Denouement and Discussion
Cutis Laxa
(Chalodermie, Dermatomegaly)
Manifestations
The skin is loose, overabundant, and hangs in folds. The condition is usually generalized but may be confined to limited areas. Involvement of the face gives a characteristic appearance likened to that of a bloodhound. Blepharochalasis (drooping skin of the eyelids) and eversion of the lids are common. Present at birth or shortly thereafter, the sagging skin gives the appearance of premature senility. There are also acquired cases of cutis laxa.Systemic manifestations due to connective tissue involvement of areas other than the skin include: hoarseness, pulmonary emphysema, cor pulmonale, diverticula of the gastrointestinal tract and bladder, gastric ulcers, esophageal and ureteral dilatation, hernias, vascular abnormalities, and rectal and vaginal prolapse.Frequently confused with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cutis laxa differs greatly. The skin in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is hyperelastic and does not hang in loose folds. Although it can be greatly stretched, it returns