For the following dyslipidemias, select the most characteristic finding.Hyperchylomicronemia.: (A) palmar plane xanthomas, (B) triglycerides > 1000, (C) subcutaneous extensor tendon xanthomas, (D) low serum cholesterol
Answer is B. Very elevated triglycerides are a prominent feature of this disorder. In the familial type 1 form, the defect is believed to be a deficiency of lipoprotein lipase activity. It is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome, and usually presents in childhood with typical eruptive xanthoma and abdominal pain secondary to acute pancreatitis. Secondary hyperchylomicronemia (diabetes, hypothyroidism, uremia) is a much more common syndrome.