cqvip:Background. Cutis laxa is an uncommon entity characterized by laxity of the sk in, which hangs in loose folds, producing the appearance of premature aging. It can be subdivided into congenital and acquired. This latter variant is rare and the skin involvement varies from generalized to localized. We report a case of a localized acquired cutis laxa confined to the face, without preceding inflammat ory lesions or systemic compromise. Four similar cases have been reported to dat e. The etiology remains unknown and there is no definitive treatment. Methods. A 27-year-old White woman came to our hospital with a wrinkled face, pendulous earlobes and drop eyelids. Changes began 5 years prior, and she appeared much ol der than her age. Results. Histological analysis and ultrastructural examination of skin biopsy revealed reduction and fragmentation of elastic fibers, confirmi ng the diagnosis of cutis laxa. No systemic involvement was diagnosed. The patie nt was submitted to plastic surgery for repair, with satisfactory results to dat e. Conclusions. Acquired localized cutis laxa confined to the face without prece ding inflammatory lesions is extremely rare. The etiology remains unknown. Clini cal features and histopathologic findings confirm the diagnosis. Surgical repair seems to be the only therapeutic choice, but the results are variable and tempo rary.
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