Congenital telangiectatic erythema (Bloom syndrome)

"Congenital telangiectatic erythema" (Bloom's syndrome) is very rare; it is linked to a group of hereditary diseases and a common feature is cellular hypersensitivity to a variety of physical or chemical agents. The mode of transmission is autosomal-recessive. Characteristic criteria for Bloom syndrome are: consanguinity of the parents; androtropia; low birth weight, short stature (proportional); and persistent telangiectatic erythema in sun-exposed areas, sometimes with blistering. The syndrome is also associated with a facultative lack of antibodies. Of great importance is the high leukaemia morbidity among individuals with this syndrome; chromosomal aberrations and breakages play a significant role. Histological changes comprise an increase in dilated vessels in the upper dermis and damage and loss of elastic fibers. We give a review of Bloom's syndrome and present a case report.