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

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.