Xanthogranulomatosis in an adult: lipid analysis of xanthomas and plasma

Xanthomatosis in the absence of hyperlipidemia is unusual but has been associated with compositional abnormalities of lipoprotein particles. An adult who developed juvenile xanthogranulomatosis in association with oral contraceptive ingestion is reported. Plasma lipids and lipoprotein electrophoresis were normal, as in a few other patients reported with this disorder. However, analysis of cutaneous xanthoma and plasma by thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography revealed that cholesterol was the principal lipid in xanthoma and that there were no unusual sterols in plasma or tissue. Possible mechanisms of xanthoma formation are discussed. Thus juvenile xanthogranulomatosis should be considered in adults with normolipemic xanthomatosis.