Ns. Sadick et C. Urmacher, Estrogen and progesterone receptors - Their role in postsclerotherapy angiogenesis telangiectatic matting (TM), DERM SURG, 25(7), 1999, pp. 539-542
BACKGROUND. Postsclerotherapy neoangiogenesis telangiectatic matting (TM) o
ccurs in up to 24% of individuals treated by sclerotherapy. Although the et
iology is unknown, obstructive now factors, angiogenic factors, estrogen, i
nflammatory, and endogenous factors have all been postulated to play a role
in its pathogenesis.
OBJECTIVE. The aim of the study was to ascertain the presence or absence of
estrogen and progesterone receptors in postsclerotherapy TM lesions and th
us substantiate their possible role in the pathogenesis of TM.
METHODS. Ten women, median age 37.7 years, were included in the study popul
ation who developed TM following a single sclerotherapy treatment session e
mploying Sotradecol 0.25% for class I-II telangiectasia/venulectasia. Four
of 10 patients had a history of previous hormonal therapy or pregnancy in t
he previous 12 months prior to entering into the study. Three millimeter pu
nch biopsies were taken at 12 weeks posttreatment and assayed for estrogen
and progesterone receptors by the ERICA and ERICA (estrogen/progesterone im
mune cytochemical assay) techniques.
RESULTS. Zero of 10 patients were positive for estrogen/progesterone recept
ors as assayed by the ERICA/PRICA technique in biopsied sites of postsclero
therapy TM.
CONCLUSION. Although estrogen and progesterone may play an indirect role in
the development of postsclerotherapy TM via vasodilatory or secondary angi
ogenic or cytokine release mechanisms, they do not appear to play a primary
role in promoting postsclerotherapy neoangiogenesis as demonstrated in thi
s study.