Angiokeratoma

Angiokeratoma is benign cutaneous lesion of capillaries, resulting in small marks of red to blue color and characterized by hyperkeratosis.

"Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum" refers to Fabry's disease,^[1] but this is usually considered a distinct condition.

Presentation

Presentation includes telangiectasia, acanthosis, and hyperkeratosis.^[2]

Presentation can be solitary or systemic.^[3]

Possible misdiagnosis

Due to the rarity of different types of vascular conditions, Angiokeratomas may be misdiagnosed. A biopsy of the lesion can produce a more accurate diagnosis.

Potential complications

In some instances nodular angiokeratomas can produce necrotic tissue and valleys that can harbor fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Infections can include staphylococcus. If the lesion becomes painful, begins draining fluids or pus, or begins to smell, consult a physician. In these instance a doctor may recommend excision and grafting.

Treatment

Outpatient treatments such as interventional radiology, lasers, and physical therapy are employed to reduce the severity of the vascular lesions. However, in some cases lasers have caused a reaction in the tissue causing it to expand and become exposed to infection. Excision and grafting may be necessary to remove the lesion. Recovery time on such an operation ranges from 3 to 12 weeks depending on location of the graft, healing time and the possibility of complications.

References

External links

• Cincinnati Children's Center for Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations [1]