Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like skin manifestations with retinitis pigmentosa

What it is

From: Orphanet

A rare, genetic, dermis elastic tissue disorder characterized by yellowish skin papules (resembling pseudoxanthoma elasticum) located on the neck, chest and/or flexural areas associated with loose, redundant, sagging skin on trunk and upper limbs, and retinitis pigmentosa, in the absence of clotting abnormalities. Patients present reduced night and peripheral vision, as well as optic nerve pallor, retinal pigment epithelium loss, attenuated retinal vessels and/or black pigment intra-retinal clumps.

Reported clinical features and what the terms mean

The following findings are associated with this condition in Orphanet. They are not a checklist for diagnosing yourself, and they do not all occur in every affected person. Some are examination, imaging or laboratory findings that cannot be recognised at home.

The frequency labels describe how often a finding was reported among people with the condition in the source. They do not give the chance that a person with that symptom has the condition. Definitions below reproduce HPO terminology; they explain the term, not the likely severity in an individual.

Abnormal optic nerve morphology · Very frequent (99-80%)

Abnormality of the optic nerve.

Absent retinal pigment epithelium · Very frequent (99-80%)

Discrete areas of pallor in which the pigment epithelium, choriocapillaris and choroidal pigment are absent.

Attenuation of retinal blood vessels · Very frequent (99-80%)

Narrowing of the retinal blood vessels, both arterioles and venules.

Cutis laxa · Obligate (100%)

Wrinkled, redundant, inelastic and sagging skin.

Nyctalopia · Obligate (100%)

Inability to see well at night or in poor light.

Papule · Very frequent (99-80%)

A circumscribed, solid elevation of skin with no visible fluid, varying in size from a pinhead to less than 10mm in diameter at the widest point.

Redundant skin · Very frequent (99-80%)

Loose and sagging skin often associated with loss of skin elasticity.

Rod-cone dystrophy · Obligate (100%)

An inherited retinal disease subtype in which the rod photoreceptors appear to be more severely affected than the cone photoreceptors. Typical presentation is with nyctalopia (due to rod dysfunction) followed by loss of mid-peripheral field of vision, which gradually extends and leaves many patients with a small central island of vision due to the preservation of macular cones.

Strabismus · Very frequent (99-80%)

A misalignment of the eyes so that the visual axes deviate from bifoveal fixation. The classification of strabismus may be based on a number of features including the relative position of the eyes, whether the deviation is latent or manifest, intermittent or constant, concomitant or otherwise and according to the age of onset and the relevance of any associated refractive error.

Increased number of skin folds · Very frequent (99-80%)

Abnormal fundus morphology · Frequent (79-30%)

Any structural abnormality of the fundus of the eye.

When it may begin

From: Orphanet

Adolescent; Adult; Childhood

Inheritance in the source

From: Orphanet

Autosomal recessive

Frequency and the population described

From: Orphanet

Reported case(s): 13.0; Worldwide. This is a published case count, not prevalence. Point prevalence: <1 / 1 000 000; Worldwide; Class only.

Understanding the inheritance label

From: MedlinePlus Genetics

An autosomal recessive pattern usually involves disease-causing changes in both copies of a gene. Parents may each carry one altered copy without having the condition themselves. A genetic counsellor can explain carrier testing and reproductive implications using the actual laboratory findings, rather than the condition name alone.

Which doctor should you see?

The suggested department for discussing Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like skin manifestations with retinitis pigmentosa is Ophthalmology, with a ophthalmologist as the relevant type of clinician. Ophthalmologist; paediatric services for children as appropriate.

Additional services that may be relevant, depending on the findings, include: Clinical Genetics.

This is an editorial referral starting point. The appropriate clinic depends on the person’s age, symptoms, previous diagnosis and local services. The first clinician can decide whether another specialty or a team is needed; a department label does not confirm the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an assessment

Bring a short timeline of the main symptoms: when they first appeared, whether they are constant or episodic, what seems to change them, and how they affect daily activities. Include previous reports, discharge summaries, current medicines and supplements, allergies, and any relevant family history. A dated record is more useful than trying to match every feature in an online article.

Ask the clinician what is already established and what remains uncertain. If a test is suggested, ask what question it answers, what its limitations are and how the result would change the next step. The information here is not an instruction to arrange every possible test. In children, bring growth, developmental and school information if it is relevant to the concern.

• Which part of the eye or visual pathway is affected?
• What change in vision requires immediate contact with the eye service?
• What are the aims and alternatives of any proposed eye treatment?

Treatment discussions and follow-up

The material gathered for this draft does not provide a complete condition-specific treatment pathway for Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like skin manifestations with retinitis pigmentosa. That gap does not mean that treatment is unavailable. A clinician needs to establish the diagnosis and review current guidance before recommending medicines, procedures, rehabilitation or other support.

Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next review date, who will communicate results, and whom to contact if the situation changes. Discuss difficulties with sleep, work, school, mobility, eating or emotional wellbeing when these are relevant. Practical support may require coordination between the treating clinician and other services.

The collected references do not establish a complete prevention or long-term outlook section for this entry. Missing information should not be interpreted as proof that prevention is impossible or that a particular outcome is inevitable. Ask what is known for the exact subtype, stage and personal circumstances, and which uncertainties remain.

When to seek emergency help

Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, new stroke-like symptoms, a seizure that is prolonged or repeated without recovery, uncontrolled major bleeding, or an immediate risk of self-harm require emergency help. In India, call 112 or reach the nearest emergency department. This is a general, non-exhaustive warning list; it is not a condition-specific triage tool.