Acquired causes of dyslipidemia

Question 1

FH is most often caused by a defect in the _____.

What LDL levels would be expected in heterozygotes? Homozygotes/

Answer 1

LDL receptor.

> 250 in heterozygotes
500 in homozygotes

Question 2

What is the term for cholesterol deposits around the perimeter of the cornea?

Answer 2

Arcus cornealis. May reflect hypercholesterolemia.

Question 3

Differentiate xanthelasmas from xanthomas?

Answer 3

xanthelasmas - lipid deposits under the skin of the eyelid

xantomas - lipid deposits that often occur on the extensor surfaces (hands, achilles)

Question 4

What are clinical features of severe hypertriglyceridemia? What lab value defines “severe?”

Answer 4

Eruptive xanthomata
 Lipemia retinalis
 Hepatosplenomegaly
 Abdominal pain  acute pancreatitis 
 ---->5% fatality

Plasma TG greater than 500 (200-500 is “high”)