Anetodermie Schwenninger-Buzzi auf dunkler Haut

Abstract

A 10-year-old boy in Uganda developed primary anetoderma (Schwenninger-Buzzi). It is important not to confuse anetoderma with BL leprosy in spite of some superficial resemblance of the two diseases. Primary anetoderma is probably extremely rare in patients with dark skin although this may partly be due to a lack of dermatologists in Africa who could diagnose the disease.

Primary anetoderma in an African child, a probably neglected disease in this population

“…anetoderma can have severe consequences if the underlying disease is not treated, making the exclusion of other causes mandatory to establish PA. 1,2 In Africa, particularly in Malawi, where the population does not have access to a dermatologist, differential diagnoses can be primarily assessed by clinical history and basic complementary tests. 3,4 In our patient, the absence of infiltration of the lesions or adenopathies, her young age, and the skin biopsy performed, help to rule out multibacillary leprosy and lymphoproliferative disorders among others; besides, serologies help to discard syphilis or HIV. However, antiphospholipid antibodies and antinuclear antibodies, could not be assessed because of the rural area where the patient lived and the lack of access to a health-care system.…”

“…3,5,6 Although its true prevalence is unknown, it is more common in females and both children and adults may be affected. 1,3 Some authors described "post-inflammatory elastolysis and cutis laxa (PECL)" as a different entity with clinical and histopathological features from both, anetoderma and cutis laxa. 5 PECL, mainly seen in African 1-to 4-year-old girl, is characterized by a relapsing acute inflammatory phase with secondary elastolysis, deep wrinkles, and/or senile facial expression (not seen in our patient).…”

“…1 In the pediatric population, it usually has a chronic course. [1][2][3] In Africa, where access to a physician is limited, the sense of making the diagnosis is to avoid unnecessary treatment (including traditional medicine) or stigmatization.…”

“…1,2 About anetoderma in dark skin, albeit rarely reported, it seems to be clinically quite similar to fair skin, less for the more frequent hypopigmented changes. 3,5,6 Although its true prevalence is unknown, it is more common in females and both children and adults may be affected. 1,3 Some authors described "post-inflammatory elastolysis and cutis laxa (PECL)" as a different entity with clinical and histopathological features from both, anetoderma and cutis laxa.…”

Anetoderma after disseminated Mpox

“…It is particularly rare in those with darker skin, as seen in our patient. 2 Typically, anetoderma spares the face, palms, and soles but can manifest extensively elsewhere. Diagnosis is usually confirmed histopathologically by the reduced elastic fibers, particularly in the papillary and high reticular dermis, with specific staining techniques, as routine stains may not reveal significant changes.…”