Clinical and pathological analysis of papular elastorrhexis: five case reports

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical and pathological features of papular elastorrhexis.Methods A retrospective study was performed on five patients with PE.The clinical and pathological features were assessed.Results All the five patients were female with an average age of 15.2 years (range,9-26 years) and clinical course of 6 years (1-10 years).Characteristic lesions were scattered or clustered,white or skin-colored,asymptomatic,nonfollicular papules measuring 0.1-1 cm in diameter,which were mainly distributed on the trunk and limbs.Histopathological examination of lesions showed disruption,decrease and even focal disappearance of dermal elastic fibers,as well as thickening and homogenization of collagen fibers.The patients were treated with isotretinoin and liquid nitrogen cryotherapy,but no obvious improvement was achieved.Conclusions Papular elastorrhexis is rare in clinic,and its diagnosis should be based on clinical and pathological presentations.To recognize this entity is beneficial to its early diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary treatment. Key words: Papular elastorrhexis; Skin manifestations; Pathology