To the Editor.—
Roentgenographic identification of opaque deposits in the soft tissues of patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris has been described in the dermatologic literature.1 These densities, in some cases, represent true metaplastic bone formation2 and are clinically significant, while in other cases, the deposits are clinically obscure and may represent only dystrophic calcification.3 These osteomas can be demonstrated by soft-tissue roentgenograms.
Report of a Case.—
A 19-year-old woman had had moderately severe acne of the face and back for approximately seven years. The condition was under fairly good control, with a few comedones and pustules, and she showed minimal scarring over her cheeks. In the area of acne involvement, multiple 1- 2-mm pigmented, firm nodules were noted. Nine of these nodules were incised and the osteomas removed (Fig 1). Tangential roentgenograms of the face showed the osteomas as multiple soft-tissue radiodensities (Fig 2).
Comment.—