Angioma serpiginosum: a report of 2 cases identified using epiluminescence microscopy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Angioma serpiginosum is a rare, acquired vascular lesion simulating purpura, and should be differentiated from purpuric dermatoses such as Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

OBSERVATIONS:

We report 2 cases of angioma serpiginosum examined using epiluminescence microscopy. Characteristic findings of angiomas ("red lagoons") were observed entirely or focally in these 2 cases, but not in 4 cases of Henoch-Schonlein purpura and a case of senile purpura.

CONCLUSION:

Epiluminescence microscopy is beneficial in distinguishing angioma serpiginosum from purpuric dermatoses.

• Authors: T Ohnishi, T Nagayama, T Morita, T Miyazaki, H Okada, K Ohara, S Watanabe
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 135 Issue 11 Pg. 1366-8 (Nov 1999) ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States
• PMID: 10566835 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Erythema (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• IgA Vasculitis (diagnosis)
• Luminescent Measurements
• Male
• Microscopy
• Purpura (diagnosis)
• Telangiectasis (pathology)
• Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous (diagnosis)