Dermatochalasis Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Oct 08, 2019
  • Author: Grant D Gilliland, MD; Chief Editor: Edsel B Ing, MD, PhD, MBA, MEd, MPH, MA, FRCSC  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Blepharochalasis syndrome is separate and distinct from dermatochalasis and is a rare disorder that typically affects the upper eyelids in younger patients. Blepharochalasis syndrome is characterized by intermittent, recurrent eyelid edema. This results in relaxation of the eyelid tissue and resultant atrophy. In approximately 50% of patients, it is unilateral. Blepharochalasis can be separated into early and late phases. The early phase is divided further into hypertrophic and atrophic forms. The cause is probably a localized form of angioedema. Sequelae include conjunctival edema and injection, entropion, ectropion, steatoblepharon, ptosis, and excessively thin skin.

The pathology of blepharochalasis typically shows loss of elastic fibers, lymphedema, epithelial atrophy, and vasculitis.

Blepharochalasis rarely can be associated with agenesis of the kidney, vertebral abnormalities, and congenital heart defects.

Differential Diagnoses