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Lichen nitidus pathology

Author: Dr Ben Tallon, Dermatologist/Dermatopathologist, Tauranga, New Zealand, 2011.


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Histology of lichen nitidus

Scanning power view of lichen nitidus identifies a focal dermal inflammatory infiltrate enclosed within collarettes of epidermal acanthosis (Figures 1 and 2). Focal erosion of the epidermis in figure 1 indicates excoriation. Higher power view identifies a well circumscribed lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with multinucleated giant cells (Figures 3 and 4).

Lichen nitidus pathology

Differential diagnosis of lichen nitidus

Micropapular sarcoidosis: The inflammatory infiltrate is also seen focally within the papillary dermis, but is predominantly histiocytic forming non caseating epithelioid granulomas.

Lichen scrofulosorum: The non caseating granulomas are typically centred on the hair follicles or sweat ducts.

Papular granuloma annulare: Shows localized changes, but otherwise retains the typical infiltrate and collagen changes of granuloma annulare.

 

References

  • Skin Pathology (2nd edition, 2002). Weedon D
  • Pathology of the Skin (3rd edition, 2005). McKee PH, J. Calonje JE, Granter SR
  • Micropapular sarcoidosis. Acta Derm Venereol. 1998;78:299–319.

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