Primary Cicatricial Alopecias: A Review of Histopathologic Findings in 38 Patients from a Clinical University Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Scarring alopecias are classified into primary and secondary types according to the initial site of inflammation. In primary scarring alopecias, the hair follicle is the main target of destruction; the term secondary cicatricial alopecia implies that follicular destruction is not the primary pathologic event. AIMS: To review the histopathologic diagnoses of cases of cicatricial alopecia in order to classify them according to the North American Hair Research Society. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with biopsy specimens diagnosed as cicatricial alopecia seen from 2000 to 2005 at the Dermatologic Department of Hospital das Clinicas, São Paulo University Medical School had hematoxylin and eosin, Periodic acid-Schiff and Weigert stained slides reevaluated and sub-typed into different primary cicatricial alopecias. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cases of primary cicatricial alopecias were reclassified as: chronic cutaneous lupus (17), lichen planus pilaris (4), pseudopelade of Brocq (12), folliculitis decalvans (3), dissecting folliculitis (1), and non-specific scarring alopecia (1). In our cases, the methods employed allowed an accurate diagnosis in 12 of 13 cases (92.3%) previously classified as non-specific cicatricial alopecias. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the late, pauci or non-inflammatory phases, an approach with systematic evaluation of a constellation of criteria in routine hematoxylin and eosin stain, Periodic acid-Schiff and Weigert stain allowed for a more accurate diagnosis of cicatricial alopecias

Eruptive xanthoma with unexpected granuloma annulare-like microscopic appearance: Case report

Xantoma eruptivo e granuloma anular são doenças dermatológicas com quadros clínicos distintos que, algumas vezes, apresentam semelhanças histopatológicas que podem conduzir a diagnóstico errôneo. Relata-se o caso de paciente do sexo masculino com 34 anos, portador de dislipidemia, com lesões clinicamente características de xantoma eruptivo cujo exame histopatológico foi sugestivo de granuloma anular. No entanto, a revisão da lâmina mostrou tratar-se de xantoma eruptivo. A remissão completa e rápida das lesões após o tratamento da dislipidemia confirmou o diagnóstico de xantoma eruptivo e motivou a pesquisa sobre as semelhanças e diferenças histopatológicas entre essas doenças.Eruptive xanthoma with unexpected granuloma annulare-like microscopic appearance - Case report Abstract: Eruptive xanthoma and granuloma annulare are dermatological diseases with different clinical findings that, sometimes, exhibit histopathological similarities with potential for misinterpretation. We report a case of an eruption of yellow-orange papules with erythematous borders in a 34-year-old male with high levels of serum triglycerides and cholesterol. The skin biopsy specimen has diagnosed granuloma annulare. Review of the histologic material revealed eruptive xanthoma. Remission of the eruption after treatment of dyslipidemia confirmed the diagnosis of the eruptive xanthoma and motivated research about the histological similarities and differences between these diseases

Amiloidose nodular com lesão corimbiforme

Amyloidosis is part of a group of deposition diseases. Nodular amyloidosis is a rare form of primary cutaneous amyloidosis. It affects men and women, usually over the age of 60 years. Presenting manifestation of the disease are yellowish-erythematous or brownish nodules or plaques in single or multiple infiltrates. Systemic evaluation should be performed to rule out involvement of other organs. Follow-up of the patient is important because the condition may progress to systemic amyloidosis. We report a case of nodular amyloidosis in which the lesion had a corymbiform aspect without systemic involvement and no recurrence after two years of follow-up

Você conhece esta síndrome? Do you know this syndrome?

A síndrome dos cabelos anágenos frouxos caracteriza-se por cabelos finos e rarefeitos que podem ser facilmente extraídos, de forma indolor, mediante leve tração. Acomete principalmente crianças. O tricograma evidencia 70% ou mais de pêlos anágenos desprovidos das bainhas radiculares interna e externa, apresentando cutícula enrugada em sua porção proximal. Apesar de benigno e auto-limitado, o distúrbio freqüentemente aflige os pais e deve ser diferenciado do eflúvio telógeno e da tricotilomania.Loose anagen hair syndrome is characterized by thin and sparse hairs that can be easily extracted upon mild traction. The disorder affects predominantly children. Trichogram shows at least 70% of loose anagen hairs devoid of inner and outer hair sheaths, presenting a ruffled cuticle at the proximal portion. Although benign and self-limited, the disorder frequently concerns parents and should be further differentiated from telogen effluvium and trichotillomania

Síndrome de Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur: variante disseminada de líquen plano folicular

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome is a rare lichenoid dermatosis. It is characterized by the triad of scarring alopecia of the scalp, alopecia of the axilla and or groin, and keratotic follicular papules of the body. The present paper reports on two cases affecting young women. Histopathological findings suggest the disorder represents a generalized form of lichen planus follicularis