Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini: atrophy of dermis or subcutis?

Idiopathic Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini: Case report and literature review

Idiopathic Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini should be considered on the differential in a patient presenting with an asymptomatic atrophic plaque on the skin. Differentiation from Linear Atrophoderma of Moulin and morphea remains a challenge; however, features of the presentation and tissue biopsy can help establish the diagnosis.

Idiopathic Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini

Background:

Idiopathic atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini (LAPP) is a rare pattern of dermal atrophy, with less than 300 cases reported worldwide. Currently, there is controversy surrounding the classification of LAPP; some consider it to be a variant of morphea, while others view it as a separate disease entity.

Objective:

Our purpose was to further elucidate the nature and course of this unusual disease.

Methods:

We present a case report, with long-term follow-up of a case of IAPP of 30 years' duration.

Results:

The patient's lesions were primarily atrophic, without progression to morphea, scleroderma, or other systemic disease. Biopsy of a long-standing plaque demonstrated dermal thinning, and minimal dermal infiltrate.

Conclusion:

This case supports the findings of the literature on this subject: the majority of patients with IAPP have an entirely benign course, without progression to other disease.

A Case of Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini Associated with Borrelia burgdorferi Infection Successfully Treated with Oral Doxycycline

Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini is a form of dermal atrophy that manifests as either single or multiple, sharply demarcated, hyperpigmented, non-indurated patches. These patches are marked by a slight depression of the skin, with an abrupt edge (i.e., the "cliff-drop" borders), usually located on the backs of adolescents or young adults. The pathophysiology of the disease is unknown, but some authors have suggested a role of Borrelia burgdorferi infection. A 35-year-old woman visited our department because of asymptomatic, hypopigmented, depressed patches on her chest and back lasting for three months. Laboratory evaluations were normal, except for positive serum antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Histologic examination revealed a significantly decreased thickness of the dermis. The patient underwent treatment with oral doxycycline 200 mg/day for six weeks, after which the depth of depression was improved. Herein, we report a case of atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini, associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection, successfully treated with oral doxycycline.