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Macular lymphocytic arteritis: a unique benign cutaneous arteritis, mediated by lymphocytes and appearing as macules
Author(s) -
Saleh Zenus,
Mutasim Diya F.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of cutaneous pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1600-0560
pISSN - 0303-6987
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2009.01272.x
Subject(s) - arteritis , medicine , pathology , dermatology , vasculitis , disease
Background: Macular arteritis (MA) is a term coined for a cutaneous vasculitis that manifests as multiple macules that favor the lower extremities and that reveal lymphocytic inflammation of an artery in the deep dermis and subcutaneous fat. Methods: We describe the demographic, clinical, histologic, and laboratory findings in three new cases and review seven previously reported cases of MA, and discuss the nosology of MA. Results: MA affects predominantly females (70% or 7/10) and individuals of African‐American race (50%). Eight patients had hyperpigmented patches, one had hypopigmented macules, and one had erythematous macules. The lower extremities were involved in 100% of cases, followed by the upper extremities (44%). Light microscopic changes are those of a medium‐vessel lymphocytic arteritis. Investigations for possible causes are non‐revealing. Conclusion: We conclude that MA is a primary idiopathic cutaneous lymphocytic arteritis that is limited to the skin.