Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis; A report of two cases and a literature review

Abstract

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis is a rare, benign, acquired, gradually-developing chronic elastic tissue disorder that almost exclusively affects post-menopausal women. It is essential to recognize this disease as it mimics the inherited pseudoxanthoma clinically. The pathophysiology behind this disease is multifactorial; it includes intrinsic skin aging, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and genetic components. We report two patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum-papillary dermal elastolysis diagnosis based on clinicopathologic correlation in two post-menopausal women who presented with multiple asymptomatic papules over the neck that developed gradually without systemic involvement, and were managed conservatively. We also discuss this disease's clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic features.