Normal Vulvar Histology: Variation by Site

Multimodal OCT Control for Early Histological Signs of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Recurrence after Systemic PDT: Pilot Study

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a modern treatment for severe or treatment-resistant vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). The chronic and recurrent nature of VLS requires control of recurrences at an early stage. In this paper, a non-invasive multimodal optical coherence tomography (OCT) method was used to control for early histological signs of VLS recurrence after systemic PDT using Photodithazine®. To interpret the OCT data, a histological examination was performed before PDT and 3 months after PDT. Two groups of patients were identified: with early histological signs of VLS recurrence (Group I, n = 5) and without histological signs of VLS recurrence (Group II, n = 6). We use structural OCT, OCT angiography, and OCT lymphangiography throughout 6 months after PDT to visually assess the skin components and to quantitatively assess the dermis by calculating the depth-resolved attenuation coefficient and the density of blood and lymphatic vessels. The OCT data assessment showed a statistically significant difference between the patient groups 3 months after PDT. In Group II, all the studied OCT parameters reached maximum values by the 3rd month after PDT, which indicated recovery of the skin structure. At the same time, in Group I, the values of OCT parameters did not approach the values those in Group II even after 6 months. The obtained results of multimodal OCT can be used for non-invasive control of early histological recurrence of VLS after systemic PDT and for adjusting treatment tactics in advance, without waiting for new clinical manifestations of the disease.

Multiphoton microscopy assessment of the structure and variability changes of dermal connective tissue in vulvar lichen sclerosus: A pilot study

In this article, we offer a novel classification of progressive changes in the connective tissue of dermis in vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) relying on quantitative assessment of the second harmonic generation (SHG) signal received from formalin fixed and deparaffinized tissue sections. We formulate criteria for distinguishing four degrees of VLS development: Initial-Mild-Moderate-Severe. Five quantitative characteristics (length and thickness type I Collagen fibers, Mean SHG signal intensity, Skewness and Coherence SHG signal) are used to describe the sequential degradation of connective tissue (changes in the structure, orientation, shape and density of collagen fibers) up to the formation of specific homogeneous masses. Each of the degrees has a characteristic set of quantitatively expressed features. We focus on the identification and description of early, initial changes of the dermis as the least specific. The results obtained by us and the proposed classification of the degrees of the disease can be used to objectify the dynamics of tissue changes during treatment.

The Clinicopathologic Challenge of Nonneoplastic Vulvar Acanthosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate clinicopathologic features of cases demonstrating an acanthotic tissue reaction not clearly consistent with psoriasis, lichen simplex chronicus, mycosis, or condyloma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective pathologic case series of biopsies reported as "benign acanthotic lesion" and "acanthotic tissue reaction" that lacked a clear diagnosis on expert review. Cases with nuclear atypia were excluded. Clinical and histopathologic data were collected, immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53 were obtained, and molecular testing for 28 common anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes was undertaken.

RESULTS

There were 17 cases with a median age of 47 years. Unilaterality and medial location were clinical reasons for diagnostic difficulty. Histopathologic uncertainty often related to lack of papillary dermal fibrosis to support lichen simplex chronicus or psoriasiform lesions without parakeratosis, subcorneal pustules, and/or mycotic elements. Firm pathologic diagnoses were not possible, but 3 groups emerged: favoring chronic dermatitis, favoring psoriasis, and unusual morphologies. p16 results were negative or nonblock positive while p53 was normal or basal overexpressed. Human papillomavirus testing was negative in 12, low positive for HPV 16 in 1, unassessable in 3, and not requested in 1.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a group of acanthotic tissue reactions that cannot be classified with standard histopathologic assessment. Further clinicopathologic research into unilateral acanthotic lesions may provide insight into separation of psoriasis and mycosis when organisms are absent. Once nuclear atypia is excluded, immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53 and HPV molecular testing do not assist in diagnostic identification.

Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis and Plasma Cell Vulvitis Represent a Spectrum of Hemorrhagic Vestibulovaginitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to identify whether desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) and plasma cell vulvitis (PCV) are distinct clinicopathologic entities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pathology database identified biopsies described as "vaginitis" or "vulvitis" occurring in nonkeratinized epithelium or mucocutaneous junction. Exclusions were age less than 18 years, unavailable slides or records, concurrent neoplasia, or histopathology consistent with other entities. Clinical data included demographics, symptoms, examination, microbiology, treatment, and response. Histopathologic review documented site, epithelial thickness and characteristics, infiltrate, and vascular abnormalities. Cases were analyzed according to histopathologic impression of DIV or PCV based on previous pathologic descriptions.

RESULTS

There were 36 specimens classified as DIV and 18 as PCV from 51 women with mean age of 51 years; 3 (6%) had concurrent biopsies with both. Pain was more common in PCV, but rates of discharge, itch, and bleeding were comparable. Rates of petechiae or erythema were similar and vaginal examination was abnormal in 72% of PCV cases. All DIV and 33% of PCV occurred in squamous mucosa; the remaining PCV cases were from mucocutaneous junction. Mean epithelial thickness, rete ridge appearance, exocytosis, and spongiosis were similar in DIV and PCV. Epithelial erosion, wide-diameter lesions, plasma cells, and stromal hemosiderin occurred in both but were more common in PCV. Lymphocyte-obscured basal layer, narrow-diameter lesions, hemorrhage, and vascular congestion were seen in both, but more common and marked in DIV.

CONCLUSIONS

Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis and PCV have overlapping symptoms, signs, and histopathologic features. They may represent a single condition of hemorrhagic vestibulovaginitis with varying manifestations according to location and severity.

Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: A Review of Pharmacokinetics and Recommended Dosing Frequencies

Topical corticosteroids are often utilized as the first-line treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). However, there is wide variability in dosing regimens, as well as a lack of consensus on maintenance dosing. Available guidelines on dosing frequency and regimen continuation for VLS are based on clinical expert opinion and do not necessarily reflect the pharmacokinetics of topical corticosteroids. Over the past few decades, there have been many advances in the techniques used to measure the local and systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. These techniques have led to a greater understanding of the pharmacokinetics and bioavailabilities of these medications. However, it is not clear how this new information has been applied in evaluating dosing regimens and commonly cited risks when considering short- and long-term use in different vulvar dermatoses. This purpose of this review is to evaluate the available evidence on pharmacokinetics, absorption rates, and concentration levels of topical corticosteroids in lesional and nonlesional skin. Additionally, the evidence regarding commonly cited risks of topical corticosteroid use, including dermal thinning, adrenal suppression, systemic immunosuppression, and tachyphylaxis are reviewed. Differences in the effects of topical corticosteroids on the varied tissues of the vulva are specifically explored. Finally, these considerations are applied to evaluate the current treatment guidelines for VLS to provide direction in determining an evidenced-based dosing regimen and to inform future research in this area. Mautz TT, Krapf JM, Goldstein AT. Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: A Review of Pharmacokinetics and Recommended Dosing Frequencies. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

Erosive Lichen Sclerosus-A Clinicopathologic Subtype

Objective

The aim of the study was to identify whether erosive lichen sclerosus (LS) is a distinct clinicopathologic subtype.

Materials and Methods

The pathology database was searched for “erosion,” “erosive,” “ulcer,” and “lichen sclerosus.” Inclusion criteria were histopathologic diagnosis of LS and erosion or ulcer overlying a band of hyalinization and/or fibrosis. Exclusions were concurrent neoplasia and insufficient tissue. Histopathologic review documented site, epithelial thickness, adjacent epidermal characteristics, infiltrate, and dermal collagen abnormality. Clinical data included demographics, comorbidities, examination findings, microbiologic results, treatment, and response.

Results

Ten examples of erosive LS and 15 of ulcerated LS occurred in 24 women with a mean age of 67 years. Ulcerated LS was associated with diabetes and nontreatment at time of biopsy. Clinicians identified red patches in all but 1 case of erosive LS. Ulcerated LS was documented as fissure, ulcer, or white plaque, with 8 (53%) described as lichenified LS with epidermal breaches. Erosive LS favored hairless skin with normal adjacent stratum corneum sloping gently into erosion, whereas most ulcers in LS had an abrupt slope from hair-bearing skin. All cases were treated with topical steroids; 2 patients with erosive LS and 10 with ulcerated LS also had oral antifungals, topical estrogen, antibiotics, and/or lesional excision. Treatment yielded complete resolution in 50%.

Conclusions

Erosive LS is an unusual clinicopathologic subtype characterized by red patches on hairless skin seen microscopically as eroded epithelium overlying a band of hyalinized or fibrotic collagen. In contrast, ulcerated LS is usually a traumatic secondary effect in an uncontrolled dermatosis.

Clinicopathologic Diagnostic Criteria for Vulvar Lichen Planus

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and histopathologic features required for a clinicopathologic diagnosis of vulvar lichen planus (LP), which is divided into 3 types: erosive, classic, and hypertrophic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The International Society of the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases tasked the Difficult Pathologic Diagnoses committee with development of a consensus document for the clinicopathologic diagnosis of vulvar LP, lichen sclerosus, and differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. The LP subgroup reviewed the literature and formulated diagnostic criteria, then approved by the International Society of the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases membership.

RESULTS

The clinicopathologic diagnosis of erosive LP incorporates 5 criteria: (a) a well-demarcated, glazed red macule or patch at labia minora, vestibule, and/or vagina, (b) disease affects hairless skin, mucocutaneous junction, and/or nonkeratinized squamous epithelium, (c) evidence of basal layer damage, categorized as degenerative or regenerative, (d) a closely applied band-like lymphocytic infiltrate, and (e) absent subepithelial sclerosis. The clinicopathologic diagnoses of classic and hypertrophic LP each require a characteristic clinical appearance accompanied by hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, acanthosis, basal layer degeneration, a closely applied lymphocytic infiltrate, and absent dermal sclerosis, with hypertrophic LP showing marked epithelial abnormality compared with classic LP.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicopathological correlation yields the most reliable diagnosis of vulvar LP. Disease appearance overlaps with other physiologic, dermatologic, infectious, and neoplastic entities; a low threshold for biopsy at all morphologically distinct areas is recommended. Use of the histopathologic criteria described in this document may reduce the nondiagnostic biopsy rate for clinically diagnosed LP.

Vestibulovaginal Sclerosis Versus Lichen Sclerosus

To determine if vestibulovaginal sclerosis and lichen sclerosus (LS) are 2 distinct entities. Biopsies obtained from the vagina or vulvar vestibule that contained abnormal subepithelial collagen were reviewed. Cases were categorized either as LS or vestibulovaginal sclerosis based on presence or absence of basal layer degeneration and lymphocytic infiltrate. Clinical data collected included examination findings, biopsy site and indication, previous vulvovaginal surgery, medications at time of biopsy, vulvar LS, treatment, and response. There were 15 cases with a mean age of 62 yr (range: 32-86 yr); 12 (80%) specimens were from vestibule and 3 from vagina. Nine cases were categorized as LS because of lymphocytic infiltrate in combination with basal layer degeneration, of these 8 had LS elsewhere on vulvar skin. Six cases were classified as vestibulovaginal sclerosis and had an absent or sparse lymphocytic infiltrate and essentially normal epithelium; none of these had vulvar LS. While vestibulovaginal sclerosis and lichen sclerosus are distinguishable clinically and histopathologically, further studies are needed to determine if vestibulovaginal sclerosis is a subset of LS or a different condition.