Pretibial plaque

What it means

Pretibial plaques occur in a specific pattern with hyperpigmentation, atrophy or induration and scarring of the lower limbs typically over the pretibial area. Hyperpigmentation appears to develop gradually from mild, brownish hyperpigmented patches clinically in keeping with haemosiderin deposition, to indurated or atrophic plaques and can progress to cover the entire circumference of the calf. Plaques are often associated with skin fragility, whether atrophic or indurated. They are thought to be a result of extensive bruising and confluent atrophic scars because of the increased fragility of dermis and small blood vessels.

Pretibial plaques are strongly associated with periodontal-type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. See Figure 1 of PMID:24198978.

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Pretibial hyperpigmentation · Pretibial plaques