Migratory polyarthritis in familial hypercholesterolemia (type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia)

Abstract

Metabolic disorders are often encountered in clinical practice. Some of these diseases are associated with dermatological and musculoskeletal manifestations. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a disorder of lipoprotein metabolism characterized by elevated cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, xanthomas and early onset atherosclerosis. Tendinitis and arthritis have been rarely reported in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Here is presented a case of a young girl with migratory polyarthritis, who was diagnosed as probable homozygote familial hypercholesterolemia with hypercholesterolemic arthritis. A proper knowledge of cutaneous manifestations helps to identify patients at risk, establish the underlying diagnosis, and start early and effective therapy.