Detection of a novel pigment network feature in reticulated black solar lentigo by high-resolution epiluminescence microscopy.
Epiluminescence light microscopy (ELM) of pigmented skin lesions has led to a catalog of pigment network (PN) features. The objective of this study was to determine whether high-resolution ELM detects additional pigment structures not seen with conventional ELM. Epiluminescence light microscopy was performed by placing the lens of a standard light microscope directly on the skin surface, with resulting enhanced optical resolution compared with ELM systems currently in general use. Eight reticulated black solar lentigines were studied. All lesions were viewed and analyzed using dermatoscopic criteria for the PN. In addition, they were all photographed, excised, and examined histologically. Two subtypes of black solar lentigines could be distinguished using generally accepted dermatoscopic criteria for the PN. Furthermore, a new pigment structure was detected, namely, pigment spots of equal color, shape, and size, which were regularly superimposed on and juxtaposed to the PN. Clinicopathologic correlation showed these spots to represent individual hyperpigmented corneocytes. Because such cells result from physiologic excessive pigment translocation via the epidermal melanocytic unit, we called them pigmented corneocytes. Pigmented corneocytes were seen in seven of eight black solar lentigines. The ELM technique presented here allows for more detailed analysis and classification of the PN components. Pigmented corneocytes are proposed as an additional dermatoscopic criterion.
Haas
Norbert
N
Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Medical Faculty (Charité), Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany. norb.haas@charite.de
Hermes
Barbara
B
Henz
Beate M
BM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007911:Lentigo / Q000473:pathology*; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008543:Melanins / Q000032:analysis; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects
D008543:Melanins