What is Achilles tendon Xanthoma?

Achilles tendon xanthomata are painless soft tissue masses occurring most commonly at the distal portion of the tendon and are usually bilateral and symmetrical.

What causes tendon Xanthomas?

Tendinous xanthomas are caused by impairment in lipoprotein regulation, which results in accumulated cholesterol deposits in the tendons, ligaments, or periosteum [1]. The nodules are most often found over the Achilles tendons, hands, and the extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees [1].

Are tendon Xanthomas painful?

These slow-growing nodules are firm and mobile and can present with a yellowish hue [2]. As the nodules enlarge, they can cause pain, restricted joint mobility, disability, and tendon rupture [3,4].

Does your Achilles tendon heel?

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. When the calf muscles flex, the Achilles tendon pulls on the heel. This movement allows us to stand on our toes when walking, running, or jumping.

How is tendon xanthoma diagnosed?

Elevated fat content in Achilles tendon xanthomas (ATX) can be detected using Dixon method MRI. The fat signal was significantly higher in tendons from those with familial hypercholesteremia compared to those with overuse tendinopathy (ATY) or normal tendons (ATN).

How do you treat tendon xanthoma?

Aside from treating cholesterol itself, treatment for Xanthomas involves taking a biopsy of the lesion but leaving the nodules intact. A xanthoma of a tendon infiltrates the tendon, but may also involve adjacent ligament, fascia, or periosteum.

What causes thickening of Achilles tendon?

In noninsertional Achilles tendinitis, fibers in the middle portion of the tendon (above where it attaches to the heel) are affected. Over time, the fibers may begin to break down and develop tiny tears. This can lead to tendon swelling and thickening.

What does Xanthomatosis look like?

Eruptive xanthomatosis (EX) causes small harmless bumps, also known as eruptive xanthomas, on the skin. These bumps are sometimes referred to as lesions, papules, plaques, or a rash. This rare skin condition happens when you have too much fat or cholesterol in your blood. The bumps are filled with fat.

What does xanthoma feel like?

The bumps may be itchy or tender to the touch. Xanthomas can appear anywhere on the body, including on internal organs. They are often found on the skin.

What does a xanthoma look like?

Xanthomas are papules or nodules of the skin or mucous membranes that contain lipids. The appearance of xanthomas during childhood should prompt a thorough search for underlying systemic disease. The yellowish papules seen in here are a form of planar xanthoma.

What is the Simon Broome criteria?

The Simon Broome Criteria Total cholesterol greater than 6.7mmol/L or low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) greater than 4.0mmol/L in a child aged younger than 16 years or total cholesterol greater than 7.5mmol/L or LDL-C greater than 4.9mmol/L in an adult (levels either pre-treatment or highest on treatment).

What can be mistaken for Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles bursitis can often be mistaken for Achilles tendinitis and when a patient exhibits Achilles tendinitis and Achilles bursitis together, it is known as Haglund’s syndrome.

What is the bump on my Achilles tendon?

A lump in the middle of your Achilles tendon usually means Achilles Tendonitis which is treatable with exercise most of the time. If the lump on your Achilles tendon is at the base of the heel there could be a few diagnoses. Most will respond well with treatment, however some may need medical management.

What are xanthomas associated with?

Xanthomas are lesions on the skin containing cholesterol and fats. They are often associated with inherited disorders of lipid metabolism (inherited problems with the way that fats are broken down and used).

What cancers cause xanthomas?

Xanthomas are rare benign lesions that appear to be associated with inflammation of the gastric mucosa. As is frequently seen in patients with early gastric cancer in the gastric mucosa, xanthelasma was thought to be a predictive biomarker of gastric adenocarcinoma pre-tumorigenesis change [4, 5].

How is xanthoma diagnosed?

How is xanthoma diagnosed? Your doctor or dermatologist can typically diagnose xanthoma. They may be able to make a diagnosis simply by examining your skin. A skin biopsy can confirm the presence of a fatty deposit beneath the skin.