Lymphocytic Thrombophilic Arteritis: A Review

Macular lymphocytic arteritis or lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis (LTA) is a recently described cutaneous arteritis that is characterized by asymptomatic macules and patches of the extremities associated with lymphocytic arteritis at the deep dermal/subcuticular junction for which little information exists on demographics, evaluation, and management. There has been recent debate in the literature whether this disease is a new distinct entity, misdiagnosed cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cPAN), or a disease on a spectrum with cPAN. We systematically review the literature on demographic information, medical history, histopathology findings, and treatment management to analyze trends and clarify controversies in characterizations of LTA. Forty detailed cases of LTA have been published. We submit that, although literature is limited, a review of the data still suggests that LTA is distinct from cPAN and systemic PAN. In addition, to better reflect the pathophysiologic natural history of this condition and correct for the historical artifact of how the disease was identified, we encourage the disease to be referred to as LTA and discourage ongoing use of macular lymphocytic arteritis.