Musculoskeletal ImagingXanthomatosis
a condition characterized by the presence of multiple
xanthomas. These disorders have a predilection for involving tendons about the hands, elbows and heels. Variable numbers of foam cells are seen in the tumours. In some cases xanthomatosis is associated with metabolic or endocrine disorders, such as hypercholesterolaemia and
diabetes mellitus. In the
hyperlipoproteinaemias, xanthomatous collections occur in soft tissue, tendinous, subperiosteal and intraosseous locations.
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by xanthomas, cataracts, progressive cerebellar ataxia and dementia. The biochemical basis is unknown, but cholesterol and cholesterol-like crystals accumulate in the xanthomas and in the white matter of the brain.
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