Localized lichen myxoedematosus (papular mucinosis) associated with morbid obesity: report of two cases

Review of Primary Cutaneous Mucinoses in Nonlupus Connective Tissue Diseases

Lichen myxedematosus is an idiopathic, cutaneous mucinosis with 2 clinicopathologic subsets. There is the generalised papular and sclerodermoid form, more properly termed scleromyxedema, and the localised papular form. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of lichen myxedematosus in association with rheumatoid arthritis as well as a case in association with dermatomyositis. An up-to-date literature review on cutaneous mucinoses and connective tissue diseases, excluding the common association of primary and secondary mucinoses with systemic lupus erythematosus, was also performed.

[Discrete papular mucinosis]

BACKGROUND

Papular mucinosis is a rare dermatological disorder characterized by papules, nodules or plaques resulting from mucin deposits in the dermis, and to a certain degree, from fibrosis, without thyroid dysfunction.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old man consulted for symmetrical papular lesions on the face, neck and shoulders. The lesions had gradually spread over some 20 years. Laboratory findings were normal. Histopathologic examination showed diffuse mucin deposits in the superficial and middle layers of the dermis, thick bands of collagen, proliferation of fibroblasts and mild perivascular infiltration by mononuclear cells. All of these findings pointed to a diagnosis of papular mucinosis.

DISCUSSION

The specific interest of this case is the predominant involvement of the face and the spread of the lesions. According to the updated Rongioletti classification, this patient is presenting an atypical and novel form of papular mucinosis of a "mild papular" type with facial involvement. The 20-year history without systemic involvement or paraprotein suggests to us that this localized form will not develop into the systemic form or scleromyxoedema.

Obesity and dermatology

Obesity is associated with a number of dermatoses. It affects cutaneous sensation, temperature regulation, foot shape, and vasculature. Acanthosis nigricans is the most common dermatological manifestation of obesity. Skin tags are more commonly associated with diabetes than with obesity. Obesity increases the incidence of cutaneous infections that include: candidiasis, intertigo, candida folliculitis, furunculosis, erythrasma, tinea cruris, and folliculitis. Less common infections include cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and gas gangrene. Leg ulcerations, lymphedema, plantar hyperkeratosis, and striae are more common with obesity. Hormonal abnormalities and genetic syndromes (Prader-Willi) are related to obesity and its dermatoses; however, cellulite is not related to obesity.