Comprehensive Diabetes And Thyroid Disorders Pathophysiology, Symptoms, And Management Practice Test

Pretibial myxedema is best described as?

Dry, waxy swelling of the front surfaces of the lower legs Swelling on the wrists Thickening of the soles Redness of the cheeks

Correct Answer:

Dry, waxy swelling of the front surfaces of the lower legs

Explanation:

Pretibial myxedema is a localized dermopathy seen in Graves disease, caused by deposition of glycosaminoglycans in the dermis that leads to thickened, waxy skin over the shins. The hallmark is a dry, waxy swelling on the front surfaces of the lower legs—a non-pitting edema that is characteristic of this condition. This differs from general edema, which is typically pitting, and from swelling at the wrists, plantar thickening, or facial redness, which reflect other issues or locations. So the best description is a dry, waxy swelling on the pretibial area.

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