Pretibial myxedema
Pretibial Myxedema
Pretibial myxedema (pronunciation: pre-ti-bee-al mix-uh-dee-muh), also known as thyroid dermopathy or Graves' dermopathy, is a skin condition that often occurs in patients with Graves' disease. The term is derived from the Latin pre (before), tibia (shinbone), and the Greek myxedema (mucus swelling).
Definition
Pretibial myxedema is characterized by the swelling of the skin in front of the tibia (shinbone). The skin may appear thickened, waxy, or lumpy, and may have a reddish or purplish hue. The condition is most commonly associated with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of pretibial myxedema include:
- Swelling in front of the shins and on the top of the feet
- Skin that appears thickened, waxy, or lumpy
- Reddish or purplish skin color
- Possible discomfort or itchiness
Causes
Pretibial myxedema is most commonly caused by Graves' disease. In Graves' disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone. This overproduction can lead to various symptoms, including skin changes such as pretibial myxedema.
Treatment
Treatment for pretibial myxedema typically involves managing the underlying Graves' disease. This may include medication to regulate thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. In some cases, topical corticosteroids may be used to help reduce skin inflammation.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pretibial myxedema
- Wikipedia's article - Pretibial myxedema
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