Linear focal elastosis associated with striae distensae in an elderly woman

We report the case of a 73-year-old woman with linear focal elastosis (LFE) associated with striae distensae. Yellow palpable striae were found extending horizontally in the lumbar region. The yellow striae appeared to be joined to striae distensae in the lateral sides of the yellow striae. Striae distensae were also present in regions other than the back but were not associated with yellow striae. Histologic examination of a yellow stria revealed a focal increase in elastic fibers in the dermis. Although there have been some unusual cases of LFE arising in women or in young persons, this disorder still predominantly affects aged men. A fairly uniform feature of LFE is its occurrence on the dorsal skin, suggesting involvement of this specific anatomical site in its pathogenesis. We suspect that LFE usually arises de novo in the skin, although striae distensae may also be a cause of it.