[Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: A disorder with different manifestations].

BACKGROUND

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare, autosomal recessive inheritable disorder characterized by progressive elastic fibre calcification.

CASE DESCRIPTION: Here we describe two patients with different presentations of PXE. Patient A, an 11-year-old girl, visited the dermatologist because of yellow papules (pseudoxanthomas) on the side of her neck. With the aid of a skin biopsy, the dermatologist diagnosed PXE. Some years later, patient A developed symptoms of intermittent claudication due to arterial calcifications. Supervised exercise training diminished these symptoms. Patient B, a 55-year-old man, visited the ophthalmologist due to recent onset of metamorphopsia. The ophthalmologist discovered a subretinal haemorrhage and observed changes in the retina consistent with PXE. Severe loss of vision was prevented by intraocular anti-VEGF injections. Upon further investigation, pseudoxanthomas and arterial calcifications were found.

CONCLUSION

PXE is a rare monogenetic disorder with dermatological, ocular and vascular manifestations. With these two case reports we have illustrated how the initial clinical presentation and symptomatology may vary widely.