Intraosseous xanthoma associated with hyperlipoproteinemia. A case report

Intraosseous xanthoma associated with hyperlipoproteinemia, a rare disorder, was observed in the entire distal femur of a 52-year-old man. Initial radiographs suggested a primary bone neoplasm; however, an open biopsy established a diagnosis of intraosseous xanthoma. Histologically, the lesion was characterized by replacement of normal bone and marrow with xanthoma cells and extracellular cholesterol clefts. The hyperlipidemia was classified as Type III hyperlipoproteinemia and was successfully controlled by dietary lipid restriction alone. The disability was effectively treated and ambulation was possible with the aid of a cane.