Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Idiopathic livedo reticularis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Livedo reticularis - close-up
Livedo reticularis - close-up
Livedo reticularis on the legs
Livedo reticularis on the legs
Cholesterol emboli Livedo Reticularis - feet
Cholesterol emboli Livedo Reticularis - feet

Alternative Names    Return to top

Livedo reticularis; Primary livedo reticularis

Definition    Return to top

Idiopathic or primary livedo reticularis refers to a netlike pattern of reddish-blue skin discoloration, usually on the legs. The condition is linked to swollen blood vessels. It may get worse when the temperature is cold.

Idiopathic means the cause is unknown.

Update Date: 4/10/2009

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.