Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
Indication for random skin biopsy for the diagnosis of intravascular large B cell lymphoma
Yuko Higashi1, Kazuhiro Kawai, Kentaro Yonekura
1Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan. higashiy@m.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
Background:
The use of random skin biopsy (RSB) to diagnose intravascular large B cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) has increased.
Objective:
To explore the indication for RSB to diagnose IVLBCL.
Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 18 Japanese adults who underwent RSB between January 2008 and December 2009.
Results:
A final diagnosis of IVLBCL was returned in 2 patients based on RSB findings and in 1 based on brain biopsy findings. All 3 patients manifested neurological symptoms, hematocytopenia, elevated levels of LDH and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), and the absence of lymphadenopathy. Malignant lymphoma other than IVLBCL was diagnosed in 6 patients, and in 5 of 6 patients who underwent nodal or parenchymal biopsy diagnostic findings were made.
Conclusion:
Although RSB is useful for the early diagnosis of IVLBCL, careful selection of patients is necessary. In patients with neurological symptoms, hematocytopenia, elevated LDH and sIL-2R and no nodal involvement, RSB may be useful.