Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
Diagnostic Value of Deep Punch Biopsies in Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma
Omkar Mayur1, Zachary Ramsey1, Dorian Willhite1
1Drs. Mayur, Ramsey, Belcher, and Powell are from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Dr. Ramsey is from the Department of Pathology, and Drs. Belcher and Powell are from the Department of Dermatology. Dr. Powell also is from the Department of Pathology. Dr. Willhite is from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. White is from the Larimer County Coroner's Office, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Insights
Skin biopsies effectively detect intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVBCL). Optimizing biopsy strategies, particularly from hemangiomas, enhances diagnostic accuracy for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVBCL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to its intravascular nature.
- Skin involvement is common in IVBCL, but diagnostic methods require optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of skin biopsies for detecting IVBCL.
- To compare diagnostic yield from various body sites versus targeted hemangioma biopsies.
- To establish optimal biopsy strategies for IVBCL diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem 4-mm punch biopsies were obtained from multiple skin sites, including random areas and hemangiomas.
- Biopsies were analyzed to assess the presence, degree, and depth of IVBCL infiltration.
- A scoring system evaluated IVBCL involvement within vascular lumina and skin depth.
Main Results:
- Skin biopsy demonstrated sensitivity in detecting IVBCL.
- Hemangioma biopsies showed potential for higher diagnostic value.
- The study established a grading system for IVBCL skin involvement.
Conclusions:
- Skin biopsy is a sensitive and cost-efficient method for IVBCL diagnosis.
- Targeted biopsy strategies, especially from hemangiomas, can improve diagnostic accuracy.
- Optimized skin biopsy approaches are crucial for improved patient outcomes in IVBCL.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic efficacy of skin biopsies for detecting intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVBCL) at various body sites and to establish whether biopsies from hemangiomas yield higher diagnostic value. Postmortem 4-mm punch biopsies were collected from various anatomic sites of a patient with IVBCL, including random areas of the skin as well as targeted areas (hemangiomas). Each biopsy was evaluated to assess the degree and depth of IVBCL involvement. The primary study outcome measurement was the presence and extent of IVBCL involvement in skin biopsies. Involvement was graded on a scoring system that assessed IVBCL in vascular lumina and depth in the skin. Skin biopsy is a sensitive, cost-efficient method for IVBCL assessment, and optimizing biopsy strategies will improve diagnostic accuracy and subsequently patient outcomes.
