Definition:
Degos disease is an uncommon systematic disease that involves the medium and small sized arteries, wherein these arteries become blocked. The disease typically progresses into two stages. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of distinguishing skin lesions that may stay for some time, ranging from a few weeks to several years. Lesions inside the small intestines often mark the second stage, and other organs can also be affected.
Diagnosis:
Degos disease can be diagnosed through analysis of medical history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging tests like MRI and EEG test.
Treatment:
Treatment of the disease may range from medical care, surgical care, consultations, medications, and inpatient- or outpatient-care. There has been no known successful medical therapy. Antiplatelet drugs can reduce number in new lesions and in patients where there’s only skin involvement. Appropriate surgical intervention is required when there is an occurrence of intestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, or bowel infraction.
Symptoms and Signs:
Some of the major symptoms of Degos disease may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight, loss, and skin lesions. Some intestinal lesions can break through the bowel’s walls called perforation, and is potentially critical complication.
Causes:
The exact cause of Degos disease is still unknown.
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