Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (Jan 2018)

Severe hypertriglyceridemia presenting as eruptive xanthomatosis

  • Sameera S Vangara,
  • Kyle D Klingbeil,
  • Raymond M Fertig,
  • Jason L Radick

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_270_17
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 267 – 270

Abstract

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Eruptive xanthomatosis is described as the sudden eruption of erythematous yellow papules in the presence of hypertriglyceridemia, often associated with serum triglyceride levels above 2000 mg/dl. Severe hypertriglyceridemia can be caused by primary genetic mutations, secondary chronic diseases, or a combination of both. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor. It is imperative for physicians to be aware of eruptive xanthomatosis as a warning sign for severe hypertriglyceridemia due to the underlying risk for the potentially fatal complication of acute pancreatitis. Herein, we discuss a case of a 52-year-old man with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who presented with eruptive xanthomata and a triglyceride level of 7157 mg/dl, the highest recorded value in the absence of acute pancreatitis, with a remarkable response to drug therapy. A review of the literature is included to discuss the clinical relevance and appropriate treatment of this disease entity.

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