Approaches to the Dermatopathologic Diagnosis of Figurate Lesions

Ríos-Martín, J.J.; Ferrándiz-Pulido, L.; Moreno-Ramírez, D.

doi:10.1016/S1578-2190(11)70814-9

Article information

Abstract

Both clinical and pathologic findings must be considered when diagnosing figurate skin lesions, which are often seen in routine practice. Although a skin biopsy may sometimes be diagnostic, more often the information provided is nonspecific. In an attempt to offer an approach to diagnosing these dermatoses, we have classified annular lesions according to the presence of lymphocytic, neutrophilic-eosinophilic, or granulomatous infiltrates, and infiltrates containing plasma cells. Neoplastic annular lesions are included in a separate group. Lesions containing lymphocytic infiltrates include superficial and deep erythema annulare centrifugum and the differential diagnosis includes a large number of conditions. In the neutrophilic-eosinophilic class, we include annular psoriasis, vasculitis, linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis, eosinophilic dermatitis, erythema marginatum rheumatica, and annular erythema of infancy. Sarcoidosis and granuloma annulare are the prototypical annular lesions containing granulomas. Secondary syphilis is typical of lesions containing plasma cells. Mycosis fungoides is the principal skin tumor that may initially manifest with annular lesions.

Keywords:

Figurate erythema

Annular erythema

Dermatopathology

Resumen

Las lesiones cutáneas figuradas son muy frecuentes en la práctica diaria, y en la mayoría de las ocasiones requieren una adecuada correlación clínico-patológica para llegar a un diagnóstico correcto. En algunos casos la biopsia mostrará hallazgos específicos que permitirán hacer el diagnóstico, pero en la mayor parte de ellos los datos serán inespecíficos. En un intento de aproximarnos al diagnóstico de estas dermatosis hemos clasificado las lesiones anulares según el tipo de infiltrado inflamatorio: linfocitario, neutrofílico-eosinofílico, granulomatoso y con células plasmáticas; y hemos incluido un último apartado para las lesiones anulares neoplásicas. Entre las primeras destacamos el eritema anular centrífugo (superficial y profundo) y su amplio diagnóstico diferencial. Con infiltrado neutrofílico-esinofílico incluimos: psoriasis anular, vasculitis, dermatitis IgA lineal, dermatitis eosinofílica, eritema marginado reumático y eritemas anulares de la infancia. La sarcoidosis y el granuloma anular son los prototipos de lesiones anulares con granulomas, y la sífilis secundaria con células plasmáticas. La micosis fungoide es la principal neoplasia cutánea que puede iniciarse con lesiones anulares.

Palabras clave:

Eritemas figurados

Eritema anular

Dermatopatología

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