Self-involuting atrophoderma of the lateral-upper arm. A new benign variant of morphea?

Dermatology. 1997;194(2):147-50. doi: 10.1159/000246084.

Abstract

Background: Atrophoderma of Pasini-Pierini and morphea are considered to be distinct clinical entities. However, some authors say that they are closely related diseases. We encountered 5 unique cases that did not fit the criteria for both diseases.

Objective and methods: We report 5 cases with solitary atrophic lesions on the lateral-upper arm. They appeared as white to erythematous, non-indurated and slightly depressed lesions with a smooth surface, and the patients had no history of trauma or injection.

Results: Histological examinations showed slight to moderate lower dermal fibrosis without specific changes in adipose tissue. The lesions disappeared spontaneously within a year.

Conclusion: Our cases may be a benign variant form of morphea. We propose the term 'self-involuting atrophoderma of the lateral-upper arm (SALA)' for these clinical features.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arm / pathology*
  • Atrophy
  • Child
  • Color
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Erythema / pathology
  • Female
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Scleroderma, Localized / pathology*
  • Skin / pathology*