Acroangiodermatitis presenting as unilateral hypertrophic verrucous plaques

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Vascular Medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Acroangiodermatitis (AAD) is a rare vasoproliferative disorder affecting extremities.
• AAD presents in two variants: Mali-type AAD (associated with chronic venous stasis) and Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome (associated with arteriovenous abnormalities).

Observation:

• A 67-year-old female patient with a history of varicose veins, DVT, stroke, and obesity presented with a three-year history of worsening verrucous red-brown papules and plaques on her right lower extremity.
• Clinical presentation and biopsy results confirmed Mali-type AAD.

Findings:

• Mali-type AAD, though relatively benign, can clinically and histologically mimic more serious conditions like Kaposi sarcoma.
• The patient's presentation and biopsy were consistent with Mali-type AAD.

Implications:

• Accurate differentiation of AAD variants from other pathologies is essential for appropriate patient management.
• Increased provider awareness of AAD and its subtypes can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely, correct treatment.