99 - Atrophies of Connective Tissue

Abstract

Atrophies of the skin are caused by a diminution or loss of collagen and/or elastic fibers. These disorders range from common conditions, such as striae distensae, to those conditions associated with very rare syndromes (e.g. Conradi–Hünermann–Happle syndrome, Rombo syndrome). In addition, the areas of atrophy can range from quite large, as in mid-dermal elastolysis, to punctate, as in follicular atrophoderma. The involvement may also vary from subtle to obvious. In most disorders, the underlying pathogenesis remains to be discovered.