Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
[Localized cutaneous amyloidosis secondary to porokeratosis: a retrospective histopathologic study of 30 patients]
A Ramírez-Santos1, O Suárez-Amor, L Pérez-Pérez
1Servicio de Dermatología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, Facultad de Medicina, Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, España.
Introduction:
Porokeratosis is a rare disorder of keratinization. The presence of amyloid deposits has been observed in inflammatory and tumoral skin diseases.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of cutaneous amyloidosis in histology samples from various types of porokeratosis diagnosed in our department from 1988 to 2005.
Material And Methods:
Thirty patients were selected and 34 biopsies of lesions clinically and histologically compatible with porokeratosis were performed. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and thioflavin T.
Results:
Amyloid deposits were observed in 11 biopsies from 9 patients. Most were women in their sixties, with disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis that had begun at least 5 years earlier. No notable histologic differences were observed between porokeratosis specimens with and without amyloid deposits.
Conclusions:
The coexistence of porokeratosis and amyloidosis is a rare occurrence but may be underdiagnosed. In our opinion, the advanced age of the patients and the chronic nature of the lesions would have been predisposing factors for amyloid deposition. The possibility of racial or genetic influences, however, cannot be ruled out.
Insights
Amyloid deposits were found in nearly a third of porokeratosis patients studied, suggesting this skin condition may be underdiagnosed. Advanced age and chronic lesions appear to be contributing factors for amyloidosis in porokeratosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Histopathology
- Keratinization disorders
Context:
- Porokeratosis is a rare disorder of keratinization.
- Amyloid deposits are associated with inflammatory and tumoral skin diseases.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency of cutaneous amyloidosis in porokeratosis histology samples.
- To investigate potential predisposing factors for amyloid deposition in porokeratosis.
Summary:
- Amyloid deposits were observed in 11 of 34 biopsies (32.4%) from 9 patients with porokeratosis.
- The affected patients were predominantly women in their sixties with disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis.
- No significant histologic differences were noted between porokeratosis specimens with and without amyloid deposits.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential underdiagnosis of cutaneous amyloidosis in porokeratosis.
- Suggests advanced age and chronic lesion duration as potential risk factors.
- Underscores the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for coexisting porokeratosis and amyloidosis.
