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Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis of Keratinocyte Origin: An Update with Emphasis on Atypical Clinical Variants

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Abstract

Amyloid is a protein derived from at least 20 different substances. Once misfolded, it results in a group of cutaneous and systemic conditions. Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis of keratinocyte origin is a very common subtype that can manifest either as lichen or macular amyloidosis, lacking systemic involvement. Lichen amyloidosis often presents as multiple hyperpigmented papules on the lower extremities whereas macular amyloidosis is classically characterized by dark brown rippled macules on the interscapular area. Review of the literature reveals that in addition to the classical presentation of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis there exists a plethora of various manifestations that can be grouped into either geographic or morphologic categories. This review provides clinicians with the intimate knowledge of these presentations and summarizes the available treatment modalities.

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Correspondence to Ossama Abbas.

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Lamiaa Hamie, Isabelle Haddad, Nourhane Nasser, Mazen Kurban, and Ossama Abbas have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this article.

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LH, OA, and IH planned the study. LH, IH, NN, and OA contributed to the writing of the manuscript. LH, IH, NN, OA, and MK were responsible for reviewing the manuscript. LH, IH, and OA created the figures and tables. LH and OA submitted the manuscript.

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Hamie, L., Haddad, I., Nasser, N. et al. Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis of Keratinocyte Origin: An Update with Emphasis on Atypical Clinical Variants. Am J Clin Dermatol 22, 667–680 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00620-9

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