Macular lymphocytic arteritis: three cases questioning its classification as primary lymphocytic vasculitis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Macular arteritis, macular lymphocytic arteritis (MLA) or lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis all correspond to an identical new clinicopathological entity. Its individualization as a primary cutaneous lymphocytic arteritis is still controversial for certain authors as it could represent a latent form of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report here 3 additional cases of MLA, present a review of the literature and discuss the disease's nosology. RESULTS: MLA is characterized clinically by a benign skin eruption consisting in bilateral asymptomatic erythematous/hyperpigmented macules mainly located on the lower legs and histologically by a medium-sized cutaneous lymphocytic prominent arteritis present in early cutaneous lesions. CONCLUSION: These findings support that MLA may be considered as a chronic and indolent primary lymphocytic cutaneous arteritis. Nevertheless, in some cases the objective obliteration of cutaneous vessels underlines the need for continuous monitoring in MLA patients.