Atrophy blanche

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: EF5Y

Entity described by

Milian 1929

Synonym (s)

Capillaritis alba

Definition

Painful ulcer occurring within the triad of livedovasculopathy.

Etiopathogenesis

Vasculopathy leads to vascular occlusion.

Frequently associated is chronic venous insufficiency.

Clinical features

White, partly ulcerated plaques.

Diagnosis

Histories (CVI?, known vasculopathies)

Clinical

If necessary, biopsy if diagnosis cannot be assigned with certainty clinically.

Localization

Mostly in the malleolar area medial.

Therapy

Phlebological examination.

Topical class III steroids.

If necessary, acetylsalicylic acid 2-3g daily or pentoxyfilline up to 3x 400 mg daily.

If necessary, low molecular weight heparin (e.g. Clexane®)

References

Gordon C. Sauer, MD Pentoxifylline (Trental) Therapy for the Vasculitis of Atrophie Blanche

Arch Dermatol. 1986;122(4):380-381.

Hairston BR, Davis MD, Gibson LE, Drage LA. Treatment of livedoid vasculopathy with low-molecular-weight heparin: report of 2 cases. Arch Dermatol 2003; 139:987.