Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita and neonatal lupus
Caroline E Heughan1, Nordau Kanigsberg
1Division of Dermatology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita is an uncommon congenital vascular anomaly that is characterized by persistent, reticulated, violaceous pigmentation. We describe a female infant with vascular lesions consistent with this entity who was born to a mother with previously diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus. Antinuclear antibodies and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were detected in both mother and infant, supporting a diagnosis of neonatal lupus. This presentation is consistent with the rarely reported association between neonatal lupus and cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita that suggests the latter is part of the cutaneous spectrum of the former. A thorough maternal history and laboratory investigations should be considered for infants with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita and their mothers in order to rule out the presence of an underlying autoimmune disease.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
