Treatment of Pretibial Myxedema (PTM) with Topical Steroid Ointment Application with Sealing Cover (Steroid Occlusive Dressing Technique: Steroid ODT) in Graves' Patients

Abstract

Localized pretibial myxedema (PTM) is a sign of Graves' disease. A 53-year-old man with Graves' disease was admitted with the development of PTM following radioisotope ¹³¹I treatment for Graves' hyperthyroidism. TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) titer was also increased after ¹³¹I treatment. TRAb was measured as thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) or TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII). PTM was noted several months after ¹³¹I treatment. The PTM-development seems to be associated with the increased TRAb-activities. The localized pretibial myxedema was effectively treated with topical steroid (triamcinolone acetonide) ointment application with sealing cover (steroid occlusive dressing technique: steroid ODT).
We also report our experience of PTM-treatment with steroid ODT in 5 other PTM patients with positive TRAb. PTM was successfully treated with steroid ODT in two patients. In these two patients, the treatment was started within several months of the appearance of PTM. In the other 4 patients, the treatment was started 5-10 years after the appearance of PTM without any beneficial effects. Early detection and early treatment are necessary for the remission of PTM.