Plaque-Like Form of Cutaneous Mucinosis

That mucin may be deposited in the skin independent of any apparent associated endocrinopathy is now a well-established fact. Initially, generalized myxedema in association with hypothyroidism was considered the only situation in which this occurred. Subsequently, nodules and large plaques of mucin were found, particularly in the pretibial area, in association with patients who had, or had been treated for, hyperthyroidism. As the problem of localized pretibial myxedema was further studied, it was appreciated that patches of localized myxedema could occur in the absence of any thyroid dysfunction; cutaneous deposits of mucin were found in the skin widespread over the body, and in this group of patients a normal endocrine function so far has been the rule. The term "lichen myxedematosus'' (papular mucinosis, lichen fibromucinoidosis) has been employed to classify this latter group clinically. The deposits of mucin in cutaneous mucinosis, referred to in the past as lichen myxedematosus, occur