Life-threatening dermatoses due to metabolic and endocrine disorders

Cardiovascular heart disease due to atherosclerosis is the commonest cause of mortality and morbidity in the Western world. Atherosclerosis is directly related to disorders of lipid metabolism, diabetes mellitus (DM), and insulin resistance. Disorders of thyroid function and porphyrin metabolism occur less frequently but may cause life-threatening situations if unrecognized. All these disorders are associated with characteristic dermatoses, which should permit early diagnosis and meaningful intervention.