ACS Style

Darawish, B. E.; Broshtilova, V.; Yungareva, I.; Smilov, N.; Trenovski, A., et al. Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature. Int. J. Clin. Dermatol. 2024, 7(1), 24-29. doi: 10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15

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AMA Style

Darawish BE, Broshtilova V, Yungareva I, Smilov N, Trenovski A, et al. Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature. Int J Clin Dermatol. 2024;7(1):24-29. doi: 10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15,
  author = {Balkis El Darawish and Valentina Broshtilova and Irina Yungareva and Nencho Smilov and Aleksandar Trenovski and Yoanna Velevska and Sonya Marina},
  title = {Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature
},
  journal = {International Journal of Clinical Dermatology},
  volume = {7},
  number = {1},
  pages = {24-29},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijcd.20240701.15},
  abstract = {Eruptive xanthomas are most often the result of impaired lipid metabolism. They can be caused by a primary dysregulation in lipid metabolism (familial hyperlipoproteinemias) or by an increase in serum lipids from concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, rarely hyperthyroidism, alcohol abuse, cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis, monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma and leukemia) or from the use of certain medications (beta-blockers, estrogens, retinoids, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, the antimycotic Miconazole and the antipsychotic Olanzapine (secondary hyperlipoproteinemias). Early diagnosis and adequate therapy of the skin changes and the comorbid underlying disease prevent serious life-threatening complications. A case of a 34-year-old man with papular yellowish lesions on the elbows is presented. The patient has accompanying diseases of diabetes mellitus, alcohol addiction, liver cirrhosis, chronic acute pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis. The clinical diagnosis of eruptive xanthomas was confirmed by histopathological examination revealing foam cells in the dermis. Laboratory blood tests revealed an accelerated ESR and elevated blood glucose, transaminases, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic therapy combined with a dietary regimen improved the patient's condition and laboratory parameters. A partial reversal of skin lesions occurred. An overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory tests, differential diagnosis, dietary regimen, and treatment of eruptive xanthomas are presented.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature

AU  - Balkis El Darawish
AU  - Valentina Broshtilova
AU  - Irina Yungareva
AU  - Nencho Smilov
AU  - Aleksandar Trenovski
AU  - Yoanna Velevska
AU  - Sonya Marina
Y1  - 2024/05/30
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15
T2  - International Journal of Clinical Dermatology
JF  - International Journal of Clinical Dermatology
JO  - International Journal of Clinical Dermatology
SP  - 24
EP  - 29
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2995-1305
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcd.20240701.15
AB  - Eruptive xanthomas are most often the result of impaired lipid metabolism. They can be caused by a primary dysregulation in lipid metabolism (familial hyperlipoproteinemias) or by an increase in serum lipids from concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, rarely hyperthyroidism, alcohol abuse, cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis, monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma and leukemia) or from the use of certain medications (beta-blockers, estrogens, retinoids, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, the antimycotic Miconazole and the antipsychotic Olanzapine (secondary hyperlipoproteinemias). Early diagnosis and adequate therapy of the skin changes and the comorbid underlying disease prevent serious life-threatening complications. A case of a 34-year-old man with papular yellowish lesions on the elbows is presented. The patient has accompanying diseases of diabetes mellitus, alcohol addiction, liver cirrhosis, chronic acute pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis. The clinical diagnosis of eruptive xanthomas was confirmed by histopathological examination revealing foam cells in the dermis. Laboratory blood tests revealed an accelerated ESR and elevated blood glucose, transaminases, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic therapy combined with a dietary regimen improved the patient's condition and laboratory parameters. A partial reversal of skin lesions occurred. An overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory tests, differential diagnosis, dietary regimen, and treatment of eruptive xanthomas are presented.

VL  - 7
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download