title: Direct immunofluorescence in granuloma faciale: a case report and review of literature.
abstract: A 49-year-old male presented at our department with erythematous brownish plaques in the malar areas and left cheek of 9 years' evolution. Histopathological study revealed a dense, predominantly perivascular, inflammatory infiltrate in the reticular dermis. The infiltrate was composed of abundant neutrophils, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and eosinophils. Leukocytoclasia and fibrin in some vessel walls were also observed. The patient was diagnosed with granuloma faciale (GF). Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) study showed heavy immunoglobulin G (IgG) and less intense deposits of IgA, IgM, C(3) and C(1q) surrounding superficial and deep vessels of the reticular dermis. Perivascular and diffuse fibrinogen deposits were also present. No deposits were detected at the dermoepidermal junction. Our findings lend support to the hypothesis that classical pathway activation of complement may be involved in the development of vasculitis in GF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital de la Sta. Creu i St. Pau, Barcelona, Spain. mbarnadas@hsp.santpau.es
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Barnadas
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Curell
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alomar
mesh_terms: D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005145:Face; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / Q000379:methods; D006099:Granuloma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D016559:Tacrolimus