Pretibial myxedema

Signs and symptoms

Pretibial myxedema is almost always preceded by the ocular signs found in Graves' disease. It usually presents itself as a waxy, discolored induration of the skin—classically described as having a so-called peau d'orange (orange peel) appearance—on the anterior aspect of the lower legs, spreading to the dorsum of the feet, or as a non-localised, non-pitting edema of the skin in the same areas. In advanced cases, this may extend to the upper trunk (torso), upper extremities, face, neck, back, chest and ears.

The lesions are known to resolve very slowly. Application of petroleum jelly on the affected area could relieve the burning sensation and the itching. It occasionally occurs in non-thyrotoxic Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and stasis dermatitis. The serum contains circulating factors which stimulate fibroblasts to increase synthesis of glycosaminoglycans.

Risk factors

There are suggestions in the medical literature that treatment with radioactive iodine for Graves' hyperthyroidism may be a trigger for pretibial myxedema which would be consistent with radioiodine ablation causing or aggravating ophthalmopathy, a condition which commonly occurs with pretibial myxedema and is believed to have common underlying features.

Other known triggers for ophthalmopathy include thyroid hormone imbalance, and tobacco smoking, but there has been little research attempting to confirm that these are also risk factors for pretibial myxedema.

Diagnosis

A biopsy of the affected skin reveals mucin in the mid- to lower- dermis. There is no increase in fibroblasts. Over time, secondary hyperkeratosis may occur, which may become verruciform. Many of these patients may also have co-existing stasis dermatitis. Elastic stains will reveal a reduction in elastic tissue.

Management

Many cases of pretibial myxedema, particularly cases that are mild, can be managed without specific pharmacologic treatment; approximately 50% of mild cases achieve complete remission without treatment after several years. When pharmacologic treatment is considered, topical, locally injected, or systemic corticosteroids may be used.

References

References

1. Schwartz, K. M.. (1 February 2002). "Dermopathy of Graves' Disease (Pretibial Myxedema): Long-Term Outcome". Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
2. (March 2008). "Dermacase. Pretibial myxedema". Can Fam Physician.
3. Dennis, Mark. (2012). "Mechanisms of Clinical Signs". Elsevier.
4. (2007). "Dermatology". Mosby.
5. Harvey, R. D.. (1 June 1995). "Acute pre-tibial myxoedema following radioiodine therapy for thyrotoxic Graves' disease". Clinical Endocrinology.
6. PEACEY, S.R.. (1 February 1996). "Is Graves' Dermopathy a Generalized Disorder?". Thyroid.
7. Fatourechi V. (2005). "Pretibial myxedema: pathophysiology and treatment options.". Am J Clin Dermatol.