Immunofluorescence findings in granuloma faciale: report of two cases.
BACKGROUND
Immunofluorescence findings in granuloma faciale have been infrequently described. Reported findings include granular IgA, IgG, IgM, and C3 deposits in the dermoepidermal junction, in blood vessel walls, and on connective tissue fibers; IgG in the basement membrane zone, and IgG around blood vessels.


METHODS
We report two cases of granuloma faciale in which biopsy specimens were sent for routine pathology as well as immunofluorescence. Additional work-up included serologic testing for markers of lupus erythematosus (LE). Immunofluorescence in both cases revealed granular IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, and C5-9 deposits along the dermoepidermal junction only. Blood vessel walls and connective tissue fibers were spared. Serologic studies for markers of LE were negative.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunofluorescence findings were essentially identical to those which would be expected in cutaneous LE; however, the combination of negative serologic studies for LE, histopathologic findings typical of granuloma faciale, and clinical findings most consistent with granuloma faciale allowed the diagnosis of granuloma faciale to be rendered with certainty. Interpretation of results of direct immunofluorescence of skin should be correlated with clinical presentation, histopathological findings and other laboratory results in order to render final diagnosis of a given patient.
Zirwas
Matthew J
MJ
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Abell
Edward
E
Ruben
Alan
A
Silverman
Alan R
AR
Wolff
Jeffrey
J
Deng
Jau-Shyong
JS
D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000276:immunology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005145:Face; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / Q000379:methods*; D006099:Granuloma / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
D007136:Immunoglobulins