Cutaneous Involvement by Refractory Celiac Disease Type 2 Histologically Mimicking Mycosis Fungoides

Refractory celiac disease (RCD) is a rare condition characterized by persistent malabsorptive symptoms and villous atrophy despite a gluten-free diet. While RCD type 1 has a normal intraepithelial lymphocyte phenotype, RCD type 2 is defined by the presence of immunophenotypically aberrant and monoclonal intraepithelial T lymphocytes, with a high propensity to transform to enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). Although dermatological manifestations of celiac disease are common, presentation with cutaneous involvement by abnormal lymphocytes of RCD type 2 or EATL is rare, with few histologic descriptions in the literature. We describe the case of a 66-year-old man with a history of celiac disease presenting with a generalized, erythematous papular rash over his torso, upper arms, and legs. Biopsy of his skin lesions showed prominent hyperkeratosis with underlying spongiosis and interface change. Increased intraepithelial (epidermotropic) lymphocytes were observed, out of proportion to the level of spongiosis, but not overly atypical in appearance. Immunohistochemistry revealed an aberrant T-cell immunophenotype (CD3/2/7 positive; CD5/4/8 negative), raising suspicion for a cutaneous T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. A duodenal biopsy demonstrated total villous atrophy with a morphologically bland population of epitheliotropic T lymphocytes showing the same aberrant immunophenotype. Similar cells were also identified by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood. In conjunction with the history of celiac disease, a diagnosis of RCD type 2 or 'EATL in situ' with cutaneous involvement was made. Cutaneous RCD type 2 or EATL should be considered as differential diagnoses in patients with a history of celiac disease and histopathology reminiscent of epidermotropic forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.