From macular lymphocytic arteritis to cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa: A spectrum of the same disease? Two cases of the same clinical presentation yet different histopathological findings

Macular lymphocytic arteritis (MLA) is a type of indolent cutaneous vasculitis that affects small to medium-sized blood vessels. Histopathologically, it is characterized by a predominantly lymphocytic leukocytic infiltrate (unlike polyarteritis nodosa, in which neutrophils predominate) in the blood vessels of the deep dermis and superficial hypodermis. The disease mainly affects females (17:3), with a mean age of forty years. In general, this entity is considered benign with a variable clinical presentation. The importance of knowing this entity lies in the fact that the pathological findings are discordant with the clinic and an erroneous diagnosis may lead to unnecessary treatments. This vasculitis usually has a benign course and no progression to systemic disease. Herein, we present two cases of this rare vasculitis. Key words: Macular lymphocytic arteritis, Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, Vasculitis, Systemic lupus erythematosus