Persistent Acantholytic Dermatosis Followed Long Term with No Significant Mutation of the ATP2A2 Gene by PCR-SSCP Analysis

Abstract

We report the case of 83-year-old man who developed chronic itchy papules on the trunk and four extremities with about a 20 year history. A biopsy specimen showed the characteristic features of Darier disease, including corps ronds, grains, lacunae, and villi. He had no family history of Darier disease or any specific lesions on his palms, nails, or oral mucosa. These findings supported the diagnosis of persistent acantholytic dermatosis (PAD). In 2005, he developed other light red, irregularly shaped plaques on his chest and abdomen, which was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma in situ. On this occasion, analysis of the leukocyte ATP2A2 gene by PCR-SSCP disclosed no abnormality in the gene, confirming the diagnosis of PAD.