Unilateral Nevoid Telangiectasia

Abstract

Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia is a cutaneous condition consisting of congenital or acquired patches of superficial telangiectases in a unilateral linear distribution. Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia has been associated with elevations of blood estrogen levels and/or an increased number of estrogen receptors in the involved skin. We present a hepatitis-B carrier case with unilateral nevoid telangiectasia on the face and the right side of the neck; she had normal blood estrogen and a normal number of estrogen receptors in the involved skin.

Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia syndrome of pregnancy

“…Circumstantial evidence suggests a strong association with hyperestrogenic state, as it has been found to manifest or exacerbate during puberty, pregnancy, chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B and C infections, portal hypertension, metastatic carcinoid syndrome, alcoholism, or the use of oral contraceptives (6, 9-11). Nevertheless, cases of UNTS occurring in the presence of normal serum estrogen levels have been reported (10,(12)(13)(14)(15). Cases have also been described in association with Becker melanosis, chemotherapy and hyperthyroidism.…”

Right-Sided Vascular Lesions

“…4 However, given that this condition occurs along Blaschko lines, somatic mosaicism may result in exaggerated numbers of estrogen receptors in affected tissue subsequently activated during periods of increased estrogen exposure. 4,7,13 A similar mechanism is believed operative in Becker nevus with respect to androgens, the 2 entities having been described concomitantly. 19 A patient with trisomy 16 mosacism, unilateral telangiectasias, hypertrichosis, hyperkeratosis, and hyperpigmentation has been reported lending further plausibility to these theories.…”

“…2,10-12 Associated underlying conditions include chronic liver disease, hepatitis B and C infections, portal hypertension, and alcoholism. 13 UNTS has also been reported with erythema palmare, metastatic carcinoid syndrome, tuberculosis, bronchitis, cryptorochidism, scleroderma, and hyperthyroidism. 2,3,14,15 Pranteda et al 16 described a 58-year-old woman with UNTS on the right hip and papillary serous cystoadenocarcinoma of the right ovary.…”

Authors reply: New clues on the path of understanding unilateral naevoid telangiectasia

“…1 He implies that UNT is actually a naevus (e.g. [3][4][5] There would be increased sensitivity of target organs or tissues towards hormonal agents as in hyperestrogenism or hyperthyroidism. In this context, it is well known that some vascular symptoms, especially unilateral signs, are considerable from the standpoint of the neurological involvement.…”