In vivo visualization of honeycomb pattern, cobblestone pattern, ringed pattern, and dermal papillae by confocal...

In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) represents a promising technique for noninvasive visualization of lesions. Honeycomb pattern, cobblestone pattern, ringed pattern and dermal papillae are terms commonly used to describe CLSM architectures. Understanding of these four terms individually or in combination on confocal images facilitates the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of skin diseases.

Seventy-eight patients and 5 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Their lesions were imaged with the VivaScope 1500 reflectance confocal microscope.

Concerning these four terms mentioned above, they had different features in different skin diseases and played an important role in the understanding of skin diseases individually or in combination.

By understanding the CLSM features of honeycomb pattern, cobblestone pattern, ringed pattern and dermal papillae individually or in combination, the findings support the roles of these characteristic architectures in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of skin diseases.