Definition of Livedo reticularis

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Livedo reticularis: A mottled purplish discoloration of the skin.

Livedo reticularis can be a normal condition that is simply more obvious when a person is exposed to the cold.

Livedo reticularis can also be an indicator of impaired circulation. Livedo reticularis has been reported in association with:

• Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Abnormal antibodies referred to as phospholipid antibodies. Examples of these antibodies are the cardiolipin antibody and falsely positive testing for syphilis.
• A syndrome featuring phospholipid antibodies with multiple brain strokes. It is felt that the blood of these patients has a propensity to clot which may predispose to stroke.

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