Pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Case report

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is an uncommon disorder of elastin with characteristic skin laxity. Rhytidectomy of the excessive redundant skin is necessary for cosmetic improvement, and reports of surgical management are rare. We report a case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum with involvement of neck, axillae, breasts, abdomen, thighs, and perineum, together with angioid streaking of fundi. Rhytidectomy of the lax cervical skin was undertaken with satisfactory results after a 13 month follow-up. We have reviewed other published reports to obtain a better understanding of the genetics, histopathology, vascular and ophthalmological manifestations, and also the surgical implications of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.