Red-brown patches on the shin - biopsy showed mucin accumulation confirming pretibial myxoedema
Keywords: Infiltrative dermopathy, Irregular reddish-brown plaques, Leg, Localised myxoedema, Lower leg, Pretibial, Thyroid dermopathy
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
