Lichen simplex chronicus Vidal: comparative submicroscopic aspects of acanthotic disorders

Area of Science:

• Dermatopathology
• Electron Microscopy
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a chronic skin condition characterized by lichenification.
• Understanding the submicroscopic organization of LSC is crucial for elucidating its pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the submicroscopic organization of lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) using electron microscopy.
• To identify distinguishing ultrastructural features of LSC.

Main Methods:

• Electron microscopic analysis of skin biopsies from patients with lichen simplex chronicus (LSC).
• Detailed examination of cellular and extracellular structures, including collagen fibers, lamina basalis, tonofilaments, and Odland bodies.

Main Results:

• Frequent occurrence of collagen fibers juxtaposed with the lamina basalis, a potential distinguishing feature of LSC.
• Ubiquitous fragmentation and paucity of tonofilamentous structures in cells preceding parakeratosis.
• Dominance of type II Odland bodies and their correlation with parakeratosis and deficient orthokeratosis.

Conclusions:

• The submicroscopic findings, particularly collagen fiber arrangement and Odland body abnormalities, offer insights into LSC pathogenesis.
• Defective Odland bodies appear to play a significant role in the abnormal keratinization observed in LSC and related acanthotic disorders.