Dermatopathology in Strasbourg during the German Occupation (1940-1945).

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Histopathology
• Medical History

Background:

• World War II interrupted clinic operations, leading to Germanization of staff and practices.
• The histopathology laboratory resumed activity under German authorities between 1939 and 1945.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the activity and case distribution within the Strasbourg Dermatology Clinic's histopathology laboratory during the German Occupation (1939-1945).

Main Methods:

• Reviewed 1202 German-language histopathology reports from 1940-1945.
• Collected patient data, clinical information, and microscopic diagnoses.
• Assessed the preservation and completeness of the records for analysis.

Main Results:

• Case numbers peaked in 1941, with a majority of dermatopathology cases involving tumors, followed by infections and inflammatory conditions.
• Significant non-cutaneous pathology cases (gynecology, urology, surgery) were observed, peaking in 1940-41.
• Referrals shifted to Reich territories, with a cessation of cases from other French regions or countries.

Conclusions:

• The war led to German language use and a halt in publications, with a shift in dermatological focus from inflammatory to neoplastic diseases.
• The absence of general pathologists increased general pathology case numbers.
• Archives showed no evidence of unethical experimentation, unlike other Strasbourg institutions.