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Cytoid bodies in cutaneous direct immunofluorescence examination
1Department of Dermatology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, and Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei, Taiwan. yuhung_wu@yahoo.com
Insights
Cytoid bodies are common in direct immunofluorescence (DIF) tests, appearing in 10.8% of cases. Their presence, especially with interface dermatitis, can suggest diagnoses like lupus erythematosus or erythema multiforme.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Background:
- The clinical significance of cytoid bodies on direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is not well-established across various skin disorders.
- Systematic analysis of cytoid bodies in DIF findings is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical significance of cytoid bodies observed during DIF examinations.
- To correlate the presence and characteristics of cytoid bodies with specific cutaneous disorders.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of skin biopsy specimens from July 2002 to December 2005.
- DIF examination performed for IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, and fibrinogen.
- Detailed review of cytoid bodies (number, intensity, location) and comparison with clinical and histopathological findings.
Main Results:
- Cytoid bodies were found in 117 (10.8%) of 1080 DIF examinations.
- Associated with 28 different cutaneous disorders, most commonly lupus erythematosus (24.8%) and erythema multiforme (18.8%).
- Interface dermatitis was present in 69.2% of specimens with cytoid bodies.
Conclusions:
- Cytoid bodies are not infrequent findings in DIF examinations.
- Their presence may indicate disorders involving interface dermatitis, aiding diagnosis when other findings are unclear.
- Suggests potential diagnostic utility of cytoid bodies in specific dermatological conditions.
Background:
The clinical significance of scattered or grouped cytoid bodies seen on direct immunofluorescence (DIF) examination has not been systematically analyzed in a variety of disorders.
Methods:
We prospectively studied skin biopsy specimens obtained from July 2002 to December 2005 for which DIF examination using immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM, C3 and fibrinogen had been performed. Slides with cytoid bodies were further reviewed to assess the number, intensity and location of the cytoid bodies and for other specific findings. These data were compared with both clinical records in the medical charts and pathologic findings from concurrent skin biopsies.
Results:
Of 1080 DIF examinations performed during the study period, 117 (10.8%) had cytoid bodies. These specimens were from patients with 28 different cutaneous disorders, the most common of which were various forms of lupus erythematosus (29/117, 24.8%) and erythema multiforme (22/117, 18.8%). In 81 (69.2%) of these specimens, interface dermatitis was found histopathologically.
Conclusion:
Cytoid bodies are not infrequent on DIF examination and, in the absence of a clear diagnosis, might point toward several common disorders, particularly those involving interface dermatitis.
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