Dermoscopy of cutaneous vascular lesions: An observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous vascular lesions (VLs) comprise of all skin diseases that originate from or affect blood or lymphatic vessels. VLs are expected to show predominant vascular structures (VS) in dermoscope and adequate interpretation of the shapes and distribution of VS lead the observer to the right diagnosis. Objectives: The aim is to study and evaluate the dermoscopic patterns of different types of VLs using polarized white and orange light. Methodology: Patients presenting with VLs including vascular tumours, vascular malformations, purpura, and other miscellaneous conditions were enrolled in this study conducted in dermatology outpatient department. After relevant history and examination, dermoscopic images were captured and stored for the analysis. Results: A total of 170 patients of 20 VLs were studied including 118 males and 52 females. For evaluating dermoscopic features, we described the findings under two headings, key features, and other nonspecific features. In key features, we included lacunae and vascular patterns, whereas in other features, homogenous area, white collarette, white rail lines, peripheral erythema, increased pigment network, brown area, veil, dot, globule, patch, lines and changes in background color, etc., were included. Interestingly, dermoscopy revealed some new features such as half and half lacunae and pattern 4 in angiokeratoma, arciform structures in angioma serpiginosum, silvery globules in subungual hematoma, and many more. Conclusion: Dermsocope can be used as a handy tool to quickly diagnose innocent VLs based on established dermsocopic features and to easily differentiate them from each other and from the malignant lesions.

Keywords

• dermoscopy
• lacunae
• orange light
• vascular lesions
• vessels