Title
Xanthoma disseminatum: Case report and literature review
Date Issued
01 November 2010
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
journal article
Publisher(s)
Elsevier
Abstract
Objective: To report a case of a young normolipidemic woman with mucocutaneous xanthomas who developed neurogenic diabetes insipidus and hyperprolactinemia because of an inflammatory pituitary stalk lesion. Methods: The clinical features, laboratory results, magnetic resonance imaging, and pathology findings are presented. In addition, the pertinent literature is reviewed. Results: A 23-year-old woman presented with a 9-month history of polydipsia, polyuria, galactorrhea, secondary amenorrhea, and weight gain. Her previous medical history included chronic anemia and widespread mucocutaneous xanthomas. Laboratory tests showed hyperprolactinemia, normal electrolytes, and a normal lipid profile. The results of a water deprivation test were compatible with neurogenic diabetes insipidus, and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed pituitary stalk thickening. Histologic findings on a skin biopsy specimen supported the diagnosis of non-Langerhans histiocytosis. Treatment was initiated with cabergoline, nasally administered desmopressin, radio-frequency ablation of facial skin lesions, and surgical excision of other accessible lesions. Conclusion: Xanthoma disseminatum is a rare, benign proliferative disorder characterized by extensive cutaneous and mucous membrane xanthomas in normolipidemic patients. Central nervous system involvement is rare and usually occurs in the systemic variety. Pituitary stalk disease commonly causes hyperprolactinemia, diabetes insipidus, and various degrees of hypopituitarism. The natural history of xanthoma disseminatum usually is benign, but lesions in critical anatomic sites may result in morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2010 AACE.
Start page
1003
End page
1006
Volume
16
Issue
6
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Dermatología, Enfermedades venéreas
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-79952380581
PubMed ID
Source
Endocrine Practice
ISSN of the container
1530891X
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus