Pretibial myxoedema
Diffuse soft swelling overlying the tibia in pretibial myxoedema (PTM-patient2)
Keywords: Bilateral lower leg, Hyperpigmented indurated plaques, Infiltrative dermopathy, Leg, Localised myxoedema, Pretibial, Reddish-brown colour, Skin of colour, Thyroid dermopathy
What is pretibial myxoedema?
Pretibial myxoedema is a form of diffuse mucinosis in which there is an accumulation of excess glycosaminoglycans in the dermis and subcutis of the skin. Glycosaminoglycans, also called mucopolysaccharides, are complex carbohydrates that are important for tissue hydration and lubrication. The main glycosaminoglycan in pretibial myxoedema is hyaluronic acid, which is made by cells called fibroblasts.
© Dr Lawrence Meyerson
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Source: dermnetnz.org