A case of pretibial myxedema and synthesis of mucopolysaccharides in the local tissue

Abstract

1) A male patient aged 49 years with pretibial myxedema was examined. He showed hyperthyroidism accompanied with exophthalmus and th roid acropathy. LATS was intensively positive in the blood, but negative in the local tissue.
2) Accumulation of mucopolysaccharides, especially hyaluronic acid, and high content of water were observed in the local tissue. Decrease of chondroitin sulfate B content was also demonstrated.
3) Hyper-activated synthesis of acid mucopolysaccharides in the local tissue was evidenced. Accordingly, it is suggested that the highly activated hyaluronic acid synthesis might result in relative lowering of synthetic activity of chondroitin sulfate B.