Pretibial mucin. Histologic patterns and clinical correlation

Obesity-Associated Lymphedematous Mucinosis: Two Further Cases and Review of the Literature

Cutaneous mucinoses are a group of conditions characterized by increased amounts of acid mucin in the dermis. They can be generalized or localized and occur isolated or in the setting of systemic diseases. Obesity-associated lymphedematous mucinosis is a distinct variant of mucinosis occurring in obese patients without any thyroid dysfunction. So far, only few cases of this rare condition have been reported in the English literature. Here, we describe two new cases and discuss some histological differences with the pretibial myxedema.

Pretibial mucinosis in an euthyroid patient

A case of exuberant pretibial mucinosis in a patient with normal thyroid function is reported. A review of literature on possible etiologies other than thyroid disease for the accumulation of mucin in the pretibial area is presented. In the patient described, it is possible that vascular insufficiency is involved. However, this is not the only factor responsible for the accumulation of mucin, since there are still unidentified causes and many patients with vascular diseases do not develop similar injuries.