Elephantiasic Pretibial Myxedema: A Rare Manifestation in Graves’ Disease

Abstract

Elephantiasic pretibial myxedema is an extremely rare condition, affecting patients with thyroid disease. The clinical manifestation is difficult to diagnosis, and the treatment is challenging. Herein, the authors report on a case of a patient with Graves’ disease, who had a long-standing enlargement of bilateral legs, and histopathologic studies confirmed the diagnosis as; pretibial myxedema. The patient was treated with an antithyroid drug, iodine-131 (131I) irradiation, a potent topical corticosteroid, with occlusion, and compression therapy, however, the patient’s skin condition remained unchanged. This report aims to demonstrate a rare form of pretibial myxedema, to review the clinical presentations, differential diagnosis as well as therapeutic options.

Keywords

• dermatopathology
• elephantiasis
• graves’ disease
• pretibial myxedema
• thyroid dermopathy