Acquired perforating dermatosis. Case report of two patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic renal disease undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Perforating dermatoses (PD) represent a heterogeneous group of inherited or acquired diseases characterized by transepidermal migration of dermis extracellular matrix components (collagen, elastic tissue or necrotic connective tissue) following an inflammatory and/or degenerative process. The etiopathogenesis of acquired perforating dermatosis (APD) is unknown. However, it is strongly associated with minor trauma, chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus and, less frequently, with endocrinological diseases, infectious diseases, neoplastic growth, among others. Acquired perforating dermatoses are diagnosed in 10-12 % of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Itching constitutes the main symptom of this disorder. In some cases, it may be incapacitating and secondary excoriation due to scratching may cause extensive lesions altering the skin barrier function. We report the cases of two patients undergoing hemodialysis three times a week, both with a history of diabetes mellitus and end-stage chronic renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). These patients presented with generalized itching dermatosis which had been going on for months. Upon physical examination, raised, hyperpigmented lesions with an umbilicated center and surrounded by an erythematous halo were observed on the face, trunk and limbs. Histopathological examination revealed APD.

Keywords

• dermatosis perforante adquirida
• hemodiálisis
• diálisis renal
• diabetes mellitus
• lesiones