Self-involuting atrophoderma of the lateral-upper arm: A new name or an old pathology?

Self-involuting atrophoderma of the lateral-upper arm (SALA) is a dermatosis characterized by slightly atrophic patches on arms, with spontaneous resolution. According to Japanese authors, this is a new variety of a self-healing limited collagen disease. The case of a 40-year-old female, presenting a slightly atrophic patch of 10 cm in diameter on the left arm and a brown patch on the right thigh, is described. No other cutaneous changes were present. Personal and familiar history were negative for dermatologic diseases. Laboratory studies were in the normal range or negative. Histologic examination of a punch biopsy on the arm was characterized by sparse lymphocytic infiltrate in the upper, mid- and deep dermis as well as slight thickening of collagen bundles in upper dermis. The epidermis was slightly atrophic. Within four months, the cutaneous lesions disappeared spontaneously. Self-involuting atrophoderma of the lateral-upper arm (SALA), first described by Inazumi et al., in 1997, may represent, as in this case, a benign superficial form of morphea. Similarities of SALA, atrophoderma of Pasini-Pierini and localized morphea are discussed, and the conclusion that SALA, atrophoderma of Pasini-Pierini and this case may belong to the same spectrum of localized morphea is presented.