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Painless nodules on legs

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The location of the nodules and the patient’s history were important diagnostic clues. The punch biopsy confirmed our suspicions.


 

References

A 34-YEAR-OLD MAN presented with a 6-month history of asymptomatic, progressively enlarging subcutaneous nodules over his bilateral lower legs. He denied any history of injury, and there was no bleeding or discharge. The patient had a history of Graves disease that had been treated with radio­iodine therapy 2 years prior, followed by thyroxine replacement (150 mcg/d, 5 d/wk and 125 mcg/d, 2 d/wk). At the time of presentation, his thyroid function tests indicated subclinical hypothyroidism: free T4, 21.2 pmol/L (normal range, 11.8-24.6 pmol/L) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), 14.07 mIU/L (normal range, 0.27-4.2 mIU/L).

Examination revealed nontender, soft brown nodules over the bilateral shins, with minimal overlying lichenification (FIGURE 1). There was no peau d’orange (orange peel) appearance to suggest significant edema. A punch biopsy was performed.

Subcutaneous nodules without significant epidermal change

WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

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