[Severe Graves' acropachy and dermopathy. Three case reports]

Presse Med. 2005 Mar 12;34(5):367-70.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Traditionally described, severe Graves' acropachy and tibial myxoedema are now only encountered in certain severe forms of Graves' disease, where they can be difficult to diagnose and hence delay the initiation of treatment.

Observations: Three patients presented with severe ophthalmopathy, pretibial myxoedema and acropachy of different clinical forms.

Discussion: In supplement to the usual biopsies and X-rays, bone scintigraphy provides early diagnosis of acropachy. The severity of the immune disease, the episodes of hypothyroidism and cigarette smoking are the 3 main factors contributing to these extra-thyroid manifestations of Graves' disease. There is currently no treatment that can permanently resolve the functional and aesthetic problems of dermopathy and acropachy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / diagnosis*
  • Graves Disease / therapy
  • Humans
  • Leg Dermatoses / etiology*
  • Leg Dermatoses / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myxedema / etiology*
  • Myxedema / therapy
  • Osteoarthropathy, Secondary Hypertrophic / etiology*
  • Osteoarthropathy, Secondary Hypertrophic / therapy