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Pagetoid Dyskeratosis in Dermatopathology

Santos-Briz, Angel PhD*; Cañueto, Javier MD; del Carmen, Sofía MD; Mir-Bonafe, Jose M. MD§; Fernandez, Emilia PhD

American Journal of Dermatopathology: April 2015 - Volume 37 - Issue 4 - p 261–268
doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000000284
CME Article

Abstract: Pagetoid dyskeratosis (PD) is an incidental pathologic finding that appears in several skin conditions. In an attempt to better understand PD and its incidence in dermatopathology, the authors have analyzed all skin biopsies performed over the period of 1 year in our Department of Dermatology and examined their clinical and dermatopathological variables. The criteria used for a keratinocyte to be considered a PD cell were: (1) a size larger than normal, (2) the presence of pycnotic nucleus, (3) a clear halo surrounding the nucleus, and (4) a pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. A total of 3565 biopsies were analyzed, PD cells being found in 80 cases (2.24%). Melanocytic nevi were the commonest skin lesions in which PD was observed, followed by soft fibromas, angiofibromas, and acrochordons. Most lesions were located on the head, neck, and trunk. Most cases displayed fewer than 15 PD cells per field. PD cells were normally located in the mid epidermis (frequently in clusters). The biopsies usually revealed indirect signs of rubbing, although PD cells were also found in places where rubbing was unlikely. Here, the authors report the largest series of PD analyzed to date, expanding our understanding of this striking pathological observation.

*Dermatopathologist, Service of Dermatology, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain;

Dermatologist, Service of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain;

Pathologist, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain;

§Dermatologist, Service of Dermatology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; and

Dermatologist, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain.

Reprints: Angel Santos-Briz, PhD, Service of Dermatology, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, P. San Vicente 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain (e-mail: santosbriz@usal.es).

A. Santos-Briz and J. Cañueto have contributed equally.

All authors and staff in a position to control the content of this CME activity and their spouses/life partners (if any) have disclosed that they have no financial relationships with, or financial interests in, any commercial organizations pertaining to this educational activity.

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