Widespread biphasic amyloidosis: response to acitretin
A Hernández-Núñez1, E Daudén, M J Moreno de Vega
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain. agarciad@meditex.es
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|June 26, 2001
Summary
This study details a patient with a severe, itchy skin rash (cutaneous amyloidosis) that responded well to oral acitretin treatment. Acitretin effectively cleared the amyloid skin lesions, offering a new therapeutic option.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Histopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cutaneous amyloidosis is a rare condition characterized by amyloid deposition in the skin.
- Lesions are often pruritic and hyperkeratotic, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- A patient presented with intensely pruritic, hyperpigmented, and hyperkeratotic papules and plaques.
- Skin biopsy revealed amyloid deposits positive for cytokeratin using monoclonal antibodies.
Findings:
- Standard treatments like antihistamines and corticosteroids were ineffective.
- Oral acitretin administration led to significant lesion improvement and symptom resolution.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential efficacy of oral retinoids, specifically acitretin, in managing recalcitrant cutaneous amyloidosis.
- Further research into retinoids for cutaneous amyloidosis is warranted.
