Rao BK, Cockerell CJ; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1991 Jun 16-21; 7: 256 (abstract no. M.B.2298).
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the histopathologic findings of inflammatory skin disorders in patients with HIV infection. METHODS: Thirty-one skin biopsies taken from 28 patients with documented HIV disease submitted routinely over a two month period were evaluated blindly. Histologic sections were grouped according to those in which a definitive diagnosis could be rendered, those in which two to three diagnoses were suggested and, finally, those in which no specific diagnosis could be made. Sections were evaluated for histologic patterns and for features which might be unique to cutaneous eruptions in HIV infected patients. RESULTS: In no case was a solitary histologic diagnosis rendered. In 23% of cases two to three diagnoses were suggested whereas in 77% only a general description could be made. Correlation between clinical and histologic diagnoses could be made in 30%. Some conditions thought to be causal of eruptions included hypersensitivity eruptions to drugs, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, infectious disease, and acute exanthem of HIV disease. Plasma cells were found in 28%, eosinophils in 31%, and individually necrotic keratinocytes in 27% of cases. Plasma cells and eosinophils were usually scattered but occasionally were in abundance. Histologic patterns observed included psoriasiform dermatitis, superficial perivascular dermatitis, superficial and deep perivascular dermatitis, interface dermatitis and dense, diffuse dermatitis with granulomatous features. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory dermatoses in HIV infected patients are difficult to diagnose histologically. Classic histologic appearances are not seen frequently probably as a consequence of abnormal immune function. Plasma cells, eosinophils and necrotic keratinocytes may serve as histologic clues that findings are HIV related.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Dermatitis
- Dermatitis, Seborrheic
- Eczema
- Exanthema
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Psoriasis
- Skin
- Skin Diseases
Other ID:
UI: 102183217
From Meeting Abstracts