Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Key points

• Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is an inherited condition (usually autosomal recessive) characterised by an abnormality in elastic fibres
• Features: retinal angioid streaks; 'plucked chicken skin' appearance — small yellow papules on the neck, antecubital fossa and axillae
• Cardiac: mitral valve prolapse, increased risk of ischaemic heart disease
• Gastrointestinal haemorrhage may also occur
• A minority of cases show autosomal dominant inheritance