FAMILIAR PSEUDOXANTHOMA ELASTICUM

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a genodermatosis caused by a change in ela stic fibers but with a non well defined biochemical correlate. Its pro gnosis depends upon the degree of visceral involvement. The appearance of cutaneous lesions allows an early diagnosis. We report here three sisters aged 23, 21, and 19 years with pseudoxanthoma elasticum who ha d typical cutaneous and retinal lesions. The clinical diagnosis was co nfirmed by a cutaneous biopsy. To note the high diagnostic yield and m inimal morbidity of the cutaneous biopsy for diagnosing this disease.