Penicillamine-induced pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like skin changes requiring rhytidectomy

Ann Plast Surg. 1992 Oct;29(4):367-70. doi: 10.1097/00000637-199210000-00016.

Abstract

A 42-year-old woman with pronounced skin laxity of her neck underwent a rhytidectomy and was found to have pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like changes of her skin. Her medical history was significant for Wilson's disease, requiring that she take penicillamine for 26 years. In patients on long-term penicillamine therapy, 20% to 33% will develop a dermatopathy. The drug has been used to alter scar formation in various surgical conditions. Penicillamine is known to alter cross-linking of elastin and collagen fibers. A review of the literature reveals other penicillamine-related dermatopathies that may present to the surgeon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Facial Dermatoses / chemically induced*
  • Facial Dermatoses / pathology
  • Facial Dermatoses / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neck / pathology
  • Penicillamine / adverse effects*
  • Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum / chemically induced*
  • Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum / pathology
  • Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum / surgery*
  • Rhytidoplasty*
  • Skin Aging / drug effects

Substances

  • Penicillamine