Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini: <i>An Immunopathologic Case Study</i>

Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini is a form of dermal atrophy that manifests as either single or multiple, sharply demarcated, hyperpigmented, non-indurated patches. These patches are marked by a slight depression of the skin, with an abrupt edge (i.e., the "cliff-drop" borders), usually located on the backs of adolescents or young adults. The pathophysiology of the disease is unknown, but some authors have suggested a role of Borrelia burgdorferi infection. A 35-year-old woman visited our department because of asymptomatic, hypopigmented, depressed patches on her chest and back lasting for three months. Laboratory evaluations were normal, except for positive serum antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Histologic examination revealed a significantly decreased thickness of the dermis. The patient underwent treatment with oral doxycycline 200 mg/day for six weeks, after which the depth of depression was improved. Herein, we report a case of atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini, associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection, successfully treated with oral doxycycline.

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“…When compared with adjacent normal skin, the dermal thickness is reduced. The sweat glands and the pilosebaceous units are not affected6,10.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

A Case of Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini Associated withBorrelia burgdorferiInfection Successfully Treated with Oral Doxycycline

Lee

Ahn

et al. 2011

Ann Dermatol

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“…The immunophenotyping disclosed inflammatory infiltrates of T lymphocytes and macrophages |6|. Positive staining of epidermal den dritic cells with anti-IgM antibody was reported as a char acteristic finding [13]. In single cases, IgM and C3 deposits were found in the blood vessel walls and occasionally at the basement membrane [6], However, IgM and C3 are not an infrequent finding in various cutaneous conditions, espe cially in connective tissue diseases, and we do not regard them as a characteristic feature.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Atrophoderma Pasini-Pierini Is a Primary Atrophic Abortive Morphea

Kencka¹,

Błaszczyk²,

Jabłońska³

1995

Dermatology

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Background: There are divergent opinions whether atrophoderma Pasini-Pierini (APP) is a nosologic entity or a primary atrophic morphea. Objective: Since usually single cases are reported without a long-term follow-up the present study was performed in order to elucidate the natural history of the disorder. Methods: We followed a large series of 139 patients, 91 adults and 48 children, for 4–30 years (mean over 10 years). Results: APP was found to be 6 times more frequent in females and not uncommon in children (10% of our series of localized scleroderma). At some time during the follow-up period, indurations appeared in the central parts of the lesions in 17% of the patients, and in 22% they coexisted with morphea plaques outside the atrophies. The histological pattern was similar to morphea at the stage of atrophy. No case developed full-blown morphea. Conclusion: APP appears to be an abortive morphea, in which the indurations failed to develop. The differentiation from morphea is of practical importance because of different management and prognosis.

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“…Electron microscopic study demonstrated macrophages and lymphocytes around vessels and between collagen fibers in the mid-dermis, and monoclonal antibody studies of the cells in the perivascular infiltrate demonstrated cells reacting with T cell and macrophages (9). These results suggest that immunological factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of IAPP.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 68%