Definition
The presence of red-purple striae on the skin is a sign that is characteristically observed in hypercortisolism, ie in the presence of high levels of cortisol in the blood. Therefore, striae rubra can be found especially in the case of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, adrenal tumor and Cushing's syndrome.
Sometimes, hypersecretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone is a consequence of a non-pituitary tumor (ectopic ACTH syndrome, which is observed, for example, in the case of: small cell lung cancer, entero-pancreatic endocrine tumors, pheochromocytoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, etc.) .). In other cases, hypercoritsolism is due to prolonged therapeutic administration of corticosteroids.
The striae rubra gradually develop, especially at the abdominal level and, sometimes, on the breast, hips, buttocks, thighs and arms. They differ from stretch marks (distension or atrophic striae), as they are durable and over time do not tend to lighten.
Possible Causes * of Strie rubre
- Pheochromocytoma
- Cushing's disease
- Pituitary tumors
