Xanthelasma, but Not Arcus Senilis, Predicts Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease and Death

Xanthelasma (a sharply demarcated yellowish deposit of cholesterol underneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelid) and arcus senilis (a white or gray ring in the cornea or around the iris) are relatively common findings. Both appear to be manifestations of cholesterol esters in the skin or cornea, but their exact pathogeneses are not known. The relationship of these findings to serum lipids is imperfect, but many studies have linked their presence to elevated serum lipids. However, many in the medical community believe that a finding of xanthelasma or arcus senilis is benign and unrelated to atherosclerosis or death.

Investigators studied 12,745 people enrolled in the Copenhagen City Heart Study that began in 1976. At baseline, xanthel…