Is acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma a new dermatosis? Two case reports and Chinese literature review

BACKGROUND: A series of cases characterized by symmetrical acral hyperkeratosis, mainly involving the dorsal surface of the hands, feet, and wrists, but sparing the palmoplantar areas, as well as rapid immersion upon exposure to water have been recently described in China, but similar disorders have not been reported in the English literature. METHODS: The clinicopathologic features of two cases of acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma were reported and 27 Chinese patients were reviewed. RESULTS: The disorder typically occurred in young or middle aged men. Brown to black hyperkeratotic patches were symmetrically distributed particularly on the wrists and dorsum of hands, fingers, and feet, but without involvement of palms and soles. The lesions became whitish with mild swelling immediately after contact with water and improved generally in winter. Histopathologic examination revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and papillomatous hyperplasia, as well as superficial perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Main ultrastructural features of the immersed lesion were epidermal hyperkeratosis and spongiosis with partial split of the desmosomes. CONCLUSION: This disorder may be a new dermatosis, and the term "acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma" could exactly reflect its clinicopathologic characteristics.