Case Report OPEN ACCESS Overexpression of linker for activated T cells, cyclooxygenase-2, CD1a, CD68 and myeloid/histiocyte antigen in an inflamed seborrheic keratosis

Abstract Context: Inflamed seborrheic keratoses are generally associated with the accumulation of variable numbers of lymphocytes and histiocytes in the superficial dermis. The precise immunologic mechanism of this histologic phenomenon is not known Case Report: A 62-year-old male presented with a patch on the right neck with additional features of inflammation. Skin biopsies for hematoxylin and eosin examination, as well as for immunohistochemistry analysis were performed. Results: H&E staining demonstrated classic features of an inflamed seborrheic keratosis. Overexpression of LAT, COX-2, CD1a, and CD68 was noticed in the inflammatory infiltrate. A strong presence of CD1a was also seen in the epidermis suprajacent to the inflammation. Myeloid/histiocyte antigen was strongly expressed by the keratinocytes. Conclusion: A complex immune response seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of an inflamed seborrheic keratosis

Presence of neutrophil extracellular traps and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies associated with vasculitides

Abstract Context: Anti-neutrophil p-ANCA antibodies are directed against antigens in the peripheral cytoplasm of both neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes. They are detected in several autoimmune disorders and are particularly associated with systemic vasculitis. Case Report: We report a case of a 54-year-old female presenting with a pruritic rash, including purpura and diffuse erythema. A biopsy with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) analysis, direct immunofluorescence (DIF), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for ANCAs were performed. The H & E staining demonstrated leukocytoclastic vasculitis, with focal vascular fibrinoid necrosis. The DIF revealed evidence of vasculitis, the presence of p-ANCAs and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The IHC displayed autoreactivity to myeloperoxidase within the vessels. The IHC aided in ruling out any intrinsic autofluorescence of the vessels. Conclusions: By observing the deposition of neutrophil extracellular traps and myeloperoxidase in inflamed skin vessels, biopsy analysis may alert physicians for rapid therapeutic intervention in patients presenting with possible vasculitides

Antigen presenting cells in the skin of a patient with hair loss and systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Context: Hair loss is one of the most striking clinical features of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), however, very few studies have investigated the immunological features of this process. Case report: We describe a 33 years old female who presented with scalp hair loss and arthralgias. Physical examination revealed erythematous plaques on the nose and scalp, with bitemporal hair loss. Scalp biopsies revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis, with a mild interface infiltrate of lymphocytes and histiocytes and a superficial and deep, perivascular and periadnexal infiltrate of mostly CD4 positive cells. Antibodies to HAM 56, CD68, CD1a, S-100, mast cell tryptase and c-kit/CD117 were strongly positive around the hair follicles, and in the adjacent sebaceous glands. Conclusion: We present the first report showing a significant presence of several antigen presenting cells around the hair follicular units in a patient with alopecia in active SLE. Today, antigen presenting cells and dendritic cells (DC) are modeled as the master regulators of human immunity. One aspect that has become clearly appreciated is the great diversity of DC subtypes, each with considerable functional differences. Thus, we suggest that APC and DCs are equipped with Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) to some hair follicular unit antigens; that these innate sensors recognize conserved molecular patterns on self-tissue, and play a significant role in the pathophysiology of alopecia in SLE patients

Atopic dermatitis with possible polysensitization and monkey esophagus reactivity

Abstract Context: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease resulting from interactions between environmental and genetic factors. Recent studies link atopic dermatitis with asthma and with eosinophilic esophagitis. Case Report: Based on this association, we investigated by indirect immunofluorescence the immunoreactivity patterns on monkey esophagus substrate utilizing the serum of a patient with severe atopic dermatitis. We also examined the patient's skin biopsy by H&E histology and immunohistochemistry. We detected strong deposits of albumin, IgE, IgG, IgD, IgA, Complement/C1q and mast cell tryptase in multiples structures of the skin, as well as a broad pattern of intraepithelial staining on monkey esophagus. Strong staining positivity was also detected within the inflammatory infiltrate around the upper dermal vessels, as well as additional positive staining for the human leukocyte antigen system antigens DR DP and DQ. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that there could be an indication for testing patients with severe atopic dermatitis for autoreactivity to filaggrin (anti-keratin antibodies) utilizing monkey esophagus. Larger studies are needed to clarify any immunologic interaction between the reactivity to albumin and food allergens that may sensitize patients via the esophageal mucosa

Deposition of immunoreactants in a cutaneous allergic drug reaction

Abstract Context: The analysis of allergic drug reaction pathology may be difficult, especially if multiple histological reaction patterns are detected on review of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections. In this case, we emphasize the value of adding immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multicolor direct immunofluorescence (DIF) as tools to improve the diagnosis of these complex disorders. Patient and Methods: Our patient is a twenty-year-old Caucasian female, who presented with a sudden onset of erythematous macules on the skin following administration of amoxicillin. Lesional tissue was examined by H & E and IHC, and perilesional tissue by DIF and IHC. Results: The H&E findings revealed diffuse dermal edema, and a mild, superficial, perivascular dermatitis with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, consistent with an allergic drug eruption. The IHC and DIF studies revealed autoreactivity to sweat glands, nerves and dermal blood vessels, as well as dermal deposits of immune reactants such as fibrinogen and complement around the inflamed areas. Conclusions: Fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products have been shown in some cases of allergic disorders; thus, we encourage the effect further testing for these immunoreactants in biopsies from patients with possible allergic drug reactions

Case Report OPEN ACCESS Autoreactivity to sweat glands and nerves in clinical scabies infection

Abstract Context: Skin changes in pregnancy can be categorized as 1) physiological/hormonal, 2) alterations in pre-existing skin diseases, or 3) represent development of new dermatoses, some of which may be pregnancy specific. Case Report: We describe a 19 years old female at 27 weeks gestation who presented with a rash on the face and breast, with intense pruritis. Hematoxylin and eosin demonstrated Scabies mites within the epidermis, with an intense perivascular infiltrate of lymphohistiocytic cells around the superficial dermal blood vessels. By direct immunofluorescence (DIF), human fibrinogen was also detected in the perivascular areas. DIF also revealed deposits of human IgG and complement C5-9/MAC deposits in the sweat glands, as well as in nerves surrounding the sweat glands subjacent to the mites. Overexpression of ezrin and junctional adhesion molecule antibodies close to the scabies infection sites were also seen. Conclusion: Given that the hallmark of clinical scabies is intense pruritus and that very limited information is available regarding the pathophysiology of this symptom, we suggest that the itching sensation may be exacerbated by nerves and eccrine sweat glands in close proximity to the sites of infection