F Rongioletti1, B Smoller. 1. Center of Dermatopathology, University of Genoa, Italy. lonetti@unige.it
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To verify the incidence and the possible diagnostic use of detecting adnexotropism in mycosis fungoides (MF). METHODS: We reviewed the frequency and the intensity of the eccrine and follicular infiltration in 104 biopsy specimens from indisputable cases of MF and in a control group of 20 biopsy specimens of spongiotic dermatitis. Syringohyperplasia and follicular mucinosis were also evaluated. RESULTS: A prominent eccrine infiltration was noted in 32 of 104 specimens (30%). Marked acrosyringial and ductal eccrine hyperplasia was present in 5 specimens (5%). In 13 of the 32 specimens with prominent eccrine infiltration (40%), epidermotropism was slight or less evident than syringotropism. Follicular structures were visible in 59 specimens and significantly infiltrated in 57%. Follicular mucinosis was found in 5 (8.4%). In the control group of spongiotic dermatitis, a significant eccrine and follicular infiltration was found only in case (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Adnexal (eccrine gland and follicle) infiltration may be a useful diagnostic tool in MF, particularly in those in which epidermotropism is slight.
BACKGROUND: To verify the incidence and the possible diagnostic use of detecting adnexotropism in mycosis fungoides (MF). METHODS: We reviewed the frequency and the intensity of the eccrine and follicular infiltration in 104 biopsy specimens from indisputable cases of MF and in a control group of 20 biopsy specimens of spongiotic dermatitis. Syringohyperplasia and follicular mucinosis were also evaluated. RESULTS: A prominent eccrine infiltration was noted in 32 of 104 specimens (30%). Marked acrosyringial and ductal eccrine hyperplasia was present in 5 specimens (5%). In 13 of the 32 specimens with prominent eccrine infiltration (40%), epidermotropism was slight or less evident than syringotropism. Follicular structures were visible in 59 specimens and significantly infiltrated in 57%. Follicular mucinosis was found in 5 (8.4%). In the control group of spongiotic dermatitis, a significant eccrine and follicular infiltration was found only in case (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Adnexal (eccrine gland and follicle) infiltration may be a useful diagnostic tool in MF, particularly in those in which epidermotropism is slight.