Ann Dermatol.  2012 Feb;24(1):81-83. 10.5021/ad.2012.24.1.81.

Could a Growth Spurt Cause Linear Focal Elastosis Like Striae Distensae?

• Jang WS
• Lee JW
• Yoo KH
• Park KY
• Han TY
• Li K
• Seo SJ
• Hong CK

• KMID: 2156862
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2012.24.1.81

Abstract

Linear focal elastosis (LFE) is characterized by several asymptomatic, yellow, palpable, irregularly indurated, striae-like lines extending horizontally across the middle and lower back. A focal increase in elastic fibers is a hallmark of the disease as seen from biopsy specimens. The pathogenesis of LFE is unclear, as is the association between LFE and striae distensae (SD). However, the prevailing opinion is that LFE represents an excessive regenerative process of elastic fibers and is analogous to keloidal repair of SD. Although the timing of onset of LFE and SD was not synchronous in our patient, the triggering factor was the same, which was the growth spurt. This case is supporting the putative association between LFE and SD.

Keyword

Linear focal elastosis; Striae distensae

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Elastic Tissue
Humans
Keloid
Striae Distensae

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Clinical appearance. Yellow, horizontal, slightly elevated plaques are seen on the lower back (white arrow). Reddened, depressed, linear patches are seen on superior sides of the elevated plaque lesions (black arrow).

• 

  Fig. 2 Two biopsy specimens were taken from the elevated plaques and depressed patches on the patient's back. (a) Histopathology of the elevated plaques showed hypertrophic collagen bundles (H&E, original magnification ×100) and (b) abundant fragmented, clumped, and wavy elastic fibers (Verhoeff-van Gieson, original magnification ×100). (c) Histopathology of the depressed patches showed loosely bound collagen fibers, mild atrophic epidermis, decreased dermal thickness (H&E, original magnification ×100), and (d) diminished elastic fibers (Verhoeff-van Gieson, original magnification ×100).

Reference

1. Burket JM, Zelickson AS, Padilla RS. Linear focal elastosis (elastotic striae). J Am Acad Dermatol. 1989. 20:633–636.

2. Péc J, Chromej I. Linear focal elastosis: what's new? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2004. 18:247–249.

3. Cho S, Park ES, Lee DH, Li K, Chung JH. Clinical features and risk factors for striae distensae in Korean adolescents. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006. 20:1108–1113.

4. Tamada Y, Yokochi K, Ikeya T, Nakagomi Y, Miyake T, Hara K. Linear focal elastosis: a review of three cases in young Japanese men. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1997. 36:301–303.

5. Hashimoto K. Linear focal elastosis: Keloidal repair of striae distensae. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998. 39:309–313.

6. Hagari Y, Norimoto M, Mihara M. Linear focal elastosis associated with striae distensae in an elderly woman. Cutis. 1997. 60:246–248.

7. White GM. Linear focal elastosis: a degenerative or regenerative process of striae distenae? J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992. 27:468.