MACULAR ARTERITIS – THE NEW CUTANEOUS MEDIUM-SIZED VESSELS VASCULITIS

Abstract

Introduction: Macular arteritis (MA) is the denomination for a new type of cutaneous medium-size vessels vasculitis, clinically characterized by erythemato-violaceous or brownish, reticulated and asymptomatic macules. Histopathological examination demonstrates a lymphocytic arteritis.

Case Report: A 35-year-old Caucasian man, with no smoking habits or relevant medical history presented with a 2-months history of cutaneous eruption on his limbs and trunk. He denied other complaints and the general physical examination was regular. The dermatological examination revealed multiples nontender and erythematous-violaceous macules, with linear and reticulated configuration. Cuta- neous periarteritis nodosa (CPN) was the main diagnosis proposed. Laboratory and radiological evaluation showed no underlying systemic disease. Pathological examination revealed a medium-sized vessel at the junction of the deep reticular dermis and the hypodermis, surrounded by a predominantly lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate and fibrin deposits in the lumen, which were compatible with MA.

Conclusion: MA is a poorly reported cutaneous vasculitis in the worldwide literature. The diagnosis is primarily histological and the CPN is the main clinical differential diagnosis.

KEYWORDS – Arteritis; Skin Diseases; Hyperpigmentation.