Cutis Laxa (Elastolysis) 

  • Author: Daniel J Hogan, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 17, 2012
 

Background

Cutis laxa (CL), or elastolysis, is a rare, inherited or acquired connective tissue disorder in which the skin becomes inelastic and hangs loosely in folds. The clinical presentation and the mode of inheritance show considerable heterogeneity. Autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked recessive patterns have been noted in inherited forms. A serine to proline amino acid substitution in the fibulin 5 (FBLN5) gene has been associated with problems in normal elastogenesis, resulting in a recessive form of cutis laxa (elastolysis) in humans.[1] Autosomal recessive cutis laxa is a genetically heterogeneous condition.[2] A combined disorder of N- and O-linked glycosylation has been described in children with congenital cutis laxa in association with severe central nervous system involvement, brain migration defects, seizures, and hearing loss.

The X-linked form is currently classified in the group of copper transport diseases. The precise cause is unknown, but it may be due to abnormal elastin metabolism resulting in markedly reduced dermal elastin content. Autosomal dominant congenital cutis laxa (ADCL) is genetically heterogeneous and shows clinical variability. Mutations in the elastin gene (ELN) have been described.[3]

In both the inherited type and the acquired type, the internal organs are frequently involved. Cutis laxa (elastolysis) may be preceded by an inflammatory rash, or it may develop spontaneously.

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Pathophysiology

Cutis laxa (elastolysis) is characterized by degenerative changes in the elastic fibers resulting in loose, pendulous skin. The skin is sagging, redundant, and stretchable, with reduced elastic recoil. The cutaneous findings of cutis laxa may be striking, but the elastic fiber network is even more important for pulmonary and cardiovascular function.

In most cases of cutis laxa (elastolysis), the biochemical and molecular basis of the skin changes are unclear. However, the histopathologic analysis of the skin in several patients reveals alterations in the quantity or the morphology of elastin in which fragmentation or a loss of elastic fibers is present. Additionally, evidence of abnormal cross-linking of elastin exists in some patients with cutis laxa (elastolysis).

Studies have shown that several factors, such as copper deficiency, lysyl oxidase, elastases, and elastase inhibitors, contribute to abnormal elastin degradation.[4] Lysyl oxidase, a copper-dependent enzyme, is important in the synthesis and cross-linking of elastin and collagen. Therefore, low levels of serum copper could lead to diminished elastin synthesis. However, only a few patients with cutis laxa (elastolysis) have demonstrated low serum copper levels. Defective copper utilization may also lead to decreased activity of elastase inhibitor alpha-1 antitrypsin, resulting in destruction of elastic fibers.

Cultured dermal fibroblasts from patients with cutis laxa (elastolysis) have shown increased elastolytic activity compared with healthy skin, and elastolysis has been suggested to result from increased elastase activity.

Inflammatory cells or their mediators might damage elastic fibers. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages release elastases, which could damage elastic fibers with subsequent phagocytosis.

Excessive loss of cutaneous elastin in one patient with cutis laxa (elastolysis) appeared to be related to the combined effects of low lysyl oxidase activity with high levels of cathepsin G, an elastolytic protease. However, variations in the morphology of the elastic fibers among skin samples from individuals with cutis laxa (elastolysis) suggest that the biochemical basis of the disorder may be heterogeneous. Indeed, cutis laxa (elastolysis) could result from mutations that affect the synthesis, the stabilization, or the degradation of elastic fibers.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

Cutis laxa (elastolysis) is rare. Congenital forms of cutis laxa (elastolysis) are more common than acquired disease. The recessively inherited form is most frequent and most severe.

Mortality/Morbidity

The autosomal dominant form of cutis laxa (elastolysis) has a benign course; primarily, skin involvement is present, with few, if any systemic complications, and a normal life expectancy.

The autosomal recessive form is often associated with severe internal complications, such as genitourinary and gastrointestinal diverticula, diaphragmatic hernia, and emphysema leading to cor pulmonale and death in the first few years of life.

Approximately one half of the cases of acquired cutis laxa (elastolysis) are associated with a preceding inflammatory eruption, such as urticaria, eczema, erythema multiforme, or vesicular eruption, as well as reactions to penicillin or other drugs. Patients with Wilson disease are at particular risk because of the elastolytic effects caused by long-term, high doses of the copper chelation agent penicillamine.[5] The postinflammatory form of acquired cutis laxa (elastolysis) is typified by intense, episodic cutaneous inflammation and recurrent erythematous plaques. Systemic manifestations, such as fever, malaise, and leukocytosis, often accompany the inflammation. The cutaneous laxity that follows is limited to areas of previous inflammation.

The X-linked recessive variant of cutis laxa (elastolysis) is rare, with skin laxity and skeletal and genitourinary tract abnormalities. X-linked cutis laxa (elastolysis) is identical to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IX, and both conditions are now known as occipital horn syndrome.

Hypothyroidism owing to isolated thyrotropin deficiency has been reported in a newborn with the autosomal recessive form of congenital cutis laxa.[6]

In rare cases, cutis laxa (elastolysis) is associated with congenital hemolytic anemia of unknown origin and early-onset pulmonary emphysema.[7]

Race

Cutis laxa (elastolysis) affects persons of all races.

Sex

Cutis laxa (elastolysis) affects men and women equally.

Age

The autosomal dominant form has a later onset than the autosomal recessive form. Acquired cutis laxa (elastolysis) may develop at any age, but it often begins in adulthood.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Daniel J Hogan, MD  Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Investigator, Hill Top Research, Florida Research Center

Daniel J Hogan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, and Canadian Dermatology Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Tina Molis, MD, PhD  Staff Physician, Department of Radiology, St Francis Medical Center, University of Illinois at Peoria

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Susan M Swetter, MD  Director, Pigmented Lesion and Melanoma Program, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University Medical Center and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System

Susan M Swetter, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, Pacific Dermatologic Association, Society for Investigative Dermatology, Society for Melanoma Research, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard P Vinson, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Van Perry, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Van Perry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE  Medical Director, Clinical Studies Unit, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Associate Scholar, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: AMGEN Consulting fee Consulting; AMGEN Grant/research funds Investigator; Genentech Grant/research funds investigator; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Abbott Grant/research funds investigator; Abbott Consulting fee Consulting; Novartis investigator; Pfizer Grant/research funds investigator; Celgene Consulting fee DMC Chair; NIAMS and NHLBI Grant/research funds investigator

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Prominent skin laxity and wrinkling on the back.
Marked diminution of elastic fibers in the lower dermis (Verhoeff-van Gieson stain). Courtesy of Dr F. Abreo.
 
 
 
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