Ann Dermatol.  2011 Oct;23(Suppl 2):S141-S143. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.S2.S141.

Linear Focal Elastosis Following Striae Distensae: Further Evidence of Keloidal Repair Process in the Pathogenesis of Linear Focal Elastosis

• Jeong JS
• Lee JY
• Kim MK
• Yoon TY

• KMID: 2156774
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.S2.S141

Abstract

Linear focal elastosis (LFE) is a rare dermal elastosis characterized by hypertrophic yellowish linear plaques and increased abnormal elastic tissues in the lumbosacral area. Although the pathogenesis of this disorder remains unknown, it may be associated with keloidal repair process (KRP) of elastic tissues in striae distensae (SD), because there have been some reported cases of LFE accompanied by SD. We herein report a 14-year-old boy with LFE following SD in the lumbar region. Our case supports the hypothesis of KRP in the pathogenesis of LFE. Immunohistochemical study for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was negative. Therefore, we assume that the pathogenesis of KRP in LFE is different from that of keloid development, which is the TGF-beta signaling pathway.

Keyword

Keloidal repair process; Linear focal elastosis; Striae distensae; Transforming growth factor-beta

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Elastic Tissue
Humans
Keloid
Lumbosacral Region
Striae Distensae
Transforming Growth Factor beta
Transforming Growth Factor beta

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Multiple horizontally linear palpable mildly yellowish plaques (arrowheads) and several slightly atrophic shiny erythematous striae (arrows) on the middle and lower areas of the back. There are a few bands with a transitional zone (asterisks), in which the central hypertrophic band joined to the peripheral atrophic one in the midst of the back.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Hypertrophic collagen bundles were separated by basophilic wavy fibers in the dermis without significant epidermal changes (H&E, ×100). (B) Fragmented (asterisk) or aggregated wavy elastic fibers are present between collagen bundles. Some elastic fibers show a feature resembling a paintbrush (arrow) (Verhoeff-van Gieson stain, ×200). (C) Immunohistochemical study for TGF-β is negative in the dermal fibroblasts, although eccrine sweat glands normally show positive staining (immunoperoxidase stain, ×100).

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