Eruptive Xanthomas in a Patient with MetabolicSyndrome

Abstract

Eruptive xanthomas are characterized by large numbers of yellow papules, typically 1-4 m in size, sometimes with an erythematous halo, sometimes pruritic, of sudden onset and generally observed on the extensor surfaces of the extremities. These are seen in less than 0.1% of diabetic patients. Diabetes mellitus is the most common secondary cause of type 5 hyperlipoproteinemia, a form of chylomcronemia. Eruptive xanthomas generally emerge at triglyceride levels above 2000 mg/dL proceeding with chylomicronemia. This case report of a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with eruptive xanthoma on the basis of clinical and histopathological findings is presented in order to emphasize that these are an important finding of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia.