Acroangiodermatitis in a leg amputee using a suction-socket prosthesis: clinical, histological as well as HHV-8 and CD34 immunohistochemical study

Acroangiodermatitis (AAD) is a rare, vascular phenomenon of unclear pathogenesis. Itchy, lichenoid, purple/violaceous/yellowish/brownish papules/nodules, plaques/patches mainly on lower limbs occasionally evolve into verrucous lesions and recurrent painful ulcerations. Elevated vein and capillary pressure due to the sub-atmospheric suspension system seems to be the triggering factor for angioproliferation in the amputation stump. A middle-aged male amputee, a suction-socket prosthesis user, showing combined clinical, histological and immunohistochemical (HHV-8 negative; CD34 and CD31 expressed in endothelial, but not perivascular, cells) features of AAD is presented. Dermatologists, orthopedic surgeons, pathomorphologists, but also prosthesis makers and amputees themselves, should be aware of AAD as suction-socket prostheses become increasingly popular.