Ultrastructural aspects of primary anetoderma

Abstract

Anetoderma is a rare cutaneous disorder characterized by focal loss of dermal elastic tissue due to unknown mechanisms. Primary anetoderma develops on clinical normal skin, without any preceding dermatosis and it can be associated with autoimmune conditions. Secondary anetoderma develops on the same area of a previous disorder, such as infectious, neoplastic or inflammatory diseases. A 37-year-old female patient noticed for 4 years circumscribed, normochromic, asymptomatic herniated plaques on the trunk and upper limbs. Family history was negative. Only a positive antinuclear factor (ANF) test, with titer of 1:160 and nuclear homogeneous pattern was found. Light microscopy with Weigert staining showed a lessening of elastic fibers with fragmentation; the oxytalanic fibers were also affected or absent. Transmission electron microscopy showed fragmentation and granular degeneration of elastic fibers. With greater magnification, fragments similar to those seen with optical microscopy were identified. The collagen fibers did not present any alteration. The examination of the dermis with scanning electron microscopy also identified fragmentation and significant fissures of the elastic tissue, granular degeneration was also observed. With greater magnification fragmented elastic fibers were seen.

Anetoderma Schweninger-Buzzi: Two Case Reports

“…It belongs to the acquired connective tissue disorders and is characterised by localised skin atrophy and loss of elastic fibres [3]. In electron microscopy, fibre fragments have been described [4].…”

Primary anetoderma in a woman after ovarian stimulations for in vitro fertilization program

“…Anetoderma is an uncommon benign skin disorder characterized by diffuse flaccid or herniated sac-like skin, with or without inflammation. The histopathologic clue is represented by focal loss of dermal elastic tissue 1 . The disease is currently classified as primary or secondary.…”

Extensive Primary Anetoderma Refractory to Erbium YAG Fractionally Ablative Laser

“…Primary anetoderma has been described in association with autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and thyroiditis, as well as in association with HIV. 2,3 A 23 year old woman with no significant past medical history presented to the clinic for evaluation of "spots" that gradually appeared over 2-3 years. The lesions erupted without associated redness, itching, scaling, or burning.…”