[Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy: a rare cause of generalized telangiectasia]

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is an entity first described in 2000 by Salama and Rosenthal [1]. Because of its rarity, we felt it opportune to report the present case.

Patients and methods: We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman presenting with widespread telangiectasia distributed symmetrically on the legs, thighs and lower abdomen. The histological and immunohistochemical profile was typical of cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy.

Discussion: Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy is characterized by generalized cutaneous telangiectasia and unique histopathological features consisting of marked collagen deposition within the vascular wall of the post-capillary venules in the superficial dermis. Its cause remains unknown. The differential diagnosis consists mainly of generalized essential telangiectasia (GET) and telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP).