Migratory polyarthritis in familial hypercholesterolemia (type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia)

Metabolic disorders are often encountered in clinical practice. Some of these diseases are associated with dermatological and musculoskeletal manifestations. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a disorder of lipoprotein metabolism characterized by elevated cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, xanthomas and early onset atherosclerosis. Tendinitis and arthritis have been rarely reported in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Here is presented a case of a young girl with migratory polyarthritis, who was diagnosed as probable homozygote familial hypercholesterolemia with hypercholesterolemic arthritis. A proper knowledge of cutaneous manifestations helps to identify patients at risk, establish the underlying diagnosis, and start early and effective therapy.