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 physiological cause of myxedema?

Myxedema is caused by an accumulation of tissue products, such as glycosaminoglycans, in the skin. Myxedema is almost always a result of hypothyroidism. Specific causes of hypothyroidism that can lead to myxedema include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid), and Graves’ disease.

How does pretibial myxedema occur?

Pretibial myxedema (PTM) occurs as a result of the deposition of hyaluronic acid in the dermis and subcutis. The precise cause of this phenomenon remains uncertain.

What is Pretibial myxedema?

Pretibial myxedema (also called localized myxedema, thyroid dermopathy, or infiltrative dermopathy) is an infrequent manifestation of Graves’ disease. It forms the third component of the classical triad of Graves’ disease (goiter, orbitopathy, and pretibial myxedema).

Is pretibial myxedema painful?

PTM is usually asymptomatic, but pruritic or painful lesions have been reported with hyperhidrosis and hypertrichosis. Local application of corticosteroids remains the mainstay of treatment.

What is the pretibial area?

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

Is Pretibial myxedema seen in hypothyroidism?

Pretibial myxedema (PM) is an infiltrative dermopathy which is seen in grave’s disease. It is also associated with hypothyroidism, but is infrequently seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Lesions are seen commonly over pretibial region as non-pitting oedema or with a plaque morphology.