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Published on: November 10, 2017
Disappearance of angina pectoris by lipid-lowering in type III hyperlipoproteinemia
Eun Jeung Cho1, Yun Joo Min, Min Seok Oh
1Department of Internal Medicine, College ofMedicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Type III hyperlipoproteinemia, a rare genetic disorder, can be effectively managed. Combination therapy with atorvastatin and fenofibrate led to the regression of coronary lesions and improved symptoms in a patient with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Type III hyperlipoproteinemia is a rare genetic disorder causing high cholesterol and triglycerides.
- It is linked to an increased risk of premature atherosclerotic vascular disease.
- Apolipoprotein E2/E2 homozygotes are particularly susceptible due to remnant lipoprotein accumulation.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old woman with type III hyperlipoproteinemia presented with skin lesions and stable angina pectoris.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via lipid levels, electrophoresis, and apolipoprotein E genotyping.
Findings:
- One year of combination therapy with atorvastatin and fenofibrate resolved skin xanthomata.
- The patient experienced symptom resolution, negative exercise electrocardiographic results, and confirmed coronary lesion regression via CT angiography.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for medical therapy to induce regression of uncomplicated coronary lesions in type III hyperlipoproteinemia.
- Effective management can significantly improve clinical outcomes and reduce cardiovascular risk in affected individuals.
Abstract:
Type III hyperlipoproteinemia is a rare familial disease characterized by marked elevations of serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels caused by an accumulation of remnant lipoproteins in apolipoprotein E2/E2 homozygotes. It is associated with an increased risk for premature atherosclerotic vascular disease. A 55-year-old woman was diagnosed as having type III hyperlipoproteinemia on the basis of skin lesions, serum lipid levels, lipid electrophoresis, and apolipoprotein E genotyping and stable angina pectoris on the basis of typical symptoms and treadmill exercise electrocardiographic results. After 1 year of combination therapy with atorvastatin and fenofibrate, skin xanthomata disappeared, leaving minimal remnants. In addition, there was no exertional chest pain, and treadmill exercise electrocardiographic results were negative. This finding was confirmed by coronary computed tomographic angiography. This case suggests that proper medical therapy can induce the regression of uncomplicated coronary lesions in type III hyperlipoproteinemia.
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