Linear focal elastosis or elastotic striae is a skin condition that presents with asymptomatic, palpable or atrophic, yellow lines of the middle and lower back, thighs, arms and breasts.[1]
Signs and symptoms
Linear focal elastosis manifests as hypertrophic linear yellow to red plaques that are asymptomatic and typically discovered by accident in the absence of a traumatic past. Though it usually affects the lower and middle back symmetrically, it can also affect the legs or face.[2]
Causes
Although the exact origin of linear focal elastosis is unknown, changes to elastic tissues are implicated.[2]
Diagnosis
According to histopathology, there may be more localized wavy fibers in the dermis, which are visible when elastic staining separates normal from hypertrophic collagen bundles.[3] There may be fragmentation or aggregation of the elastic fibers in the deep and upper dermis.[2] Fragmented elastic tissue, microfibrillar or granular constituents, and aggregated elastin are visible under an electron microscope.[4]
Gallery
Histopathology: Accumulation of fragmented elastotic material within the papillary dermis and transcutaneous elimination of elastotic fibers.[5]
^James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 517. ISBN0-7216-2921-0.
^ abcJeong, Jin Seob; Lee, Ji Yeoun; Kim, Mi Kyeong; Yoon, Tae Young (2011). "Linear Focal Elastosis Following Striae Distensae: Further Evidence of Keloidal Repair Process in the Pathogenesis of Linear Focal Elastosis". Annals of Dermatology. 23 (Suppl 2). Korean Dermatological Association and The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology: S141. doi:10.5021/ad.2011.23.s2.s141. ISSN1013-9087.
^Burket, John M.; Zelickson, Alvin S.; Padilla, R. Steven (1989). "Linear focal elastosis (elastotic striae)". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 20 (4). Elsevier BV: 633–636. doi:10.1016/s0190-9622(89)70075-x. ISSN0190-9622.