Anetodermic primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma: a unique clinicopathological presentation of lymphoma possibly associated with antiphospholipid antibodies.
BACKGROUND
Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma manifested by anetoderma has been reported in 7 cases. In all, the secondary anetoderma developed in lesions of marginal-zone lymphoma or posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder resembling marginal-zone lymphoma. The mechanisms underlying the destruction of elastic tissue in anetoderma are unclear. However, there is growing evidence linking primary anetoderma with a wide range of immunologic abnormalities, the most common being the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.


METHODS
We analyzed data from 5 patients (3 male, 2 female) with clinical and histopathological features of anetodermic primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. Three had marginal-zone lymphoma and 2 had follicle-center cell lymphoma. In all, secondary anetoderma developed in self-regressing nodules/plaques of the lymphoma. Two patients also had lesions clinically and histopathologically compatible with primary anetoderma. Associated immunologic diseases were systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease and rheumatoid arthritis (1 patient each; not in patients with primary anetoderma). Antiphospholipid antibodies were found in 4 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Anetodermic primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is a rare and unique clinicopathological manifestation not only of marginal-zone lymphoma, as previously described, but also of follicle-center cell lymphoma. This type of secondary anetoderma, like primary anetoderma, might be associated with immunologic disorders, particularly antiphospholipid antibodies.
Hodak
Emmilia
E
Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel 49100. hodake@post.tau.ac.il
Feuerman
Hana
H
Barzilai
Aviv
A
David
Michael
M
Cerroni
Lorenzo
L
Feinmesser
Meora
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057088:Anetoderma / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000502:physiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy
D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid