Forum for Nordic Dermato-Venereology Nr2,2017 | Page 33
Quiz
An Usual Dermite Ocre of the Lower Limbs: A Quiz
N icolas K luger , R egional E ditor , F inland
Departments of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology, Skin and Allergy Hospital, University of
Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO Box 266, FIN-00029 Helsinki, Finland. E-mail:
[email protected]
A 65-year-old Caucasian woman presented for the follow-up
of a leg ulcer diagnosed as distal calciphylaxia treated by local
injection of sodium thiosulfate. Her past medical history was
notable for hypertension, non-toxic multi-nodular goitre,
systemic lupus and osteoporosis. Her regular medication
included currently and notably, antihypertensive treatments
(candesartan and lercanidipin), prednisolone, azathioprine,
oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation, bisphosphonate
(ibandronate) and citalopram.
(omitted here on purpose in the present text) in the anamnesis
provided the diagnosis of this hyperpigmentation.
What would you have asked to the patient? What is your diagnosis?
See next page for answer.
Upon presentation, leg ulcer had closed. Examination dis-
closed a striking asymptomatic dark-brown hyperpigmenta-
tion of the lower limbs that involved the whole legs (Fig. 1).
The pigmentation has been present for several years according
to the various medical records. It was sometimes considered
as a “dermite ocre” in a context of venous insufficiency. How-
ever, doppler ultrasound imaging of the veins of the lower
limbs failed to find any remarkable venous insufficiency. A
vascular surgeon had ruled out any arterial or venous lower
limbs insufficiency. The rest of skin, nails and mucosa were
free of any pigmentation. However, an additional information
Fig. 1. Intense brown pigmentation of the lower limbs.
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