Mixed porokeratosis with a novel mevalonate kinase gene mutation: A case report

Abstract

Background: Porokeratosis is a rare, acquired, or inherited disorder of keratinization. There are numerous clinical types of porokeratosis and they can coexist in one patient and multiple members of an affected family. However, coexistence of disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) and porokeratosis ptychotropica (Ppt) is rare.

Case summary: A 45-year-old man presented with long-standing skin lesions. Physical examination identified numerous small, brown 2-mm to 4-mm patches on his face and several hyperkeratotic, verrucous plaques on his trunk and extremities. His father and one of his brothers also had similar lesions for years. Skin biopsies indicated a cornoid lamella in the epidermis. We identified c.155G>A mutation in the mevalonate kinase (MVK) gene, which converted a serine residue to asparagine (p.Ser52Asn) and was causative for porokeratosis in this family. A clinicopathologic diagnosis of DSAP and Ppt with a novel MVK gene mutation was made. The hyperkeratotic plaques on the patient's scrotum were completely removed more than 10 times using a microwave knife.

Conclusion: An unusual case of DSAP coexisting with Ppt harbored a novel MVK gene mutation also present in the patient's family.

Keywords: Case report; Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis; Gene mutation; Mevalonate kinase gene; Microwave knife; Porokeratosis ptychotropica.