Calibre persistent labial artery: clinical features and noninvasive radiological diagnosis

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 Jul;31(4):528-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2006.02126.x.

Abstract

Calibre persistent labial artery (CPLA) is defined as a primary arterial branch that penetrates into the submucosal tissue without division or decrease in diameter. It usually presents as an asymptomatic papule on the lower lip and can be easily misdiagnosed as a varix, haemangioma, venous lake, mucocele or fibroma. When it is ulcerated, squamous cell carcinoma is the most usual differential diagnosis. The most frequently used method to confirm the diagnosis of CPLA has been excisional biopsy, which carries the risk of profuse bleeding. Angiography, another invasive method, has also been used. Here, we report a case of a 20-year-old woman with a 5-year history of multiple CPLA lesions involving both upper and lower lips. In this case, the diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography, which is a noninvasive and simple diagnostic tool.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lip / blood supply*
  • Lip / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lip Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mouth Mucosa / blood supply
  • Mouth Mucosa / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulsatile Flow
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler