Eruptive Xanthoma as Alarming Sign of Hypertriglyceridemia in Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Eruptive xanthomas may be the phenotypic expression of severe hypertriglyceridemia and are usually located on the surfaces of the extensor areas and buttocks. We present a case of eruptive xanthomas in the extensor areas of the arms and legs associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia in an adolescent diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who was admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). After the management of DKA, the use of maintenance insulin therapy and lipid-lowering agents were initiated with a marked reduction in triglycerides and significant improvement in eruptive xanthomas. Proper management of DM and rapid reduction of triglyceride levels were essential in preventing complications such as acute pancreatitis. This article highlights the importance of an adequate management of the diabetic patient and the clinical suspicion of severe hypertriglyceridemia in patients with eruptive xanthoma.