Definition

Noun: - A medical condition characterized by the widespread appearance of xanthomas (yellowish nodules or plaques composed of lipid-laden cells) on the skin, particularly on the elbows and knees. This condition is frequently associated with an underlying disorder of lipid metabolism.

Usage

• The term is used in medical contexts to describe a specific dermatological manifestation of a systemic metabolic issue. It is a clinical sign rather than a disease itself.

Examples

• The patient's diagnosis of xanthoma multiplex led to further investigation, which revealed familial hypercholesterolemia.
• The presence of xanthoma multiplex is a strong indicator for screening the patient's blood lipid levels.

Advanced Usage

• The condition is also historically known as xanthoma tuberosum or tuberous xanthoma, referring to the tuber-like (knobby) nature of the lesions.
• It is a hallmark feature of certain genetic dyslipidemias, such as familial hypercholesterolemia or remnant hyperlipidemia (dysbetalipoproteinemia).

Variants and Related Words

• Xanthoma (n): The singular form, referring to a single lesion or plaque.
• Xanthelasma (n): A specific type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids.
• Hyperlipidemia (n): The general term for elevated levels of lipids in the blood, which is the common underlying cause.

Synonyms

• Tuberous xanthoma
• Xanthoma tuberosum

Notes

• Xanthoma multiplex is a compound noun where "multiplex" indicates the multiple and widespread nature of the xanthomas. The term is used as a single clinical entity.

Noun

1. widespread xanthomas (especially on elbows and knees); often associated with a disorder of lipid metabolism