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Euthyroid pretibial myxedema.
M Buljan-Cvijanovic1, J M Neal, A Zemtsov
1Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Indiana, USA.
Summary
This study details a rare case of pretibial myxedema in a man with normal thyroid function, highlighting an unusual presentation of this autoimmune skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pretibial myxedema is a rare skin manifestation.
- It is typically associated with Graves' disease, often presenting with hyperthyroidism, ophthalmopathy, and goiter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a unique case of biopsy-proven pretibial myxedema in a male patient with normal thyroid function.
- To review existing literature on this uncommon dermatopathy.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 53-year-old man with characteristic pretibial myxedema lesions.
- Laboratory investigations including thyroid function tests and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin levels.
- Literature review of previously published cases.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited typical pretibial myxedema lesions but maintained normal thyroid function.
- Elevated thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin levels were detected.
- No signs of exophthalmos or goiter were observed.
Conclusions:
- The pathogenesis of pretibial myxedema is not fully understood but is presumed to be autoimmune.
- Elevated thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin suggests an autoimmune link, despite inconclusive immunofluorescence findings.
- This case, along with two others in the literature, underscores the possibility of pretibial myxedema in euthyroid individuals.