Treatment of Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini-associated hyperpigmentation with the Q-switched alexandrite laser : A clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural appraisal

Christopher J ARPEY; Dipa S PATEL; Mary S STONE; Jian Qiang Shao; Kenneth C MOORE

doi:10.1002/1096-9101(2000)27:3<206::AID-LSM2>3.0.CO;2-1

Back

Treatment of Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini-associated hyperpigmentation with the Q-switched alexandrite laser : A clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural appraisal

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Treatment of Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini-associated hyperpigmentation with the Q-switched alexandrite laser : A clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural appraisal

Christopher J ARPEY, Dipa S PATEL, Mary S STONE, Jian Qiang Shao and Kenneth C MOORE

Lasers in surgery and medicine, Vol.27(3), pp.206-212

2000

DOI: 10.1002/1096-9101(2000)27:3<206::AID-LSM2>3.0.CO;2-1

PMID: 11013382

View Online

Abstract

Background and Objective Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini (APP) is an uncommon cutaneous disorder, with no known effective treatment, manifested by hyperpigmented patches that appear to be depressed compared with surrounding skin. This study investigated the effectiveness of the Q‐switched alexandrite laser on a patient with extensive APP, and evaluated histopathologic and ultrastructural changes. Study Design/Patients and Methods A man with stable APP underwent Q‐switched alexandrite laser treatment to a patch on the trunk. Biopsies were obtained from treated and untreated sites of involvement. Light and transmission electron microscopic evaluation was performed to investigate melanosome number, size, and volume, as well as melanin granule number and size. Results After three treatment sessions, the treated area showed marked clinical improvement. Electron microscopy showed a 19% reduction in melanin granule number and size and a 65% reduction in melanosome number, size, and volume in larger melanosomes in treated compared with untreated sites. Conclusion Treatment of APP with the Q‐switched alexandrite laser results in clinical improvement. Electron microscopic evaluation suggests that the mechanism may be a reduction in the number, size, and volume of larger melanosomes as well as a decrement in melanin granule number and size.

Dermatology

Biological and medical sciences

Pigmentary diseases of the skin

Medical sciences

Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects)

Diseases of the skin. Cosmetics

Details

Title: Subtitle: Treatment of Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini-associated hyperpigmentation with the Q-switched alexandrite laser : A clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural appraisal
Creators: Christopher J ARPEY - Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Dipa S PATEL - Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Mary S STONE - Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Jian Qiang Shao - University of Iowa
Kenneth C MOORE - Central Electron Microscopy Facility, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Lasers in surgery and medicine, Vol.27(3), pp.206-212
Publisher: Wiley-Liss; New York, NY
DOI: 10.1002/1096-9101(2000)27:3<206::AID-LSM2>3.0.CO;2-1
PMID: 11013382
ISSN: 0196-8092
eISSN: 1096-9101
Language: English
Date published: 2000
Academic Unit: Dermatology; Pathology
Record Identifier: 9984025319002771

Metrics

34 Record Views

16 Times Cited - Web of Science