Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans: various faces of the late form of Lyme borreliosis

Introduction Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) is probably the most common late and chronic manifestation of the Lyme borreliosis seen in European patients. Aim To analyze epidemiological data, and to investigate the effects of treatment of patients with ACA. Material and methods Nine patients were included in the study. All patients had serological examinations (ELISA and Western blot) and histopathological examination of the skin lesions performed. Eight patients had PCR in the skin biopsy performed. Results The duration of symptoms ranged from 2 months to 2 years. In 7 patients, skin lesions were located on lower limbs, in 2 patients – in a non-typical body area – abdomen. In 1 patient, scleroderma and in 3 patients, diabetes mellitus was diagnosed. Borrelia burgdorferi DNA was detected in 25% of the skin biopsy specimens. IgG anti-B. burgdorferi specific antibodies were present in serum of all patients (confirmed by Western blot). In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. The response to ceftriaxone therapy varied. In 5 cases, the lesions resolved completely, in others they faded. Conclusions Despite raising awareness of Lyme borreliosis, late forms of the disease such as ACA are still observed. Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans skin lesions may be located in non-characteristic areas, e.g. abdominal skin. Symptoms are not irritating or painful, therefore patients do not seek medical help. The effect of antibiotic treatment varies.