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The Dermatological Manifestations of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: A Review with Illustrated Cases

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Abstract

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a syndrome of excessive tachycardia with orthostatic challenge, and relief of such symptoms with recumbence. There are several proposed subtypes of the syndrome, each with unique pathophysiology. Numerous symptoms such as excessive tachycardia, lightheadedness, blurry vision, weakness, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, and tremulousness are associated with orthostatic intolerance. Other co-morbid conditions associated with POTS are not clearly attributable to orthostatic intolerance. These include chronic headache, fibromyalgia, functional gastrointestinal or bladder disorders, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances. Dermatological manifestations of POTS are also common and wide ranging, from livedo reticularis to Raynaud’s phenomenon, from cutaneous flushing to erythromelalgia. Here, we provide three illustrative cases of POTS with dermatological manifestations. We discuss the potential pathophysiology underlying such dermatological manifestations, and how such mechanisms could in turn help guide development of management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical Campus, 72 East Concord St, A-302, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    Hao Huang & Anna DePold Hohler

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  1. Hao Huang
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  2. Anna DePold Hohler
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Correspondence to Hao Huang.

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No funding was received for the preparation of this case and review article.

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The authors, Hao Huang and Anna DePold Hohler, have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Huang, H., Hohler, A.D. The Dermatological Manifestations of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: A Review with Illustrated Cases. Am J Clin Dermatol 16, 425–430 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-015-0144-6

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