Macular lymphocytic arteritis (MLA) or lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis (LTA) is a newly described cutaneous arteritis characterized by asymptomatic macules and patches of the extremities associated with lymphocytic arteritis at the deep dermal/subcuticular junction for which little information on demographics, evaluation, and management is available. There has recently been debate in the literature as to whether this disease is a new distinct entity, misdiagnosed cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (cPAN), or a disease on the same spectrum as cPAN. Researchers conducted a systematic review of the literature on demographic data, medical history, histopathology findings, and treatment management to identify trends and resolve controversies in LTA characterizations. Forty comprehensive LTA examples were published. They have submitted that, although there are limitations in the literature, an analysis of the evidence suggested that LTA is unique from cPAN and systemic PAN.
Furthermore, in order to better represent the pathophysiologic natural history of this disorder and correct for the historical artifact of how the disease was recognized, they advocated the disease to be referred to as LTA and opposed the continued usage of the term macular lymphocytic arteritis.
Reference:journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Abstract/2019/04000/Lymphocytic_Thrombophilic_Arteritis__A_Review.9.aspx
