Exogenous pseudoxanthoma elasticum: a new case in an old farmer.

Moreover, typical bullous lesions on erythematous skin were Sir, observed on his upper limbs. Mucosae were not involved. Family Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a generalized disorder of history was negative for PXE. Ophthalmological examinations and the connective tissue, characterized by an involvement of the echocardiogram were normal and routine laboratory tests, including cardiovascular system, skin and eyes. Five types of PXE have serum calcium and phosphorus, urinary calcium and parathyroid been classified on the basis of the mode of transmission (1) hormone, were within normal limits. and the clinical picture. The typical histological pattern is Two lesional biopsy specimens were taken from the proximal left characterized by fragmentation, degeneration and swelling of forearm. Staining with hematoxylin-eosin, Von Kossa and Weigert elastic fibres in the mid-dermis and by calcium deposition. was performed. Histopathology revealed short, enlarged, elastic fibres Similar cutaneous lesions have also occasionally been reported in the mid-dermis and pigmented particles in the dermis (Von Kossa stain). due to penicillamine (pseudo-pseudoxanthoma elasticum) or Electron microscopy showed important fibril dysplasia of the collato fertilizer contact in elderly farmers (exogenous pseudoxanthgen bundles in the dermis with a ‘‘flower-like’’ pattern. Moreover, the oma elasticum) (2, 3). elastic fibres showed notable signs of calcification. We report a 60-year-old man with PXE-like lesions localized on his left arm.