Hypopigmented Skin Lesions with Doubtful/Minimal Sensory Impairment: A Histopathology-Based Analysis.

Background: Cardinal criteria proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) lack sensitivity to diagnose indeterminate leprosy. Aims: To estimate the frequency of hypopigmented skin lesions with doubtful/minimal sensory impairment showing histopathology features of indeterminate leprosy. To compare between the histopathology findings noted in specimens showing features suggestive of indeterminate leprosy and those showing a non-specific dermatitis pattern. Materials and Methods: Data on patients who attended our department with hypopigmented patches with doubtful/minimal sensory impairment from January 2018 to December 2019 and who underwent a skin biopsy were collected. A pathologist blinded to the clinical findings reviewed the histopathology specimens using a pre-set questionnaire. Results: We studied sixteen biopsy specimens from 14 patients. Eight specimens (50%) showed histopathology suggestive of indeterminate leprosy and the remaining eight showed a non-specific dermatitis pattern. A higher percentage of patients with indeterminate pattern showed mast cells (87.5% vs 25%) and fibrosis around nerve twig or sweat duct (75% vs 12.5%) when compared to those who showed a non-specific dermatitis pattern. Limitations: Small sample size and retrospective study design were the limitations. Conclusions: We found histopathology features of indeterminate leprosy in 50% of the skin biopsy specimens from hypopigmented lesions with doubtful/minimal sensory impairment. The present study highlights the need to improve the diagnostic definition of indeterminate leprosy.

Role of Histopathology in Predicting type 1 Lepra Reaction in Borderline Tuberculoid Leprosy.

CONTEXT: Lepra reactions if not managed promptly are an important cause of sudden onset nerve palsy and disability due to leprosy. AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of histology in predicting type 1 lepra reaction. SETTING AND DESIGN: After obtaining clearance from institutional research and ethics committees, all histologically proven borderline tuberculoid patients diagnosed at our center from 1.8.2016 to 31.7.2018 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. METHOD: Clinical details were collected from patient records. The pathologist who was blinded to clinical evidence of type 1 lepra reaction at the time of biopsy re-evaluated the histopathology slides for evidence of type 1 reaction. The data of individual patient was analyzed to identify those who had a type 1 reaction at the time of the biopsy or who developed a lepra reaction during follow up. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Association between histological evidence of type 1 reaction and clinical manifestation of the same subsequently, was assessed using Pearson's Chi square test. RESULTS: Study group comprised of 22 females and 18 males. Clinicohistological concordance was noted in 27 patients (67.5%). Subclinical type 1 reaction was documented in 11 patients (27.5%) based on histopathology evaluation. Five (45.5%) of these 11 patients subsequently developed clinical features of type 1 reaction. This was found to be statistically significant (P value 0.02). LIMITATIONS: Main limitation was the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Histology could serve as a useful tool in predicting future type 1 lepra reaction.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): A histopathology based analysis.

BACKGROUND: The data on the histology of cutaneous lesions of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is limited. AIMS: To study the histopathology of cutaneous lesions of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and to identify any features with diagnostic or prognostic significance. METHODS: All patients admitted to the dermatology ward of government medical college, Kozhikode from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 with probable or definite DRESS as per the RegiSCAR scoring system and who were willing to undergo skin biopsy were included in this prospective study. RESULTS: The study population comprised of nine patients. The consistent histological finding documented was the predominantly lymphocytic dermal inflammatory infiltrate. Four of the five patients whose histology revealed focal interface dermatitis and keratinocyte vacuolation with or without apoptotic keratinocytes, had elevated liver transaminases. Tissue eosinophilia was associated with disease flares. The presence of atypical lymphocytes in peripheral smear and histological evidence of dense dermal inflammatory infiltrate showed an association with hepatic involvement. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of our study were the small sample size and our inability to carry out a detailed immunohistochemistry work-up. CONCLUSIONS: In the appropriate setting, varying combinations of epidermal hyperplasia, spongiosis, parakeratosis and individually necrotic keratinocytes in the background of lymphocyte predominant dermal infiltrate (with some atypia) favor a diagnosis of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Female sex, the presence of atypical lymphocytes in peripheral smear, dense dermal inflammatory infiltrate, tissue eosinophilia and interface dermatitis with or without keratinocyte necrosis was associated with a poor prognosis.