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Leukemia cutis amidst a psoriatic flare: a case report
Autumn M Starnes1, Douglas R Kast, Kurt Lu
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|January 20, 2012
Summary
Leukemia cutis (LC) can mimic psoriasis, posing a diagnostic challenge. This case highlights the importance of considering LC in leukemia patients with skin lesions, especially when psoriasis is also present.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Leukemia cutis (LC) presents with diverse clinical morphologies, often complicating diagnosis.
- Distinguishing LC from other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, requires high clinical suspicion.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male with a history of leukemia presented with a psoriatic flare.
- Skin biopsy showed histopathologic findings of both psoriasis and an infiltrate consistent with LC.
- Literature review identified two additional cases of concurrent psoriasis and LC.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates that leukemia cutis can clinically and histopathologically resemble psoriasis.
- Concurrent presentation of psoriasis and leukemia cutis is rare but documented.
- Diagnostic challenges arise from overlapping features of these conditions.
Implications:
- Increased clinical suspicion for LC is warranted in leukemia patients with skin manifestations, especially those mimicking inflammatory dermatoses.
- Histopathological examination is critical for differentiating LC from psoriasis.
- Awareness of concurrent psoriasis and LC aids in timely diagnosis and appropriate oncologic and dermatologic treatment.
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