[Cutaneous mucinosis]

Clinically, the skin changes observed in a 34-year-old woman were suggestive of the reticular erythematosis mucinosis (REM) syndrome. On palpation, however, the changes suggested the plaque-type REM syndrome. Histologically, broad, well-delineated cell-rich bundles were found with abundant alcian-blue-positive material, together with a lymphocytic infiltrate. In such areas showing close contact with the lymphocytic infiltrate, stellate cells with delicate blue processes and protoplasmic granula predominated. Areas preferentially affected with deposits of mucopolysaccharides in the REM syndrome and its variants were not affected in the case presented. The histogenesis of this hitherto undescribed cutaneous mucinosis is discussed.