Elephantiasic Pretibial Myxoedema in a Patient with Graves’ Disease

Yuhua  Yang; Ruzhi  Zhang; Wenyuan  Zhu

doi:10.4236/jcdsa.2015.54036

Ruzhi Zhang¹^*, Yuhua Yang¹, Wenyuan Zhu²

Abstract: Pretibial myxoedema (PM) is a late and rare manifestation of autoimmune thyroiditis, particularly in patients with Graves’ disease. It occurs in 0.5% to 4.3% of patients [1], and is usually associated with high levels of thyroid hormones. The classification of PM includes four forms: non-pitting edema; plaque; nodular; or elephantiasis [1]. Mild PM often regresses spontaneously, but the severe, elephantiasic variant is typically progressive and refractory to treatment. Elephantiasic pretibial myxoedema (EPM) is characterized by massive edema, skin fibrosis and verrucous nodule formation, and it clinically resembles lymphedema. Herein, we describe a man with Graves’ disease presenting with EPM for nearly 2 years. Although advanced cases have been described in the literature, to our knowledge, none have reached this level of severity.

Keywords: Pretibial Myxoedema (PM), Graves’ Disease

Cite this paper: Zhang, R. , Yang, Y. and Zhu, W. (2015) Elephantiasic Pretibial Myxoedema in a Patient with Graves’ Disease. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 5, 297-299. doi: 10.4236/jcdsa.2015.54036.

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