Recognition and Management of Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosum Versus Livedoid Vasculitis: A Case Report.

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosum (CPAN) is a vasculitis of small and medium-sized muscular arteries of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue with no associated systemic involvement. A common presentation of CPAN can be misinterpreted as a non-invasive form of livedoid vasculitis, synonymous with the "atrophie blanche" which similarly presents as ivory-white stellate-shaped scars. Although hyperpigmentation can also be present, as seen in our 47-year-old female patient, cutaneous polyarteritis nodosum is unique due to the etiology of the inflammatory illness which requires a deep, segmented skin biopsy for diagnosis in order to identify the vessel inflammation.

Ultraviolet-Fluorescent Tattoo Facilitates Accurate Identification of Biopsy Sites.

Background: Cutaneous biopsy sites are often difficult to discern or are frequently misidentified when patients present for the treatment of skin cancers. This frustrating situation can lead to delays in treatment and wrong site surgeries. Current methods aiming to prevent this situation are not perfect.