Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Poikiloderma of Civatte: a Dermoscopy Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Poikiloderma of Civatte (PC) is a common, acquired, chronic, benign poikiloderma of the neck and face, most commonly affecting menopausal females. Until the day of writing, few have been published regarding dermoscopy of PC. Objective: To describe the dermoscopic picture of PC, so as to provide a clinico-dermoscopic diagnosis and differential diagnosis for PC. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with PC, aged 26-73 years, of whom 19 females (67.86%) were evaluated by detailed history, clinical examination, and dermoscopic examination with hand-held dermatoscope.  Results: The reticular pattern was observed in 15 cases (53.6%); the white dot in 10 (35.7%); the non-specific in 9 (32.1%); and the spaghetti and meatballs-like in 8 (28.6%). Regarding local dermoscopic features, flying seagull-like vessels were observed in 18 cases (64.3%); linear irregular vessels in 17 (60.7%); rhomboidal/polygonal vessels in 15 (53.6%); dotted/globular vessels in 10 (35.7%); white macules in 23 (82.1%); brown macules in 11 (39.3%); and whitish follicular plugs in 6 (21.4%). Conclusions: The dermoscopic picture of PC is highly characteristic and corresponds well to both clinical and histological findings. Dermoscopy may assist clinical diagnosis, as well as the differentiation from other dermatoses of the neck and face, especially poikilodermas with guarded prognosis.