Disease directory
Macular amyloidosis
Published: September 18, 2026Updated: September 18, 2026
Important: Informational content intended for healthcare professionals. It does not replace clinical evaluation or establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Overview
- Definition and synonyms
- Macular cutaneous amyloidosis (MCA) is a form of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis characterized by hyperpigmented macules/plaques (often with a rippled or reticulated pattern) associated with amyloid deposition in the papillary dermis , usually derived from epidermal keratins . Janodia 2026 , Chang 2004
- It can coexist with lichenoid amyloidosis (papular lesions), constituting a spectrum (sometimes called “biphasic”). Janodia 2026 , Brownstein 1970
- First description
- The classic systematization of localized cutaneous forms (including macular and lichenoid variants) is attributed to the series by Brownstein and Helwig (1970) . Brownstein 1970
- Epidemiology
- It is usually diagnosed in young to middle-aged adults and is frequently reported in Asia/the Indian subcontinent , although it exists in Western populations. (Eswaramoorthy 1999 , Bandhlish 2012 , Guillet 2022)
- In clinical series, a female predominance may be observed. Bandhlish 2012 , Vaghasia 2024
- ICD codes (indicative; may vary by country/version)
- ICD-10 (guideline): usually coded within “cutaneous amyloidosis” or “localized amyloidosis” (e.g., L99.0 or E85.4 depending on local adaptation).
- ICD-11 (indicative): usually grouped under “primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis / amyloidosis” within dermatology/internal medicine.
- Diagnostic checklist (quick)
- Directed history: pruritus, friction (habits), atopy, chronic course. Eswaramoorthy 1999 , Chia 2014
- Examination: wavy/reticular pattern, typical location (upper back). Bandhlish 2012
- Dermatoscopy : to support and select the site. Chuang 2012
- 4 mm punch biopsy including papillary dermis + Congo red (or IHC for keratins if in doubt). Alhawas 2024 , Chang 2004
- Clinical laboratory testing only if there are red flags or alternative suspicion. Janodia 2026
Doctors who treat Macular amyloidosis
Directory specialists related to Macular amyloidosis.
There are no specialists associated with this record yet
You can browse the full directory and filter by the condition you're interested in.
Go to directory