In the past few years numerous scientific observations have been forthcoming on the subject of the lipoid dyscrasias. Various new concepts have been advanced to clarify the pathogenesis and classification of the disorders of fat metabolism.
Within the province of dermatology the xanthomatoses have occasioned considerable study and research. Nevertheless, confusion still exists as to the exact classification of the condition known as xanthoma diabeticorum. In this paper we shall attempt to trace the pathogenesis of this disease, as well as its relations to certain allied disorders of lipoid metabolism. For reasons to be discussed, we suggest that the more descriptive term of xanthoma eruptivum be substituted for the misnomer xanthoma diabeticorum.
HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION
The disease was first described by Addison and Gull, in 1850. Their description was so astute and so precise that very few additions or alterations in the clinical appearance of the disease have since been made.