SELF-INVOLUTING ATROPHODERMA OF THE LATERAL-UPPER ARM - A NEW BENIGN VARIANT OF MORPHEA

Background: Atrophoderma of Pasini-Pierini and morphea are considered to be distinct clinical entities. However, some authors say that they are closely related diseases. We encountered 5 unique cases that did n ot fit the criteria for both diseases, Objective and Methods: We repor t 5 cases with solitary atrophic lesions on the lateral-upper arm. The y appeared as white to erythematous, non-indurated and slightly depres sed lesions with a smooth surface, and the patients had no history of trauma or injection. Results: Histological examinations showed slight to moderate lower dermal fibrosis without specific changes in adipose tissue. The lesions disappeared spontaneously within a year. Conclusio n: Our cases may be a benign variant form of morphea. We propose the t erm 'self-involuting atrophoderma of the lateral-upper arm (SALA)' for these clinical features.