title: Pigmentary demarcation lines associated with pregnancy.
abstract: We report three cases of pigmentary demarcation lines associated with pregnancy. In addition, we reviewed 19 cases including our 3 cases, which were reported in Japan. Most cases occurred during the latter period of pregnancy (after the seventh month), and the pigmentation faded spontaneously or disappeared a few months after delivery in all cases except one. Pigmentary demarcation lines are classified into five groups (types A-E). Of the 19 cases we reviewed, 2 cases showed lines of both types A and B, whereas all the other cases showed type B lines. Although there have only been 29 cases of pigmentary demarcation lines associated with pregnancy reported to date, before ours, we experienced 3 cases within 3 months, therefore it is possible that many such cases are overlooked. Pigmentary demarcation lines are mainly a cosmetic problem. Two of our three cases presented to obstetricians initially. We suggest that dermatologists should be aware that pigmentary demarcation lines may be associated with pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan. takekuni@med.kurume-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakama
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hashikawa
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Higuchi
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ishii
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miyasato
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hamada
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hashimoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000473:pathology*; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D055815:Young Adult