Circumscribed lenticular anetoderma in an HIV-infected man with a history of syphilis and lichen planus. (1/3)

Anetoderma is an uncommon dermatosis that manifests as discrete foci of well-circumscribed, atrophic skin. The condition can be idiopathic or can be secondary to a number of associated cutaneous diseases. Whereas the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unknown, anetoderma results from diminished elastic fibers in the dermis. We present an unusual case of localized, lenticular anetoderma in a man with HIV, a history of syphilis, and lichen planus. Both of these infections have been associated with anetoderma. Although his lesions are vaguely reminiscent of a variant of syphilitic anetoderma described in the 1930s, they are confined to a smaller anatomic distribution, differ in size, and have a papular appearance. As anetoderma can develop in the context of infectious disease, a diagnosis of anetoderma should trigger a thorough examination and evaluation for treatable concomitant illnesses.  (+info)

Papillary dermal elastosis. (2/3)

There are numerous acquired disorders of elastic tissue that are distinguished by a combination of clinical appearance, location, gender, age of onset, and characteristic histopathologic findings. We present a case of a 36-year-old man with multiple confluent, hypopigmented papules that coalesced into plaques with prominent follicular ostia over the dorsal aspects of the forearms, shoulders, upper chest, and upper back. Histologically there was selective loss of papillary dermal elastic fibers. The clinical and histopathologic findings in this case are consistent with an acquired disorder of elastic tissue which we believe represents the second reported case of papillary dermal elastosis.  (+info)

Anetoderma secondary to antiphospholipid antibodies. (3/3)

Anetoderma is an elastolytic disorder that is associated with a number of infectious and autoimmune disorders. We present a case of a patient with generalized anetoderma, who was later found to have positive antinuclear antibodies and antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs). Numerous other cases have been reported in literature and some authors have suggested that anetoderma is a highly specific sign of APAs, with or without other manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome [14]. Thus, work up for connective-tissue disorders should be considered in any patients who present with this skin finding.  (+info)