[Reticulated teleangiectatic erythema after implantation of medical devices. An increasingly occurring phenomenon?].

Reticulated telangiectatic erythema (RTE) is a rare skin reaction to extraneous materials. We present three cases in which asymptomatic persistent erythemas developed in the area of implantation after medical devices were inserted. Topical and systemic treatment did not improve the skin changes. Patch testing including applied materials showed negative results in all cases. Histological investigation of punch biopsy specimens showed moderate dilatated vessels and a slight lymphocytic infiltrate. Due to our findings and in synopsis with the clinical impression we diagnosed RTE. As RTE is asymptomatic in most cases, the devices need not be removed.