Dermoscopy as a significant tool for diagnosing an exuberant case of human immunodeficiency virus-associated pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta

Rafaella C. Zanatta, Department of Dermatology, Municipal Health Authority of Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil Silvio C.F. Giovanni-Filho, Department of Dermatology, Municipal Health Authority of Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil Carolina F. Baldecerra, Department of Dermatology, Municipal Health Authority of Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil Thaís C. Silva-Bachio, Department of Dermatology, Municipal Health Authority of Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil Daiane de Souza, Department of Dermatology, Municipal Health Authority of Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil Cássio R. Moreira, Department of Dermatology, Municipal Health Authority of Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil

Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) is a rare dermatological condition of uncertain etiology characterized by polymorphic and often exuberant skin lesions. The use of dermoscopy has been successfully applied for the early diagnosis of this pathology, as well as in distinguishing it from other potential differential diagnoses. In this study, we present the dermoscopic features observed in a severe case of human immunodeficiency virus-associated PLEVA, which are consistent with those previously described in the literature. Furthermore, we describe a dermoscopic pattern that has not yet been reported in the studies published to date. Dermoscopy is an excellent diagnostic tool that aids in the early detection and accurate characterization of skin lesions. Therefore, knowledge of the dermoscopic patterns of this disease is essential to improve early suspicion and diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords: Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. Human immunodeficiency virus. Dermoscopy.