Scar and keloidlike lesions in progeria. An electron-microscopic and immunohistochemical study

We describe a case of progeria with an unusual skin manifestation of numerous hyperplastic scars or keloidlike nodules on the upper and lower extremities. Electron-microscopic and immunohistochemical studies indicated that the nodules consisted of various forms of collagen tissues, including type IV collagen, and that they were surrounded by la+ cells. Approximately 60% of the la+ cellular infiltrates were Leu 1+4+, OKT9+, and functioning T cells, which were often closely apposed to fibroblasts. It is suggested that progeria is associated with hyperplastic scars or keloidlike lesions with an unusual accumulation of type IV collagen, which may be formed through interaction between activated T cells and fibroblasts after minor traumas.