ABSTRACT
Within this section are examples of ulcers that cause considerable diagnostic diffi culties, and which are characterized by obstruction of dermal capillaries with thrombi or other material (e.g., cholesterol emboli). Clinically, these ulcers present with areas of “microlivedo,” purple discoloration of the foot and skin around the wound, and areas of dark necrotic tissue in the wound itself or at the edges. One of us (VF) has labeled ulcers having this clinical/histologic picture as “microthrombotic ulcers.” Those ulcers that are due to cryofi brinogenemia responded dramatically to the anabolic steroid stanozolol, in terms of both pain and ulcer healing. We present several examples of these conditions. Unfortunately, due to the unrelenting abuse of stanozolol to enhance physical performance, this drug is no longer available. There are a few countries where it can still be obtained, but we would be concerned about quality control. Fortunately, there is enough clinical experience to suggest that danazol may also be effective in conditions where we used stanozolol.
