What causes thyroid dermopathy?

Graves’ dermopathy results from a buildup of certain carbohydrates in the skin — the cause of which isn’t known. Carbohydrate buildup also causes the eye problems associated with Graves’ disease. The vast majority of people who develop Graves’ dermopathy also have Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

How common is Graves dermopathy?

Summary. Graves’ dermopathy is a rare skin condition experienced by some people with Graves’ disease. It’s usually present on both sides and most common on the shins or the tops of the feet.

Is pretibial myxedema seen in hyperthyroidism?

The onset of PTM was 63.9% in euthyroidism, 22% in hyperthyroidism, 11.4% in hypothyroidism, and 2.7% in unclear thyroid function.

What does thyroid dermopathy look like?

Most common clinical presentation is in the form of nonpitting edema and induration of the skin giving a ‘peau d’orange’ appearance along with occasional raised, hyperpigmented, violaceous papules. Other clinical variants of thyroid dermopathy are plaques, nodules, and had polypoid or elephantiasic type lesions.

Does Pretibial myxedema go away?

Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is primarily of cosmetic concern and rarely causes significant morbidity. Local discomfort and difficulty wearing shoes are expected. The prognosis is good. PTM may persist for months or years but often regresses spontaneously.

What is Myxoedema look like?

A person with myxedema may notice swelling in their face, legs, or tongue. Their skin may also become dry and pale. Other symptoms of severe hypothyroidism can include: intolerance to cold.

How is thyroid dermopathy diagnosed in hyperthyroidism?

The diagnosis of thyroid dermopathy is based on clinical sign and symptoms, serological thyroid hormone abnormalities supported by skin pathology. Isolated dermopathy is an uncommon manifestation of hyperthyroidism.

What is thyroid dermopathy in autoimmune thyroid disease?

Thyroid dermopathy is an infrequent manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by localized thickening of the skin commonly seen in the pretibial area. It is almost always associated with ophthalmopathy (96%) and sign and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

What is the prevalence of thyroid dermopathy?

Thyroid dermopathy is an uncommon manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease. About 0.5%–4.3% of patients with history of thyrotoxicosis and 15% of patients with severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy have this cutaneous manifestation.

Is leg edema caused by thyroid dermopathy?

Leg edema is a common clinical problem and the differential diagnosis is extensive. We present 4 patients in whom thyroid dermopathy was the cause of leg edema. Examination of the eyes and the nature of the edema were clues to the diagnosis of thyroid dermopathy.