Linear focal elastosis or elastotic striae is a skin condition that presents with asymptomatic, palpable or atrophic, yellow lines of the middle and lower back, thighs, arms and breasts.

Signs and symptoms

Linear focal elastosis manifests as hypertrophic linear yellow to red plaques that are asymptomatic and typically discovered by accident in the absence of a traumatic past. Though it usually affects the lower and middle back symmetrically, it can also affect the legs or face.

Causes

Although the exact origin of linear focal elastosis is unknown, changes to elastic tissues are implicated.

Diagnosis

According to histopathology, there may be more localized wavy fibers in the dermis, which are visible when elastic staining separates normal from hypertrophic collagen bundles. There may be fragmentation or aggregation of the elastic fibers in the deep and upper dermis. Fragmented elastic tissue, microfibrillar or granular constituents, and aggregated elastin are visible under an electron microscope.

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