Nevus anelasticus: how should such lesions be classified?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pathology
• Genetics

Background:

• Nevus anelasticus is a rare connective tissue nevus.
• It typically affects individuals under 20 years old.
• Characterized by skin-colored to red papules/plaques on the trunk and extremities.

Observation:

• A case of a 17-year-old female with an asymptomatic plaque on the areola.
• The lesion exhibited slow progression.
• Clinical presentation was consistent with nevus anelasticus.

Findings:

• Histopathology revealed absent elastic fibers in the papillary and upper reticular dermis.
• Fragmented elastic fibers were noted in the deep reticular dermis.
• These findings confirm the defining histopathologic features of nevus anelasticus.

Implications:

• This case contributes to the understanding of nevus anelasticus nosology.
• Supports nevus anelasticus as a distinct clinical and histopathologic entity.
• Highlights the importance of histopathologic correlation in diagnosing rare skin disorders.