Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis is a relatively common skin pathology in elderly individuals.

General

• Due to venous stasis.

Gross

Features:

• Location: lower legs - important.
• Lightly brown papules and plaques.
• Pitting edema.

Microscopic

Features:

• Pale superficial dermis.
• Sawtooth rete ridges.
• No basal atypia.

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SKIN LESION, RIGHT ANTERIOR TIBIA, PUNCH BIOPSY:
- SKIN WITH HYPERKERATOSIS, HYPERGRANULOSIS, MILD ACANTHOSIS WITH SAWTOOTH
  RETE RIDGES AND A PALE CONGESTED APPEARING SUPERFICIAL DERMIS.
- NEGATIVE FOR DYSPLASIA.
- NEGATIVE FOR MALIGNANCY.

COMMENT:
The clinical findings are noted. Followup is suggested. The findings are compatible
with stasis dermatitis.

Micro

The sections show skin with hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and mild acanthosis. The superficial dermis appears pale and congested. Solar elastosis is present.

There is no significant inflammation. No basal atypia is apparent. Mitotic activity is not readily identified. No parakeratosis is apparent.

See also

• Dermatopathology.