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Familial reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi
P Danese1, A Zanca, M G Bertazzoni
1Department of Dermatology, C. Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|November 21, 1997
Summary
Reticulate acropigmentation is a genetic skin disorder causing irregular skin pigment changes. This study details a case with unique cellular findings in affected skin areas.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Genetics
- Histopathology
Background:
- Reticulate acropigmentation (RA) encompasses dyschromic disorders with autosomal dominant inheritance.
- Two primary forms, reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura (RAK) and reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi (RAD), are recognized.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old Caucasian female presented with progressive reticulate hyper- and hypopigmentation on forearms and hands.
- Affected family members exhibited similar dermatological lesions.
- Palm epidermal ridges remained intact, with no pits or breaks.
Findings:
- Biopsy revealed alternating basal layer melanin excess and absence.
- Electron microscopy showed increased, metabolically active melanocytes in hyperpigmented regions.
- Hypopigmented areas contained morphologically abnormal melanocytes with early-stage melanosomes.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of reticulate acropigmentation's clinical and cellular spectrum.
- Findings suggest distinct melanocyte behaviors contribute to pigmentary anomalies in RA.
- Further research into melanocyte function in RA is warranted.