Diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast: clinicopathologic study of 5 patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diffuse dermal angiomatosis (DDA) is a rare skin condition considered to be a type of reactive angioendotheliomatosis. Histologic features are quite characteristic. It has been reported in association with vaso-occlusive disease, trauma, or underlying hypercoagulability. In the past, it was thought to be most common on the lower extremities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and histologic features of 5 patients with DDA. METHODS: The clinical and histologic features of 5 patients with DDA were evaluated. RESULTS: Five women (47-58 years old) had DDA of the breast. Histologic examination showed a diffuse proliferation of benign endothelial cells between the collagen bundles throughout the dermis. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of our study is the limited number of patients. CONCLUSION: Involvement of the breast is much more common than previously reported. Smoking seems to be a strong risk factor for the disease. Revascularization, oral corticosteroids, and oral anticoagulation have all been reported to be somewhat successful in the treatment of DDA of the breast.