The interface reaction pattern in the skin: An integrated review of clinical and pathological features

Thu Jul 04, 2019 18:12

via Human Pathology

Publication date: Available online 3 July 2019
Source: Human Pathology
Author(s): Maria A. Deschaine, Julia S. Lehman

Summary

Not uncommonly, pathologists encounter biopsies displaying inflammation at the dermoepidermal junction and confronted with its numerous diagnostic possibilities. As with other inflammatory dermatoses, the correct diagnosis relies on careful integration of clinical, laboratory and histopathological features. Knowledge of clinical aspects of these disorders is crucial, and at times, lack of training in clinical dermatology can make clinicopathologic correlation challenging for the pathologist. This review is organized following the classical classification of cell-poor (vacuolar) and cell-rich (lichenoid) interface processes. The various entities are described based on their clinical presentation along their clinical differential diagnosis followed by their histopathological features and pathological differential diagnosis. Our aim is to provide an updated, clinically relevant review that integrates nuanced clinical and pathological features, with an emphasis on clues that may help differentiate entities in the differential diagnosis.