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Cardiology10 papers

Bowenoid papulosis

Last edited: 4/22/2026

Overview

Malignant atrophic papulosis, also known as Degos' disease, is a rare systemic vasculopathy characterized by characteristic skin lesions and frequently involving the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system 15.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Characteristic skin lesions (papules) often accompanied by gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms 14.
  • Histopathology: Biopsy showing necrobiosis with cone-shaped zones of necrosis, thrombosis in small vessels, and minimal inflammatory reaction 56.
  • Imaging and Tests: Neuroimaging may reveal infarcts; coagulation studies can identify coagulopathy 4.
  • Genetic Consideration: Family history suggestive of potential genetic predisposition 3.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments: No definitive first-line treatment established; systemic immunosuppressants have shown limited efficacy 25.
  • Adjunctive Therapies: Heparin occasionally reported to be beneficial 5.
  • Supportive Care: Focus on managing complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and neurological deficits 4.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Severe visual and neurological impairment can occur in pediatric cases 1.
  • Comorbidities: Coagulopathy often coexists with severe neurological involvement 4.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Biopsy Confirmation: Essential for definitive diagnosis due to characteristic histopathological features (Evidence: Strong 56).
  • Monitor for Complications: Regular assessment for gastrointestinal and neurological involvement is crucial (Evidence: Moderate 14).
  • Consider Genetic Counseling: Given potential familial clustering, genetic counseling may be warranted for affected families (Evidence: Expert opinion 3).
  • Use Heparin with Caution: May be considered for its potential benefits in managing thrombotic aspects, though evidence is limited (Evidence: Weak 5).
  • References

    1 Gutiérrez-Pascual M, Hernández-Martín A, Colmenero I, García-Peñas JJ, López-Pino MA, Torrelo A. Malignant atrophic papulosis: a case report with severe visual and neurological impairment. Pediatric dermatology 2011. link 2 Tribble K, Archer ME, Jorizzo JL, Sanchez R, Solomon AR, Gardner FH et al.. Malignant atrophic papulosis: absence of circulating immune complexes or vasculitis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1986. link70180-1) 3 Kisch LS, Bruynzeel DP. Six cases of malignant atrophic papulosis (Degos' disease) occurring in one family. The British journal of dermatology 1984. link 4 Dastur DK, Singhal BS, Shroff HJ. CNS involvement in malignant atrophic papulosis (Kohlmeier-Degos disease): vasculopathy and coagulopathy. Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry 1981. link 5 Degos R. Malignant atrophic papulosis. The British journal of dermatology 1979. link 6 Muller SA, Landry M. Malignant atrophic papulosis (Degros disease). A report of two cases with clinical and histological studies. Archives of dermatology 1976. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Malignant atrophic papulosis: a case report with severe visual and neurological impairment.Gutiérrez-Pascual M, Hernández-Martín A, Colmenero I, García-Peñas JJ, López-Pino MA, Torrelo A Pediatric dermatology (2011)
    2. [2]
      Malignant atrophic papulosis: absence of circulating immune complexes or vasculitis.Tribble K, Archer ME, Jorizzo JL, Sanchez R, Solomon AR, Gardner FH et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1986)
    3. [3]
      Six cases of malignant atrophic papulosis (Degos' disease) occurring in one family.Kisch LS, Bruynzeel DP The British journal of dermatology (1984)
    4. [4]
      CNS involvement in malignant atrophic papulosis (Kohlmeier-Degos disease): vasculopathy and coagulopathy.Dastur DK, Singhal BS, Shroff HJ Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry (1981)
    5. [5]
      Malignant atrophic papulosis.Degos R The British journal of dermatology (1979)
    6. [6]

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