Ultrastructural evaluation of mid-dermal elastolysis.
Mid-dermal elastolysis is a well-defined clinical and histopathologic entity manifested by fine wrinkling of the skin and a mid-dermal loss of elastic fibers. Ultrastructural and histologic studies were performed in an attempt to better define the cause of the elastolytic process. Biopsy specimens from the lesions of 3 patients with mid-dermal elastolysis were studied at light and electron microscopic levels. Ultrastructural evidence of normal elastic fiber engulfment by activated macrophages was observed; however, some fields also demonstrated envelopment of abnormally degenerated elastic tissue. Although there are many potential causes of this degeneration, photodistribution of the lesions suggests that ultraviolet damage is a primary inciting factor.
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
C B
CB
Harmon
W P
WP
Su
E J
EJ
Gagne
A F
AF
Fransway
B D
BD
Zelickson
D000328:Adult; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology*