Benign cutaneous Degos' disease

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2003 Mar;28(2):145-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2003.01161.x.

Abstract

Malignant atrophic papulosis is a rare systemic vaso-occlusive disorder characterized by thrombosis of vessels of the dermis, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system and, occasionally, other organs. Cutaneous lesions consist of erythematous, dome-shaped papules that develop a central area of necrosis to leave a porcelain-like scar. The most accepted theory of pathogenesis is based on endothelial cell damage. There is no effective treatment of the disease. We describe a 26-year-old man with Degos' disease, a diagnosis based on the clinical and histologic pattern of skin lesions. The good response to antiplatelet therapy and the absence of systemic involvement over 8 years' follow-up is noteworthy. We believe that this case represents the benign form of the disease, typically referred to as benign cutaneous Degos' disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Dipyridamole / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / pathology*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Dipyridamole
  • Aspirin