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Eruptive xanthoma
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Eruptive xanthoma

Contributors: Melissa Danesh MD, Belinda Tan MD, PhD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Eruptive xanthomas are a consequence of severe chylomicronemia and hypertriglyceridemia. They are accumulations of lipid-laden macrophages that present abruptly as pruritic, small, yellow-to-orange papules most commonly scattered over the buttocks and extensor surfaces of extremities. Acutely, variable amounts of pruritus or pain may be present. Hypertriglyceridemia may result from hereditary conditions such as lipoprotein lipase deficiency or familial hyperlipoproteinemia, or from secondary causes such as excessive alcohol intake, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, or diabetes mellitus. Certain medications (eg, systemic retinoids such as isotretinoin and acitretin, estrogens, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, prednisone) are also common causes of secondary hypertriglyceridemia. Triglyceride levels in patients with eruptive xanthomas often exceed 3000-4000 mg/dl. Triglyceridemia in the range of 1500 mg/dL or greater can also lead to pancreatitis.

The skin lesions usually resolve within 6 months with appropriate treatment.

Codes

ICD10CM:
E78.2 – Mixed hyperlipidemia

SNOMEDCT:
238952003 – Eruptive xanthoma

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Last Reviewed:06/06/2018
Last Updated:07/01/2018
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Eruptive xanthoma
A medical illustration showing key findings of Eruptive xanthoma : Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Orange color, Yellow color, Smooth papules
Clinical image of Eruptive xanthoma - imageId=100090. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Multiple smooth, yellowish, orange, and reddish papules on the arm.'
Multiple smooth, yellowish, orange, and reddish papules on the arm.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.