Self-involuting atrophoderma of the lateral-upper arm. A new benign variant of morphea?

BACKGROUND

Atrophoderma of Pasini-Pierini and morphea are considered to be distinct clinical entities. However, some authors say that they are closely related diseases. We encountered 5 unique cases that did not fit the criteria for both diseases.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

We report 5 cases with solitary atrophic lesions on the lateral-upper arm. They appeared as white to erythematous, non-indurated and slightly depressed lesions with a smooth surface, and the patients had no history of trauma or injection.

RESULTS

Histological examinations showed slight to moderate lower dermal fibrosis without specific changes in adipose tissue. The lesions disappeared spontaneously within a year.

CONCLUSION

Our cases may be a benign variant form of morphea. We propose the term 'self-involuting atrophoderma of the lateral-upper arm (SALA)' for these clinical features.