Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia - Early recognition and early treatment improve outcomes

Extensive papulonodular xanthoma: a diagnostic clue to homozygous familial hyperlipidaemia

A man in his early 30s, presented with multiple soft tissue swellings over the buttocks, around the knees, ankles and dorsum of both the hands since childhood. His father and paternal uncle had similar lesions, and his father had coronary artery disease. One of his sisters had a history of sudden death due to an unknown cause at 14 years. The patient and his parents had very high serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Based on the above findings, a clinical diagnosis of familial hyperlipidaemia type II was made. Larger lesions were excised in stages, and histopathological evaluation revealed the lesions to be eruptive xanthoma. A cardiac assessment revealed no significant abnormality. Lipid-lowering agents and low-dose aspirin were started, and the patient was advised for regular cardiology and endocrine evaluation. This case emphasises its rare presentation and the importance of early diagnosis and management to prevent any untoward future incidence.

Pleomorphic cutaneous xanthomas disclosing homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Homoxygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia is characterized by a presence of several types of cutaneous xanthomas with an abnormal lipid profile. Some of these could be pathognomonic. Although these could be initially interpreted as isolated and localized benign disorders and offered surgical treatment, it has become increasingly clear that they could be a part of a systemic pathology. Here we describe a case of this rare disorder in a 19 years old non-obese young man who presented multiple, intertriginous, tuberous and tendinous xanthomas and had an associated abnormal lipid profile with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. A detailed history with clinical assessment in the differential diagnosis and laboratory investigations led to a precise diagnosis.