Transverse Nasal Line Associated with Congenital Persistent Milia

Abstract

In 1951, a transverse nasal line was first described by Cornbleet [1] as a peculiar reddish streak in a group of 5 girls and was labeled stria nasi transversa. It is important to recognize the nasal line as a localizing factor for comedones [2] and milia [3, 4]. We describe the occurrence of congenital persistent milia associated with a transverse linear line in a child. The case is remarkable since the milia were not limited to the nasal line. A 9-year-old white girl was referred to our department because of numerous, progressively appearing, asymptomatic small white cystic lesions located over the dorsum of the nose. The lesions had been present since birth but had become more obvious during the last 6 months. She was otherwise in good health and did not remember any local trauma to the nose. Clinical examination revealed numerous whitish 1to 2-mm papules on the nose. In addition, there was a line located between the middle and lower thirds of the nasal dorsum (fig. 1). This transverse nasal line had been present since birth and had persisted unchanged. The sister and grandmother, aged 7 and 67 years, respectively, had a similar nasal line at the same location, but without milia. There was no history of either allergic or frequent episodes of rhinitis. The milia were punctured with a needle and then expressed. They showed no recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. The transverse nasal line is located at the upper border of the tip of the nose. The clinical spectrum varies from a faint transverse reddish line to a groove with a depth and width of up to several millimeters. In Afro-Caribbeans, a narrow thread-like band of hyperpigmentation may be seen. Females are mostly affected, although the nasal line may also rarely be found in males [5]. The transverse nasal line must be distinguished from the nasal crease or wrinkle described in patients with allergic rhinitis who rub their noses to relieve itching, the ‘allergic salute’ [6, 7]. Two cases of congenital persistent milia associated with a transverse nasal line have been reported so far [3, 4]. In both patients, cystic lesions were almost exclusively located along the nasal line, although in 1 patient a few similar lesions on the face were also noted [4]. Fig. 1. Transverse nasal line and scattered milia on the dorsum of the nose.