Angioma serpiginosum with linear distribution: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Angioma serpiginosum is a vascular anomaly that classically presents in childhood and predominantly affects females. OBJECTIVE: To present a case of a young woman with linear distribution of angioma serpiginosum and review the common clinical characteristics and presentation of this condition. METHODS: Case report with skin biopsies and dermoscopic findings. RESULTS: A clinical examination revealed numerous irregular punctate red macules in a linear distribution over the right arm. On dermoscopy, the lesions appeared as multiple sharply demarcated red lagoons. The histopathologic findings of dilated blood vessels in the papillary dermis with absence of other changes confirmed the diagnosis of angioma serpiginosum. CONCLUSION: Angioma serpiginosum is a rare entity that can be distinguished by clinical and histopathologic examinations. Lack of recognition of this condition may lead to unnecessary investigations and delayed treatment.