Clinical and histological aspect of erythema dyschromicum perstans in Korea: A review of 68 cases

Abstract

Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP) is a hypermelanotic disorder of the idiopathic variety characterized by blue-gray macules in healthy individuals. It has been described mainly in patients from tropical areas of Central and South America. Our aim was to evaluate EDP in Korea through the analysis of retrospective case series with EDP and to describe the clinical and histopathological features. It was a retrospective study (2002-2012) of EDP confirmed by review of clinical photographs and biopsy specimens. The files of 68 patients with EDP from six tertiary medical centers in Korea were included in this study. Of the 68 patients, 29 were male and 39 female. The age of patients ranged 3-76 years (mean, 33.9). Clinically, the majority of patients had lesions on the trunk (n = 47, 69.1%); the neck was affected in 27 cases, the upper extremities in 26, the face in 22 and the lower extremities in 16. Peripheral erythematous borders were observed in 12 patients (17.6%) and 11 patients had itching sensation at the lesion. Histopathologically, dermal melanophages and pigment incontinence were the most common findings. A follow up of more than 1 year was obtained in 51 patients. Of these, only one patient experienced complete clearance without recurrence. Our study illustrates the clinical and histopathological findings of EDP in Koreans. Our multicenter data may contribute to the understanding of EDP.