Canadian Respiratory Journal (Jan 2005)

A Case of Congenital Cutis Laxa (Generalized Elastolysis)

  • Paul Champion,
  • Frank Ryan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2005/624875
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 3
pp. 151 – 152

Abstract

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Cutis laxa (generalized elastolysis) is characterized by sagging folds of loose skin on the face and trunk. Although grouped with hyperelastic skin conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cutis laxa shows an almost total lack of skin elasticity. Because it is a generalized state, it may present as an abnormality in the connective tissue of more than one organ system. The authors report a patient who had end-stage renal failure related to heavy chain disease, a recognized association of cutis laxa. Although the patient’s vascular abnormalities were significant, she died of respiratory failure at 41 years of age from cutis laxa-induced emphysema.