ISSN:
1437-773X
Keywords:
Key words Pigmented purpuric dermatitis
;
Endothelial cell
;
Fibrous long-spacing collagen
;
Intracellular structure
;
Electron microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract A case of pigmented purpuric dermatitis (PPD) in a Japanese man aged 59 years is reported with an interesting ultrastructural finding. Clinically, the lesions, which consisted of telangiectatic puncta and pigmentation, were irregular in shape and occurred predominantly on the lower legs without pruritus. Histologically, lymphocytic perivascular infiltrates and extravasation of red blood cells were observed in the papillary dermis. Ultrastructurally, endothelial cells with ovoid nuclei showed swelling and the lumen of the capillary became narrowed. Several banded structures, so-called fibrous long-spacing collagen (FLSC), were observed in the cytoplasm. They were spindle shaped, about 5 μm in length, and showed crossbands of 300-nm-wide intervals with fine intraperiodic bands. These structures were not observed in dermal connective tissue and fibroblasts. These results suggested that FLSC was synthesized in endothelial cells rather than being phagocytosed by endothelial cells, which might be helpful in investigating the etiology of PPD.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s007950000006
