What is pretibial edema?

What is pretibial edema?

Pretibial myxedema (PTM) or, more appropriately, thyroid dermopathy, is a term used to describe localized lesions of the skin resulting from the deposition of hyaluronic acid, usually as a component of thyroid disease. Thyroid dermopathy occurs rarely.

How do I know if I have pretibial myxedema?

How is pretibial myxoedema diagnosed? Diagnosis of pretibial myxoedema is made by taking a history and finding characteristic clinical appearance on examination of the patient. Skin biopsy is rarely necessary for diagnosis, especially if there is a history of hyperthyroidism, or Graves ophthalmopathy.

How is pretibial myxedema treated?

Surgical treatment should be avoided because scarring may aggravate the dermopathy, and benefits are equivocal. Local application of corticosteroids remains the mainstay of treatment. Compression wraps or stockings that provide 20-40 mm Hg of pressure can be useful as an adjunctive therapy.

Where is the pretibial area?

pre·tib·i·al (prē-tib’ē-ăl), Relating to the anterior portion of the leg; denoting especially certain muscles.

What does pretibial mean?

Medical Definition of pretibial : lying or occurring anterior to the tibia a pretibial skin rash.

Is pretibial myxedema only in graves?

Abstract. Pretibial myxedema or localized myxedema or thyroid dermopathy is an autoimmune manifestation of Graves’ disease. It also occasionally occurs in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Lesions of thyroid dermopathy are usually asymptomatic and have only cosmetic importance.

Is Pretibial myxedema only in graves?

What is the difference between Pretibial myxedema and myxedema?

Generalized myxedema is associated with only the hypothyroid state, whereas pretibial myxedema is characteristically associated with Graves’ disease. Patients with pretibial myxedema may be hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, or euthyroid when the skin disorder appears.

What is the difference between swelling and edema?

Swelling is any abnormal enlargement of a body part. It is typically the result of inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Edema describes swelling in the tissue outside of the joint.

What is pretibial location?

What Graves dermopathy looks like?

Nippoldt, M.D. Rarely, people with Graves’ disease develop Graves’ dermopathy, a skin condition characterized by red, swollen skin, usually on the shins and tops of the feet. The texture of the affected skin may be similar to that of an orange peel. Doctors may also refer to the condition as pretibial myxedema.

What edema looks like?

This swelling (edema) is the result of excess fluid in your tissues — often caused by congestive heart failure or blockage in a leg vein. Signs of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms. Stretched or shiny skin.

What are the signs and symptoms of pretibial myxedema?

The hair follicles can become highly visible and prominent. If the lesions are compressing blood vessels or nerves there can be impaired blood circulation and pain. In severe cases of pretibial myxedema your skin can resemble the skin of an elephant.

Where is pretibial myxoedema most commonly seen?

It is most commonly seen on the shins (pretibial areas) and is characterised by swelling and lumpiness of the lower legs. What causes pretibial myxoedema?

What is the prevalence of pretibial myxedema in patients with Grave’s disease?

In patients who have severe Grave’s ophthalmopathy, which is a thyroid eye disease, approximately four percent have pretibial myxedema. Of the patients that develop pretibial myxedema, approximately twenty-five percent of them develop the extreme form of this medical condition.

What causes pretibial myxedema?

It is also thought that when you have treatment for Grave’s hyperthyroidism using radioactive iodine this could trigger pretibial myxedema. There are other triggers, or causes, that include: Thyroid hormone imbalance which can be too high or too low and causes the thickening of your skin.