Eruptive xanthomas and chest pain in the absence of coronary artery disease

Because hyperlipidemia may present as xanthomas, a dermatologist may be the first to diagnose these skin lesions and associated lipid abnormalities. Xanthomas are of concern because of their association with coronary artery disease and pancreatitis. We describe the case of a 40-year-old white male with chest pain and eruptive xanthomas. Laboratory tests revealed severe hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and diabetes mellitus, and the histopathology of the skin lesions was consistent with eruptive xanthomas. Surprisingly, even with overwhelming risk factors for both atherosclerosis and pancreatitis, this patient did not show evidence of either disease process. After initiating therapy for the diabetes and hyperlipidemia, the patient has had no recurrence of chest pain, and the skin lesions have gradually resolved. The most likely explanation for this patient's pattern of symptoms and laboratory results is the chylomicronemia syndrome, which can be seen in patients with type I or type V hyperlipoproteinemia.