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Xanthomas of the Achilles Tendon
Brief Description An
uncommon cause of small lumps in the Achilles tendon is an excessively
high cholesterol level in the blood stream. This is a hereditary
disorder that results in the deposition of cholesterol in the Achilles
tendon. Frequently people will also have yellowish plagues on the lower
eye lids, This is a serious condition and requires aggressive treatment
by a physician to lower the cholesterol levels. Left untreated the high
cholesterol levels can lead to premature heart attack and death. Diagnosis Diagnosis
is made by clinical exam. Palpation of the Achilles tendon will reveal
multiple small nodular masses. Noting excessively high blood
cholesterol levels on routine lab tests provides confirmation of the
condition. A biopsy of the lesion will also make the diagnosis. Treatment The
nodules in the Achilles tendon should be left alone. There is no value
in removing them. Treatment should be directed at lowering the blood
cholesterol levels.
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