Connective tissue nevi of the skin. Clinical, genetic, and histopathologic classification of hamartomas of the collagen, elastin, and proteoglycan type

Abstract

Connective tissue nevi of the skin are hamartomatous lesions consisting predominantly of one of the components of the extracellular matrix, namely, collagen, elastin, or glycosaminoglycans. On the basis of clinical, histopathologic, and genetic considerations, the connective tissue nevi can be classified into defined categories. Association with extracutaneous features allows further delineation of these disease entities and aids in establishing an accurate diagnosis.