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Notalgia paraesthetica--report of an association with macular amyloidosis
V Goulden1, A S Highet, H K Shamy
1Department of Dermatology, York District Hospital, UK.
Abstract:
We report three patients with notalgia paraesthetica. In two of our cases amyloid deposits were found on skin biopsy. Symptoms had been present in both cases for a number of years. It is well recognized that the amount of amyloid present in macular amyloid is often very small and difficult to detect. We suggest that many cases of long-standing notalgia paraesthetica may result in the formation of amyloid, possibly secondary to chronic friction.
Insights
Notalgia paraesthetica patients may develop amyloid deposits in the skin. This suggests chronic friction could lead to amyloid formation in long-standing cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Notalgia paraesthetica is a neuropathic itch affecting the upper back.
- Amyloidosis is a group of disorders characterized by amyloid protein buildup.
Observation:
- Three patients with notalgia paraesthetica were studied.
- Skin biopsies revealed amyloid deposits in two of these patients.
- Symptoms were long-standing in the affected individuals.
Findings:
- Amyloid deposits were identified in the skin of patients with chronic notalgia paraesthetica.
- The amount of amyloid in macular amyloidosis can be minimal and challenging to detect.
- Chronic friction is proposed as a potential cause for amyloid formation in these cases.
Implications:
- This finding may link chronic friction in notalgia paraesthetica to secondary amyloidosis.
- Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between notalgia paraesthetica and amyloid deposition.
- Understanding this association could lead to new diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.