Angioma serpiginosum: a report of 2 cases identified using epiluminescence microscopy.
BACKGROUND
Angioma serpiginosum is a rare, acquired vascular lesion simulating purpura, and should be differentiated from purpuric dermatoses such as Henoch-Schonlein purpura.


METHODS
We report 2 cases of angioma serpiginosum examined using epiluminescence microscopy. Characteristic findings of angiomas ("red lagoons") were observed entirely or focally in these 2 cases, but not in 4 cases of Henoch-Schonlein purpura and a case of senile purpura.


CONCLUSIONS
Epiluminescence microscopy is beneficial in distinguishing angioma serpiginosum from purpuric dermatoses.
Ohnishi
T
T
Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. ohnishi@med.teikyo-u.ac.jp
Nagayama
T
T
Morita
T
T
Miyazaki
T
T
Okada
H
H
Ohara
K
K
Watanabe
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004890:Erythema / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D011693:Purpura / Q000175:diagnosis; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000473:pathology*; D018366:Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis