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Vascular involvement in cutaneous sarcoidosis
T Takemura1, T Shishiba, O Akiyama
1Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
Pathology International
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Cutaneous sarcoidosis involves vascular issues like granulomatous angiitis and microangiopathy. These findings show that blood vessel inflammation and small vessel disease are common in skin sarcoidosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease.
- Systemic vascular involvement, including granulomatous angiitis and microangiopathy, is recognized in sarcoidosis.
- The presence and nature of vascular involvement in cutaneous sarcoidosis remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vascular involvement in skin specimens from patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis.
- To characterize the types of vascular changes present in cutaneous sarcoidosis.
- To correlate findings with clinical and laboratory parameters.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of 42 skin specimens from 32 patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis.
- Immunohistochemical staining for thrombomodulin.
- Electron microscopy of dermal capillaries and venules.
Main Results:
- Granulomatous angiitis was observed in 30.8% of specimens, predominantly involving dermal veins.
- Thrombomodulin was negative in vascular endothelium near granulomas or periphlebitis.
- Electron microscopy revealed endothelial swelling, luminal narrowing, and basement membrane changes in dermal microvasculature.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous sarcoidosis exhibits significant vascular involvement, including granulomatous angiitis and microangiopathy.
- These vascular changes, particularly in venules and capillaries, are integral to the pathology of skin sarcoidosis.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering vascular pathology in the management of cutaneous sarcoidosis.