Malignant atrophic papulosis: treatment with aspirin and dipyridamole.

On electron microscopy of the endothelial cells of a patient with cutaneous and CNS symptoms of malignant atrophic papulosis, paramyxovirus-like particles could be seen in the cytoplasm. These particles were interpreted as degenerative changes that were due to ischemia. Coagulation studies showed increased thrombocyte aggregation, and treatment with the platelet-suppressive drugs, aspirin and dipyridamole, was instituted. This treatment resulted in a normal thrombocyte aggregation after eight months and complete clinical remission, which still persisted four months after cessation of therapy.