Background: Angioma serpiginosum is a rare, acquired vascular lesion simulating purpura, and should be differentiated from purpuric dermatoses such as Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
Observations: We report 2 cases of angioma serpiginosum examined using epiluminescence microscopy. Characteristic findings of angiomas ("red lagoons") were observed entirely or focally in these 2 cases, but not in 4 cases of Henoch-Schonlein purpura and a case of senile purpura.
Conclusion: Epiluminescence microscopy is beneficial in distinguishing angioma serpiginosum from purpuric dermatoses.