Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: an electron microscopy study

Background Few published data, concerning the electron microscopy findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis have been published so far. Objectives To reveal the electron microscopic findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and their aetiopathogenetic associations. Methods Punch biopsy specime...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2015-07, Vol.29 (7), p.1435-1438
Main Authors: Kakepis, M., Havaki, S., Katoulis, A., Katsambas, A., Stavrianeas, N., Troupis, T.G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Biopsy
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Humans
Hypopigmentation - pathology
Keratinocytes - ultrastructure
Male
Melanocytes - ultrastructure
Microscopy, Electron - methods
Middle Aged
Skin - pathology
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Summary:Background Few published data, concerning the electron microscopy findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis have been published so far. Objectives To reveal the electron microscopic findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and their aetiopathogenetic associations. Methods Punch biopsy specimens from four patients with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, after being properly processed, were observed under the electron microscope. Results In the epidermis, melanocytes and melanosomes were normal in structure. In some areas, there was a reduced uptake of melanosomes by the keratinocytes. In the dermis, fibroblasts were structurally normal. Also, most elastic and collagen fibres were normal, but there were focal elastotic changes. Conclusions No significant structural abnormality of the melanocytes was observed, but rather a functional defect in the transfer of melanosomes from the melanocytes to the keratinocytes.
ISSN:0926-9959
1468-3083
DOI:10.1111/jdv.12646