Pseudoxanthoma elasticum–like papillary dermal elastolysis: A mimicker of genetic pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE)–like papillary dermal elastolysis (PDE) is an acquired, rare, elastic tissue disorder that presents with multiple asymptomatic, nonfollicular yellowish or normochromic papules, coalescing into symmetrical cobblestone plaques, with a predilection for the neck of postmenopausal women. The condition develops slowly, in months to years, and, although clinically similar to PXE, it is devoid of any systemic implication, being only of esthetic concern. The etiology is unknown, but it is speculated that there is a multifactorial pathogenesis, with the contribution of intrinsic aging, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, abnormal elastogenesis, and genetic factors. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathology, with special stains specific for elastic fibers revealing loss of elastic plexus in the papillary dermis and the presence of melanophages. Its prevalence is probably underestimated, which reinforces the importance of better clinical and histologic identification to distinguish it from inherited PXE and to avoid extensive systemic investigations and unnecessary medical visits for the patient.