Achilles tendon xanthomas are most commonly associated with which condition?

Achilles tendon xanthomas are abnormal growths of cholesterol-laden foam cells that commonly appear in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. This genetic condition is characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol due to a defect in the LDL receptor, leading to elevated total cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. The accumulation of cholesterol in the tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon, manifests as yellowish bumps known as xanthomas.

Individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia also face increased risks of premature coronary artery disease as a result of prolonged high cholesterol levels. The presence of xanthomas, especially in areas like the Achilles tendon, serves as an important clinical marker to suspect underlying dyslipidemia, particularly pertaining to cholesterol metabolism.

In contrast, while diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia can lead to other types of skin lesions or xanthomas (e.g., eruptive xanthomas), they are not specifically associated with the classic Achilles tendon xanthomas. Atherosclerosis, on the other hand, is a condition that results from the buildup of plaques in the arteries, primarily due to risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia; however, it does not directly correlate with the