Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis developed in early middle age

Abstract

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis is a rare acquired elastolytic disorder characterized by papules that resemble pseudoxanthoma elasticum, and it typically affects elderly women. Histopathological examination shows atrophic epidermis and band-like loss of elastic tissue in the papillary dermis. The pathogenesis is assumed to be related to intrinsic aging because it affects elderly people and shows the loss of elastic tissue. We report a case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis in early middle age presenting typical clinical and histopathological findings. The patient was a 41-year-old woman who had had her lesions for 10 years. We propose that younger patients, hitherto unknown, can be affected by this disorder and suggest that mechanisms other than intrinsic aging are involved in its pathogenesis. © 2007 Japanese Dermatological Association.