title: Macular lymphocytic arteritis: three cases questioning its classification as primary lymphocytic vasculitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Macular arteritis, macular lymphocytic arteritis (MLA) or lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis all correspond to an identical new clinicopathological entity. Its individualization as a primary cutaneous lymphocytic arteritis is still controversial for certain authors as it could represent a latent form of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report here 3 additional cases of MLA, present a review of the literature and discuss the disease's nosology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MLA is characterized clinically by a benign skin eruption consisting in bilateral asymptomatic erythematous/hyperpigmented macules mainly located on the lower legs and histologically by a medium-sized cutaneous lymphocytic prominent arteritis present in early cutaneous lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings support that MLA may be considered as a chronic and indolent primary lymphocytic cutaneous arteritis. Nevertheless, in some cases the objective obliteration of cutaneous vessels underlines the need for continuous monitoring in MLA patients.
authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Nîmes, Nîmes, France.
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: Garcia
authors: Michel
authors: M
authors: Dandurand
authors: Pascal
authors: P
authors: Roger
authors: Jean-Marie
authors: JM
authors: Joujoux
authors: Laurent
authors: L
authors: Meunier
authors: Pierre-Emmanuel
authors: PE
authors: Stoebner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001167:Arteritis / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017445:Skin Diseases, Vascular / Q000473:pathology