Non-Neoplastic Dermatopathology

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5.5 Lipodermatosclerosis vs Morphea

Lipodermatosclerosis

Morphea

Prognosis

Progressive disease that is chronic and recurring. May be associated with other complications of chronic venous insufficiency including chronic ulceration and secondary infection.

Superficial, circumscribed disease has a good prognosis and often resolves in 3-6 years but may have recurrent disease. Variants that involve deep soft tissue may lead to functional problems and cosmetic issues. Linear morphea, particularly in childhood, can lead to development of contractures and limb length discrepancies.

Figure 5.5.1 Lipodermatosclerosis. Septal thickening by fibrosis with lobular fat necrosis.

Figure 5.5.2 Lipodermatosclerosis. Lipomembranous fat necrosis characterized by eosinophilic feathery material at the periphery of fat cysts.

Figure 5.5.3 Lipodermatosclerosis. Lipomembranous fat necrosis with minimal inflammation. Figure 5.5.4 Lipodermatosclerosis. Lipophagic fat necrosis with foamy (xanthomatized) histiocytes surrounding adipocytes and fat cysts. Copyright © Wolters Kluwer, Inc. Unauthorized reproduction of the content is prohibited. 2023

SUBCUTIS

5 DISORDERS OF THE