Poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides: A study of its clinicopathological, immunophenotypic, and prognostic features

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: clinical presentation, diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic management

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. MF is the most common cutaneous lymphoma, and it is classified into classic Alibert-Bazin MF, folliculotropic MF, pagetoid reticulosis, and granulomatous slack skin, each with characteristic clinical presentation, histopathological findings, and distinct clinical behaviors. SS is an aggressive leukemic variant of cutaneous lymphoma, and it is characterized by erythroderma, lymphadenopathy, and peripheral blood involvement by malignant cells. There is a wide range of dermatological manifestations of MF/SS, and prompt recognition is essential for early diagnosis. Skin biopsy for histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis is imperative to confirm the diagnosis of MF/SS. Histopathology may also provide information that may influence prognosis and treatment. Staging follows the TNMB system. Besides advanced stage, other factors associated with poorer prognosis are advanced age, male gender, folliculotropism in histopathology of patients with infiltrated plaques and tumors in the head and neck region, large cell transformation, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Treatment is divided into skin-directed therapies (topical treatments, phototherapy, radiotherapy), and systemic therapies (biological response modifiers, targeted therapies, chemotherapy). Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and extracorporeal photopheresis are other treatment modalities used in selected cases. This review discusses the main clinical characteristics, the histopathological/immunohistochemical findings, the staging system, and the therapeutic management of MF/SS.

Hyperpigmented mycosis fungoides: a retrospective and comparative analysis with other subtypes of mycosis fungoides

In this study, the clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes of patients with hyperpigmented MF from a single tertiary referral center database were retrospectively evaluated. Hyperpigmented MF accounted for 10.9% (14/128) of all MF cases. The mean age at diagnosis was 46.9 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 1:1.3. Concurrent hypopigmented, ichthyosiform, and poikilodermatous lesions were detected in 21.4%, 14.3%, and 14.3% of the patients, respectively. Histopathologically, most patients (85.7%) showed interface change with pigment incontinence. Double negative (CD4- and CD8-) immunophenotypes were more frequent in patients with hyperpigmented MF (25%) than in those with other MF subtypes (9.8%). Most patients (85.7%) had early-stage disease at diagnosis. The survival outcomes did not differ significantly between hyperpigmented and other MF subtypes. In conclusion, hyperpigmented MF often accompanies other atypical MF variants and is frequently associated with atypical immunophenotypes. The outcomes of hyperpigmented MF are comparable to those of other MF subtypes.

Clinical Patterns and Treatment Response of Patients With Mycosis Fungoides a Retrospective Study

Background

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is one of the primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and is considered to be the most common extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas. MF is characterized by different subtypes based on clinical presentation and immunophenotyping studies. We aimed to study the clinical patterns and treatment response in cases of MF among the patients attending a tertiary referral hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

A retrospective study, case record-based study was done to review all the patients diagnosed with MF from January 2011 to May 2016. All cases with histopathological confirmation and immunophenotyping were included in the study. Treatment follow-up was reviewed for 9 months in all cases. Treatment response was graded based on a global physician assessment-complete response, good response, moderate response, and minimal or no response.

Results

Out of 34 cases of MF included in the study, 11 were hyperpigmented MF, 21 were hypopigmented MF, and there was one case each of poikilodermatous MF and pagetoid reticulosis. Of the total, fourteen (66.7%) of hypopigmented MF patients showed a complete response to phototherapy Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) in combination with topical corticosteroids. Nine (81.8%) of hyperpigmented MF patients showed partial to the phototherapy NB-UVB in combination with the topical corticosteroid. Among the other types; one case of poikilodermatous MF (2.9%) showed a moderate response to phototherapy NB-UVB with topical corticosteroid and systemic acitretin.

Conclusions

The most common type of MF seen in our study was the hypopigmented type, affecting a younger age group, and the same showed a good response to phototherapy NB-UVB combined with topical corticosteroids.

A Comprehensive Update of the Atypical, Rare and Mimicking Presentations of Mycosis Fungoides

Introduction

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most frequent subtype of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (pCTCL). The diagnosis may be particularly difficult in the early stages as well as in atypical and rare clinical presentations. Furthermore, MF may simulate a large variety of common dermatologic disorders and patterns, both histopathologically and clinically.

Methods

A literature search was performed to provide a comprehensive update on the rare and atypical MF manifestations as well as the dermatoses and dermatological patterns that could be imitated by MF.

Results

A total of 114 publications were found describing a series of different dermatoses and dermatological patterns mimicked by MF, as well as some particular localizations of MF lesions and dermatoses that occur in preexisting MF lesions.

Conclusions

The number of dermatoses that can be imitated by MF is ever-increasing. Patients with common dermatologic conditions that prove to be treatment refractory should be biopsied without delay, and sequentially as necessary, to prevent delay in diagnosis and progression of disease. Clinicopathologic correlation is the best way of diagnosis.

Mycosis Fungoides in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Importance

Comprehensive data on childhood mycosis fungoides (MF) is scarce.

Objective

To describe clinical features, immunophenotypes, various treatment options, and prognosis of MF in children and adolescents.

Evidence Review

This systematic review searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases in October 2019. The search terms included mycosis fungoides, infant, children, and adolescent. No filter for the publication period was used, but studies written in a language other than English were excluded. Reference lists of the relevant articles were also searched manually. Case series and case reports were included if data on childhood MF were extractable. The Asan Medical Center database for cases of childhood MF was also searched. Patients were treated from January 1, 1990, to July 31, 2019, and were younger than 20 years at the time of diagnosis. The methodologic quality of the included studies was assessed with items from the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were analyzed from December 9, 2019, to September 4, 2020.

Findings

A total of 571 unique patients were included. The mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 12.2 (4.2) years; at onset, 8.6 (4.2) years. The female-to-male ratio was 1:1.6 (350 male patients [61.3%]). Among 522 patients with data available at diagnosis, stage 1 disease constituted 478 cases (91.6%), followed by stage 2 (39 [7.5%]) and stage 4 (5 [1.0%]). Among the 567 patients with data available, the most common variant of MF was the hypopigmented form (309 [54.5%]), followed by classic MF (187 [33.0%]). The MF lesions were predominantly the CD4+ and CD8+ immunophenotype in 99 (49.5%) and 79 (39.5%) of 200 patients, respectively. Among the treatments, narrowband UV-B was the most frequently used (150 of 426 [35.2%]). Most patients were alive with the disease (185 of 279 [66.3%]); 83 of 279 (29.8%) were in complete remission; and 11 of 279 (3.9%) had died by the last follow-up. A longer time from onset to diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.45), granulomatous slack skin (HR, 12.25; 95% CI, 1.99-75.26), granulomatous MF (HR, 14.59; 95% CI, 1.31-162.00), a history of organ transplant (HR, 10.15; 95% CI, 0.98-105.37), and stage 2 disease at the time of diagnosis (HR, 10.22; 95% CI, 2.94-35.50) were associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this review suggest that there is often a significant delay until the establishment of a correct diagnosis of childhood MF, which may be detrimental to the prognosis.

Characteristics and outcomes of 727 patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome from a Brazilian cohort

BACKGROUND

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most prevalent cutaneous lymphomas. They were not described in a large Brazilian cohort yet. We aimed, with this single-center, retrospective cohort analysis, to describe the characteristics and outcomes of MF/SS in a tertiary public health service in Brazil.

METHODS

MF/SS patients evaluated at the University of São Paulo Medical School between 1989 and 2018 were included. Data were collected at diagnosis. Demographic, clinical, histopathological, immunopathological, molecular, laboratory, and follow-up data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 727 patients, 92.6% (673) were diagnosed with MF, 7.4% (54) with SS. There were 51.2% (372) of males, 48.8% (355) of females. The median age was 51.8 years; it was higher in erythrodermic MF (60.2) and SS (60.9). Among MF, 41.8% (281) had classic MF, 4.9% (33) folliculotropic MF, 1.8% (12) granulomatous slack skin, and 0.3% (2) pagetoid reticulosis. Common subtypes included erythrodermic (14.1%, 95), hypopigmented (10.8%, 73), and poikilodermatous MF (10.8%, 73). Extracutaneous involvement was rare. Five, 10, 20, and 30-year overall survival rates were 97.3%, 92.4%, 82.6%, and 82.6% for early-stage, and 58.6%, 42.7%, 20.8%, and 15.4% for advanced-stage disease, respectively. After multivariate analysis, SS diagnosis, folliculotropic MF, erythrodermic MF, clinical stage, age (≥60 years), increased lactate dehydrogenase, and large cell transformation conferred poorer prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a higher percentage of hypopigmented MF compared to the literature, and demographic (older age) and prognostic (poorer prognosis) similarities between erythrodermic MF and SS, suggesting a possible relationship between these erythrodermic lymphomas. Factors associated with a poorer prognosis were compatible with the literature.

Phototherapy as a treatment of early-stage mycosis fungoides and predictive factors for disease recurrence: A 17-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Mycosis fungoides is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Narrowband ultraviolet B and psoralen and ultraviolet A are effective treatment options, but studies of their treatment efficacy and disease relapse remain limited.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed (1) to determine the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B and psoralen and ultraviolet A as a treatment for early-stage mycosis fungoides and explore the predictive factors for complete remission and (2) to determine the relapse rate and analyze their predictive factors, including the utility of maintenance therapy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study consisting of 61 patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides (IA - IB) treated with narrowband ultraviolet B or psoralen and ultraviolet A as the first-line therapy from January 2002 to December 2018 at the Division of Dermatology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curve were performed for the main outcomes.

RESULTS

A complete remission was achieved by 57 (93.5%) patients. The median time to remission was 7.80 ± 0.27 months. Types of phototherapy (narrowband ultraviolet B or psoralen and ultraviolet A), age and gender did not associate with time to remission, while the presence of poikiloderma and higher disease stage led to a longer time to remission. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 50.8%. The median time to relapse was 24.78 ± 5.48 months. In patients receiving phototherapy during the maintenance period, a treatment duration longer than six months was associated with a significantly longer relapse-free interval.

CONCLUSION

Narrow-band-ultraviolet B and psoralen and ultraviolet A are effective treatment options for early-stage mycosis fungoides. Maintenance treatment by phototherapy for at least six months seems to prolong remission.

Clinicoprognostic implications of head and neck involvement by mycosis fungoides: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The clinicoprognostic implications of head and neck involvement of mycosis fungoides (MF) are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association of head and neck involvement on the clinicoprognostic features of MF.

METHODS

The clinical features and survival outcomes of patients with MF in a Korean academic medical center database were retrospectively evaluated according to the presence of head and neck involvement at diagnosis.

FINDINGS

Cases of MF with (group A, n = 39) and without (group B, n = 85) head and neck involvement at diagnosis were identified. Advanced-stage disease (stages IIB-IVB) was more common in group A (43.6%) than in group B (5.9%) (P < .001). MF progression, extracutaneous dissemination, and large-cell transformation more commonly occurred in group A than in group B. The 10-year overall survival rate was worse in group A (53.4%) compared with group B (81.6%) (P < .001). Head and neck involvement at diagnosis was associated with poor prognosis in early-stage MF (stages IA-IIA) and was independently associated with worse progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 24.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-267.6; P = .009).

LIMITATIONS

A single center, retrospective design.

CONCLUSION

Head and neck involvement of MF was associated with a poor prognosis.

Mycosis Fungoides and Its Relationship to Atopy, Serum Total IgE, and Eosinophil Counts

INTRODUCTION

A recent serologic study and reports of increased serum total IgE (IgE-t) and eosinophil counts have suggested that the prevalence of atopy is more common in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) than previously recognized.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with clinicopathologic features that were diagnostic and/or consistent with MF and/or the presence or absence of an atopic disorder (eg, allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczematous dermatitis), which was determined by patient history, eosinophil counts, and serum IgE-t obtained at evaluation, were selected from a patient registry. The MF population was divided into those with atypical and typical clinical presentations. We performed matching of controls using age, sex, and race from the 2005 to 2006 National Health Education Survey.

RESULTS

A history of allergic rhinitis was recorded for 186 of 728 patients (25.5%) with typical MF and 71 of 229 patients (31%) with atypical MF. However, the prevalence of asthma and eczema was low. The IgE-t and eosinophil counts were higher for patients with typical MF than for controls and for patients with atopic diathesis than for patients without atopy. The IgE-t and eosinophil counts were higher for the patients with advanced-stage MF compared with those for the patients with less-advanced disease for both atopic and nonatopic cohorts. In the Cox model with age and clinical stage as covariates, a history of atopy, increased IgE-t, and blood eosinophilia (> 500 cells/mm3) did not correlate with overall survival.

CONCLUSION

The findings from the present study did not reveal a significant association of atopy in patients with MF. However, atopy is a factor in the increased IgE-t and eosinophil counts observed in MF. Another factor is related to the disease stage, including possibly the influence of cytokines secreted by T-helper type 2-polarized neoplastic cells.

Poikilodermatous plaque-like hemangioma: A benign vasoformative entity with reproducible histopathologic and clinical features

Poikilodermatous plaque-like hemangioma (PPLH) is a recently described benign vasoformative entity with only 16 cases reported to date. We present an additional case of a 90-year-old male who presented with a 2-year history of a relatively large, asymptomatic, atrophic plaque on his left buttock. The lesion was initially smaller and grew before stabilizing in size. The patient denied preceding trauma or injury at this site as well as the presence or history of any similar lesions elsewhere. Physical examination revealed a reniform atrophic pink plaque with peripheral hyperpigmentation and overlying cigarette paper wrinkling. Given this appearance, scar or post-inflammatory changes were favored clinically, but lack of preceding trauma raised clinical concerns for poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides. Given the location and appearance, a broad shave biopsy was performed to rule out mycosis fungoides. Histopathologic examination revealed an increased density of superficial endothelial-cell-lined vessels, telangiectasias with sludging and congestion of superficial dermal vessels and loss of elastic tissue fibers in the lesional area. These findings, in the context of the clinical history, were consistent with this newly described hemangioma. We present this case to increase awareness amongst dermatopathologists of the reproducible clinical and histopathologic findings of this new benign vasoformative entity.

[Clinical heterogeneity of poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides: A retrospective study of 12 cases]

INTRODUCTION

Poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides is a rare and indolent clinical variant of mycosis fungoides (MF). It can be difficult to distinguish from poikilodermatous parapsoriasis, a group of chronical dermatoses that may sometimes progress to MF. We aimed to specify the clinical, histopathological and developmental features of these entities by means of a retrospective study of 12 cases followed in our center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified cases of poikiloderma for which a diagnosis of MF or parapsoriasis was made by the physician. Photographs and histological slides were reviewed, and a final diagnosis of MF was made if the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphoma criteria for the diagnosis of early MF were fulfilled.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were included, 10 of whom met of the MF criteria. 5 patients had large poikilodermatous patches or thin, well-defined plaques ; 3 patients had the same lesions associated with classical MF lesions ; finally, 4 patients had widespread ill-defined erythematous lesions in a net-like pattern, described as parakeratosis variegata, including 3 MF. 2 patients with well-defined lesions (one associated with classical MF lesions) progressed to the tumoral stage whereas none of the patients with parakeratosis variegata presented such progression. A total of 5 patients had a high skin phototype (IV and V). Two patients had squamous cell carcinoma on poikilodermatous lesions.

DISCUSSION

Our study suggests that poikilodermatous MF covers a heterogeneous clinical spectrum comprising on one hand a presentation of delimited lesions sharing classical MF risk of progression, and on the other, an entity similar to parakeratosis variegata, an entity overlooked in the French nomenclature, which was particularly benign in our small series, raising the question of its affiliation to the MF group. This question merits further investigation in a larger-scale study.

Poikilodermatous Mycosis Fungoides: Comparative Study of Clinical, Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Features

BACKGROUND

Poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides (pMF) is characterized by poikiloderma areas, typically involving the major flexural areas and trunk. Its presentation can be generalized or admixed with other forms of MF. Previous studies fail to correlate the clinical presentation with prognosis and laboratory findings. Some reports show pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) preceding the poikiloderma.

OBJECTIVES

Correlate prognostic, histopathological and molecular aspects of pMF with its clinical presentation.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 14 cases of generalized pMF (GpMF), 22 of localized pMF (LpMF) and 17 of pMF admixed with other forms of MF (mix-pMF).

RESULTS

Female predominance and lower age at diagnosis was found in all groups compared to classic MF, a high prevalence of PLC-like lesions in the GpMF group and a high rate of hypopigmented lesions in the mix-pMF group. There were 2 deaths within the GpMF group. Histology was similar to previously reported findings, as was the prevalence of CD4 T-cell infiltrate, compared to CD8. The T-cell clonality positivity was lower in the GpMF group, compared to other groups (27% GpMF, 80% LpMF and 100% mix-pMF).

DISCUSSION

This is the first article to categorize the different forms of pMF and correlate them with clinical and laboratory findings. The dermatological presentation differs among the groups. There was a high frequency of PLC-like lesions within the GpMF group and of hypopigmented lesions in mix-pMF. The histological and immunohistochemical findings were similar to those previously reported. Aggressive treatments are not recommended due to the good prognosis of all pMF forms. The low positivity of T-cell clonality in the GpMF group should be investigated.

The PROCLIPI international registry of early-stage mycosis fungoides identifies substantial diagnostic delay in most patients

BACKGROUND

Survival in mycosis fungoides (MF) is varied and may be poor. The PROCLIPI (PROspective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index) study is a web-based data collection system for early-stage MF with legal data-sharing agreements permitting international collaboration in a rare cancer with complex pathology. Clinicopathological data must be 100% complete and in-built intelligence in the database system ensures accurate staging.

OBJECTIVES

To develop a prognostic index for MF.

METHODS

Predefined datasets for clinical, haematological, radiological, immunohistochemical, genotypic, treatment and quality of life are collected at first diagnosis of MF and annually to test against survival. Biobanked tissue samples are recorded within a Federated Biobank for translational studies.

RESULTS

In total, 430 patients were enrolled from 29 centres in 15 countries spanning five continents. Altogether, 348 were confirmed as having early-stage MF at central review. The majority had classical MF (81·6%) with a CD4 phenotype (88·2%). Folliculotropic MF was diagnosed in 17·8%. Most presented with stage I (IA: 49·4%; IB: 42·8%), but 7·8% presented with enlarged lymph nodes (stage IIA). A diagnostic delay between first symptom development and initial diagnosis was frequent [85·6%; median delay 36 months (interquartile range 12-90)]. This highlights the difficulties in accurate diagnosis, which includes lack of a singular diagnostic test for MF.

CONCLUSIONS

This confirmed early-stage MF cohort is being followed-up to identify prognostic factors, which may allow better management and improve survival by identifying patients at risk of disease progression. This study design is a useful model for collaboration in other rare diseases, especially where pathological diagnosis can be complex.

Poikilodermatous Mycosis Fungoides with Erosive Lesions

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the commonest form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Many clinical subtypes and variants of MF have been described, one of which is poikilodermatous MF variant. Erosions and bullous lesions in a patient with poikilodermatous MF is a rare presentation. We present one such rare case of poikilodermatous MF with erosive lesions in a 40-year-old male.

Dermoscopy of Lymphomas and Pseudolymphomas

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are a heterogeneous group that includes 2 main groups of primary T- and B-cell lymphomas, which can involve the skin with distinct variability in clinical presentation, histopathology, immunophenotypes, molecular signature, and prognosis. The authors describe the most frequent clinical forms of cutaneous lymphomas and their dermoscopic features. Even if the diagnosis of these entities is still based on a cellular level and the literature on dermoscopy in cutaneous lymphomas is limited and, for several entities it is based only on single case reports/case series, we think that know how they appear also in dermoscopy can be useful for helping in the clinical diagnosis.

T-cell Lymphoma Epidemiology: the Known and Unknown

T-cell lymphoma, a collection of subtypes of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is a rare malignancy. The low prevalence of this disease has made it challenging to identify subtype-specific risk factors. Potential risk factors could enable us to identify high-risk patients and predict patient outcomes. Here, we report on the current epidemiologic and prognostic factors data associated with the individual subtypes both of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) found in large cohort and case studies. Additionally, with recent findings, as well as updates in the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphoid neoplasms, we consider what this could do to change our approach to this group of diseases.

Clinical Outcome and Prognosis of Young Patients with Mycosis Fungoides

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Mycosis fungoides (MF) in young patients is rare and may have atypical presentations. There are limited data in these patients. The objective was to determine the clinical outcome and prognosis of young patients with MF.

METHODS

A search of our institutional cancer registry database was conducted for patients diagnosed with MF at younger than 30 years of age.

RESULTS

Our study included 74 patients (median age at diagnosis 25.5 yrs). Sixty-five (88%) presented with early stage disease and variants of MF (n = 44 [59%]), leading to a median delay in diagnosis of 2.5 years. Hypopigmented MF (n = 27 [36.5%]) was the most common variant, affecting predominantly African American (44.4% vs 19%; p = 0.02) and younger (20 vs 26 yrs; p < 0.001) patients. All patients with hypopigmented MF presented with early stage disease and were less likely to develop progressive disease (PD) than those with other variants (11% vs 34%; p = 0.03). Nineteen patients (26%) developed PD during a median follow-up of 3.5 years, which was associated with advanced-stage disease (89% vs 17%; p < 0.001), older age (>20 yrs) (31% vs 13%; p = 0.08), African American race (52.6% vs 20%; p = 0.009), and poikilodermatous presentation (p < 0.01). Overall survival was good (97.2% at 5 yrs, 95.9% at 10 yrs) despite the delay in diagnosis and atypical presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Progressive disease is associated with older age, African American race, the poikilodermatous variant, and advanced-stage disease. The hypopigmented variant is a common presentation in young patients and has an indolent disease course. Our study confirms an overall favorable prognosis in young patients with MF.

Early morphea simulating patch-stage mycosis fungoides

Morphea is a rare fibrosing condition of the skin and underlying tissues characterized histopathologically by thickened collagen bundles throughout the dermis, loss of adnexal structures, and "fat trapping." In the early stages of morphea, the absence of the fully developed characteristic findings may cause diagnostic confusion for the practicing pathologist. The authors report an unusual case of early morphea misdiagnosed as patch-stage poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides (MF) based on the initial clinical, histopathologic, and molecular findings. However, as time elapsed, well-developed lesions revealed clinical and histopathologic features diagnostic of morphea. The authors report this case to illustrate that lesions of early morphea may simulate MF. Given the similarities in clinicopathologic presentation, dermatologists and dermatopathologists should be cautious not to inadvertently misinterpret early morphea as MF.

Poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans showing features of ashy dermatosis in the beginning

Poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans (PVA) is a rare poikilodermatous variant of early-stage mycosis fungoides characterized by generalized poikiloderma, atrophy, mottled dyspigmentation, and telangiectasia. In 2001, a 14-year-old male presented with asymptomatic brownish-gray polymorphic macules throughout the body with flexural accentuation. A skin biopsy showed increased melanophages with focal hydropic changes. Ashy dermatosis was considered a possible diagnosis. In 2005, the lesions began to show darkening and lichenification in the lower part of the trunk. In 2011, his skin showed definite poikilodermatous changes, and a biopsy showed band-like inflammatory infiltrations of atypical lymphocytes, epidermal atrophy, and epidermotropism of predominantly CD4^-CD8⁺ atypical T cells. In addition, results of T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis were positive. Based on the aforementioned findings, he was diagnosed with PVA. If a patient shows long-standing and progressive hyperpigmentary skin changes, periodic follow-up and repeated skin biopsies are recommended to determine the underlying condition.

Mycosis Fungoides Variants

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that usually manifests as patches and plaques with a propensity for nonphotoexposed areas. MF is a common mimicker of inflammatory and infectious skin diseases, because it can be manifested with a wide variety of clinical and pathologic presentations. These atypical presentations of MF may be difficult to diagnose, requiring a high level of suspicion and careful clinicopathologic correlation. Within this array of clinical presentations, the World Health Organization classification recognizes 3 MF variants: folliculotropic MF, pagetoid reticulosis, and granulomatous slack skin. These 3 variants, as well as hypopigmented MF, are addressed in this article.

Mycosis fungoides: report of the 2011 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology workshop

Session 1 of the 2011 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology and European Association for Haematopathology focused on mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common cutaneous lymphoma. The 62 cases in this case group demonstrated a wide spectrum of clinicopathologic features, including those seen in typical cases as well as those, by contrast, with atypical clinical history, morphology, immunophenotype, and/or genotype. Of the 62 cases, 27 (44%) were presented at the workshop and highlighted diagnostic challenges plus related issues. This report summarizes the approach recommended for making a confident diagnosis of MF and its clinically significant variants; emphasizes pitfalls in evaluating early MF, assessing nodal involvement, and diagnosing transformed MF; and discusses the relationship between MF and primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Last, Sézary syndrome is discussed, with concentration on those features distinct from MF.

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical review and update

This paper reviews the diagnostic and classificatory concepts of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome in light of the latest normative publications. It describes the great variability of the clinical expression of mycosis fungoides in its early stages as well as the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects that help with diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria required for characterizing Sézary syndrome and the staging system used for both mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are described.