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Skin involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
G Kolde1, R Bachus, A C Ludolph
1Department of Dermatology, Virchow-Clinics, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Germany.
Lancet (London, England)
|May 4, 1996
Summary
Skin changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) include disorganized connective tissue and abnormal blood vessels. These findings in ALS patients may help understand the disease
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibit dermal collagen and elastin disorganization.
- Investigated inflammatory alterations in cutaneous blood vessels in ALS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize skin alterations in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- To explore the potential of skin examination in understanding ALS pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Light and electron microscopy of skin biopsies from seven sporadic ALS patients.
- Comparison with age-matched and sex-matched control subjects.
Main Results:
- Skin biopsies revealed an oedematous dermis with irregular collagen fibrils.
- Small blood vessels showed duplicated basement membranes and beta-amyloid protein deposition.
- Distinctive skin changes were observed in all ALS patients, regardless of disability, and absent in controls.
Conclusions:
- The skin in ALS presents a unique pattern of connective tissue and blood vessel alterations.
- Skin examination is an accessible method that may contribute to elucidating ALS pathogenesis.