Dermoscopy and direct immunofluorescence findings of elastosis perforans serpiginosa

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2016 Aug;41(6):667-70. doi: 10.1111/ced.12882. Epub 2016 Jul 5.

Abstract

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) is a rare skin disorder characterized by transepidermal elimination of abnormal elastic fibres. We present a new case of D-penicillamine (DPA)-induced EPS, and describe the clinical, dermoscopic, histopathological and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings. A 33-year-old woman receiving treatment with DPA presented with annular skin lesions. Digital dermoscopy of the lesions showed a central area of pink and yellowish discolouration with keratotic papules in the periphery, surrounded by a white halo, disposed in a way that resembled the islands of an archipelago. Other lesions showed a white to yellow central colouration and 'chrysalides' surrounding the keratotic plugs. Linear and granular deposits of IgG attached to the abnormal elastic fibres were seen with DIF. Dermoscopy can be helpful in the diagnosis of EPS. Moreover, DIF findings in skin biopsies of this case support the immune-mediated pathogenesis of EPS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chelating Agents / adverse effects
  • Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dermoscopy / methods*
  • Elastic Tissue / pathology
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / methods*
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / complications
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / drug therapy
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration / pathology
  • Humans
  • Penicillamine / administration & dosage
  • Penicillamine / adverse effects*
  • Penicillamine / therapeutic use
  • Rare Diseases
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Penicillamine

Supplementary concepts

  • Elastosis perforans serpiginosa