Reticular erythema with focal mid-dermal elastophagocytosis (REMDE)

Abstract

A 57-year-old man presented with a persistent arcuate partly reticular erythema of the upper chest. Histopathological examination revealed an upper and mid-dermal perivascular and interstitial dermatitis with macrophages which had engulfed elastic fibers. Additionally a focal dermal elastolysis was observed. The characteristic clinicopathological constellation has hitherto been reported in only 3 cases, including our case. Presumably, the disease belongs to a spectrum of clinical manifestation of mid-dermal elastolysis. It is suggested to gather future cases under the provisional diagnosis ''reticular erythema with focal mid-dermal elastophagocytosis" (REMDE) to gain more insights into this rare disease.