Vitiligo other diagnostic studies: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(7 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:


==Overview==
==Overview==
The [[cellular]] mechanism beneath the [[vitiligo]] [[lesion]] is the destruction of [[melanocytes]]. Therefore, on an [[histological]] study, it will be noted the absence of [[melanocytes]] on the region of the [[lesion]] and possibly [[lymphocytic]] infiltrates on its periphery, consistent with the destruction of [[melanocytes]] by the [[immune system]].
Although not performed routinely, since the [[diagnosis]] of [[vitiligo]] is often reached by a thorough history assessment and [[physical examination]], a [[biopsy]] of the [[lesion]] may show microscopical changes undergoing on the hypopigmented region.


==Other Diagnosis Studies==
==Other Diagnosis Studies==
===Histology===
===Biopsy===
[[Histological]] examination typically shows an absence of [[melanocytes]] in the affected areas of the [[skin]]. However, it is possible to sometimes identify degenerating [[melanocytes]] at the borders of the affected areas. In these patients, normal [[melanocytes]] may be found in normal [[skin]] areas yet, even in these regions, changes such as abnormal [[keratinocytes]] may be found, showing evidence of vacuolated [[cytoplasm]] in the basal layers of [[cells]] as well as granular [[extracellular]] materials.<ref>{{cite book | last = Soutor | first = Carol | title = Clinical dermatology | publisher = McGraw-Hill Education/Lange Medical Books | location = New York | year = 2013 | isbn = 978-0-07-177296-9 }}</ref> In certain situations it is possible to identify [[lymphocytic]] infiltrates on the margin of the [[lesions]], which is consistent with the underlying [[immunological]] mechanism, responsible for the destruction of the [[melanocytes]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Goldsmith | first = Lowell | title = Fitzpatrick's dermatology in general medicine | publisher = McGraw-Hill Medical | location = New York | year = 2012 | isbn = 0071669043 }}</ref>
Frequently not required, since the [[diagnosis]] is often suggested by the history and characteristics of the [[lesions]]. However, an [[electron microscopy]] study of the [[skin]] [[lesions]] will show the previously mentioned [[Vitiligo pathophysiology#Microscopic Pathology|microscopical changes]], thereby confirming:<ref>{{cite book | last = Rook | first = Arthur | title = Rook's textbook of dermatology | publisher = Blackwell Science | location = Malden, Mass | year = 2004 | isbn = 0-632-06429-3 }}</ref><ref name="pmid5448375">{{cite journal| author=Dawber RP| title=Clinical associations of vitiligo. | journal=Postgrad Med J | year= 1970 | volume= 46 | issue= 535 | pages= 276-7 | pmid=5448375 | doi= | pmc=PMC2467025 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=5448375  }} </ref><ref name="BirbeckBreathnach1961">{{cite journal|last1=Birbeck|first1=Michael S|last2=Breathnach|first2=Aodán S|last3=Everall|first3=John D|title=An Electron Microscope Study of Basal Melanocytes and High-Level Clear Cells (Langerhans Cells) in Vitiligo1|journal=The Journal of Investigative Dermatology|volume=37|issue=1|year=1961|pages=51–64|issn=0022-202X|doi=10.1038/jid.1961.80}}</ref>
*[[Melanocyte]] loss.
*[[Melanocyte]] degeneration on the margins of the [[lesions]].
*[[Keratinocyte]] abnormalities.
*Occasional [[dermal]] hypercellularity may be found.
*In [[inflammatory]] vitiligo, the study of the [[cells]] from the [[erythematous]] margins will show the [[lymphocyte|lymphocitic]] infiltrates.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 19:23, 26 June 2014

Vitiligo Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Vitiligo from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Case Studies

Case #1

Vitiligo other diagnostic studies On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Vitiligo other diagnostic studies

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Vitiligo other diagnostic studies

CDC on Vitiligo other diagnostic studies

Vitiligo other diagnostic studies in the news

Blogs on Vitiligo other diagnostic studies

Directions to Hospitals Treating Vitiligo

Risk calculators and risk factors for Vitiligo other diagnostic studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]

Overview

Although not performed routinely, since the diagnosis of vitiligo is often reached by a thorough history assessment and physical examination, a biopsy of the lesion may show microscopical changes undergoing on the hypopigmented region.

Other Diagnosis Studies

Biopsy

Frequently not required, since the diagnosis is often suggested by the history and characteristics of the lesions. However, an electron microscopy study of the skin lesions will show the previously mentioned microscopical changes, thereby confirming:[1][2][3]

References

  1. Rook, Arthur (2004). Rook's textbook of dermatology. Malden, Mass: Blackwell Science. ISBN 0-632-06429-3.
  2. Dawber RP (1970). "Clinical associations of vitiligo". Postgrad Med J. 46 (535): 276–7. PMC 2467025. PMID 5448375.
  3. Birbeck, Michael S; Breathnach, Aodán S; Everall, John D (1961). "An Electron Microscope Study of Basal Melanocytes and High-Level Clear Cells (Langerhans Cells) in Vitiligo1". The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 37 (1): 51–64. doi:10.1038/jid.1961.80. ISSN 0022-202X.

Template:WH Template:WS