The livedo reticularis is observed mainly in the lower limbs and is more pronounced in the cold season, due to the lowering of temperatures. In this case, the manifestation is temporary and resolves with the removal of the triggering cause.
At other times, the livedo reticularis tends to be more intense and persistent due to the presence of factors that induce the alteration of the blood flow and the stasis of deoxygenated blood in the small blood vessels in the skin. This last modality of presentation can signal a pathology more severe underlying disease, such as essential thrombocythemia, polyarteritis nodosa, or anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS).
(in this case, it tends to be persistent), as well as being associated with Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edward (trisomy 18) and Cornelia de Lange syndrome.- Cutis marmorata telangiectasica congenita: it is a persistent form of livedo reticularis, present from birth, which depends on a deeper anomaly of the skin capillaries. Congenital telangiectatic cutis marmorata can last throughout childhood and be associated with other malformations, in particular of the bones and nervous system.
Arteriolar vasospasm that occurs physiologically in response to cold produces a reversible livedo reticularis. Other mechanisms can cause pathological alterations and make the effect more evident and / or persistent, as in the case of thrombosis or hyperviscosity. The livedo reticularis from obstruction and / or vasculopathies can occur in association with Raynaud's phenomenon.
For further information: Raynaud's phenomenon - What it is and How it manifests itself
