Pseudoatrophoderma Colli

Author: Anna Choczaj-Kukula, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD more...

Updated: Jan 25, 2012

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Background
Pathophysiology
Epidemiology
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Background

Pseudoatrophoderma colli is an unusual persistent dermatosis characterized by the presence of pigmented macules and plaques with a wrinkled atrophic appearance, involving the neck and the upper part of the trunk.

Becker and Muir^[1]reported the first case of pseudoatrophoderma colli in 1934. Since then, only single cases of this condition have been described; however, pseudoatrophoderma colli is likely more common than has been reported.^{[2, 3]}

Pathophysiology

The nature of the disease remains uncertain. Some authors suggest that vitamin A deficiency may be a contributing factor to the cause of this condition. In the past, pseudoatrophoderma colli was considered a subvariety or a transitional form of confluent and reticulate papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud,^[4]or a variant of parapsoriasis. Reports of familial cases of pseudoatrophoderma colli support the theory that it is an autosomal dominant dermatosis and a single disease entity.^{[5, 6]}

Frequency

United States

Pseudoatrophoderma colli is rare.

International

It is rare, with only 10-20 cases reported.

Mortality/Morbidity

Pseudoatrophoderma colli is a benign disease with no associated mortality or morbidity.

Race

No clear racial predilection is described.

Sex

All patients described in the literature, except one,^[7]are females.

Age

The reported cases of pseudoatrophoderma colli are in patients aged 14-45 years.

Proceed to Clinical Presentation

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Anna Choczaj-Kukula, MD, PhD Locum Consultant Dermatologist, Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust; Honorary Clinical Research Fellow, Royal Free Hospital, UK

Anna Choczaj-Kukula, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, British Association of Dermatologists, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and Royal Society of Medicine

Disclosure: Johnson & Johnson Salary Management position

Coauthor(s)

Camila K Janniger, MD Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Camila K Janniger, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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.

Additional Contributors

David F Butler, MD Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Glen H Crawford, MD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania Hospital

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Albert C Yan, MD Section Chief, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

Becker SW, Muir KB. Pseudo-atrophoderma colli: A hitherto undescribed condition. Arch Dermatol Syphilol. 1934;29:53-6.
Ayres S Jr, Ayres S 3rd. Pseudoatrophoderma colli. Arch Dermatol. 1955;71:763-4.
Obermayer ME, Becker SW. Pseudoatrophoderma colli. Arch Dermatol. 1955;72:281-2.
Palomeque FE, Hairston MA Jr. Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud. Arch Dermatol. Jul 1965;92(1):49-51. [Medline].
Frost K, Epstein E. Pseudoatrophoderma colli in sisters. Arch Dermatol Syphilol. 1939;40:755-61.
Kauh YC, Knepp ME, Luscombe HA. Pseudoatrophoderma colli. A familial case. Arch Dermatol. Oct 1980;116(10):1181-2. [Medline].
Kanan MW, Kandil E. Pseudoatrophoderma colli in a male. Br J Dermatol. Jan 1969;81(1):65-8. [Medline].
Kesten BM, James HD. Pseudoatrophoderma colli, acanthosis nigricans, and confluent and reticular papillomatosis. AMA Arch Derm. Apr 1957;75(4):525-42. [Medline].

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Pseudoatrophoderma Colli

Background

Pathophysiology

Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

International

Mortality/Morbidity

Race

Sex

Age