Diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the thigh as the presenting sign of critical limb ischemia

Abstract

Diffuse dermal angiomatosis (DDA) is a rare, benign disease that can serve as the precursor to critical limb ischemia. Pruritic, erythematous plaques form from a proliferation of endothelial cells in response to dermal hypoxia. We present the case of a 63-year-old female patient with DDA of the left medial thigh, followed by ischemia of her distal extremities. Revascularization of her left leg resulted in resolution of the DDA and healing of her ulcers. DDA can be an important clue to identify significant peripheral vascular disease.

Keywords

• Diffuse dermal angiomatosis
• Lower limb ischemia
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Revascularization