Pseudoxanthoma-elasticum-like changes on the soft palate

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by aberrant fragmentation and calcification of elastic fibers, leading to characteristic cutaneous, ophthalmic, and cardiovascular manifestations. PXE demonstrates significant phenotypic variability; involvement of the oral mucosa may be the only clue to the diagnosis. Reports on mucous membrane involvement in PXE are scarce. Here, we present a case of PXE-like changes in the oral cavity. A 70-year-old male patient presented with a painless leukoplakic lesion on the soft palate. Biopsy revealed numerous degenerated fibers in the lamina propria. Verhoeff-van Gieson and von Kossa staining confirmed their identity as calcified elastic fibers. A histopathological diagnosis of PXE-like changes was made; the patient was referred to ophthalmology where angioid streaks were visualized fundoscopically. PXE-like changes in the absence of the characteristic genetic mutation have also been reported with or without systemic manifestations. Furthermore, PXE-like changes have been reported in up to 10% of oral biopsy specimens undertaken without clinical suspicion for PXE. Therefore, the significance of such changes in isolation is unclear. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the potential oral manifestations of PXE to facilitate prompt diagnosis and subspecialist referral.