[Malignant atrophic papulosis (Köhlmeier-Degos): diagnosis, therapy and course]

Hautarzt. 2001 Aug;52(8):734-7. doi: 10.1007/s001050170092.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A 71-year-old male patient presented with malignant atrophic papulosis (Köhlmeier-Degos disease). He developed multiple distinctive cutaneous lesions. The histopathological findings showed an obliterated arteriole with a wedge-shaped area of ulcerated and necrobiotic dermis. Laboratory tests were within normal limits or not specific. Although the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs has been noted in approximately 60% of the reported cases, in this patient so far the skin seems to be the only involved site. There is no proven effective therapy for Köhlmeier-Degos disease. In our case treatment with pentoxifylline and aspirin led to healing of all skin lesions within 3 months. One year after beginning treatment, the patient showed neither new cutaneous lesions, nor any signs of systemic involvement. The combination of pentoxifylline and aspirin should be considered when planning treatment strategies for malignant atrophic papulosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pentoxifylline / administration & dosage
  • Pentoxifylline / therapeutic use
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous* / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous* / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous* / pathology
  • Syndrome
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Aspirin
  • Pentoxifylline