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.[1]
Linear focal elastosis | |
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Other names | Linear focal dermal elastosis, Elastotic striae |
Specialty | Dermatology |
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.[2]
Although the exact origin of linear focal elastosis is unknown, changes to elastic tissues are implicated.[2]
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.[3] There may be fragmentation or aggregation of the elastic fibers in the deep and upper dermis.[2] Fragmented elastic tissue, microfibrillar or granular constituents, and aggregated elastin are visible under an electron microscope.[4]