Clinicopathologic Features of Penile Ulceration in Malignant Atrophic Papulosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Degos disease, or malignant atrophic papulosis (MAP), is a rare vasculopathic disorder that commonly involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. Diagnosis is made through recognition of characteristic histopathologic features of cutaneous lesions. Here, we report a 58-year-old male who initially presented with a penile eschar exhibiting vascular dilation, hyalinization of superficial dermal vessels, and hemosiderin deposition. Later, he developed scattered erythematous papules with central porcelain-white scarring; biopsies of these lesions exhibited features histopathologically consistent with MAP, including wedge-shaped necrosis extending from the epidermis into the deep dermis, dermal mucinosis, and vascular occlusion. Our patient subsequently developed multiple bowel perforations and ultimately succumbed to the disease. Recognition of various distinctive histopathologic features, including the diverse findings associated with penile ulceration, is important for prompt diagnosis and early initiation of treatment. As such, we review the clinicopathologic features reported in penile ulcerations among patients with MAP.