[Martorell ulcer]

Duodecim. 2013;129(10):1031-6.
[Article in Finnish]

Abstract

Martorell ulcer (also called hypertensive leg ulcer) is an unusual, but not rare, cause of leg ulcers. It represents up to 15% of the leg ulcers hospitalized in a dermatology ward. It affects patients, aged from 40 to 85 years old, with a past long history of poorly controlled hypertension and sometimes diabetes. Clinical presentation is highly characteristic with an extremely painful, slowly extensive, superficial necrotic ulcer with a purpuric rim. Delay of healing is usually slow. Skin biopsies of the wound border, are warranted for differential diagnosis only in atypical cases. Management includes active pain control, wound debridement, skin grafting and hypertension control.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy
  • Debridement
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / prevention & control
  • Leg Ulcer / diagnosis*
  • Leg Ulcer / etiology
  • Leg Ulcer / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Management
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Transplantation