Necrobiosis lipoidica: A clinicopathological study in the Indian scenario

Abstract

Context:Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a chronic granulomatous dermatitis that is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus. Most of the current knowledge about this entity is from western literature.Aims:This study evaluates the clinicohistological features of NL in an Indian scenario.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively reviewed clinical features, associated comorbidities, and biopsies of all patients with NL over a period of one year.Results:Five cases of NL were seen during the duration of the study. The preliminary clinical diagnosis ranged from sarcoidosis to tinea incognito. The commonest clinical presentation in the Indian scenario was of asymptomatic erythematous to skin-colored plaques and nodules on the shins with or without central atrophy. The most common site of involvement was the shin (3 of 5 patients). NL was associated with Diabetes mellitus in only two cases, both of whom were male patients. On histology, various patterns of inflammation were seen including the palisading, interstitial, and mixed granulomatous infiltrates. One patient had sarcoidal granulomas in association with an interstitial pattern. Features seen consistently in all cases include perivascular lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, interstitial lymphocytic infiltrates, and fibroplasia. Interstitial mucin deposition was not observed in any of the biopsies.Conclusion:The diagnosis of NL was missed in most cases due to the rarity of the disease, absence of concomitant diabetes, and atypical presentations. Histology was a useful tool in clinching the diagnosis.

Clinical Manifestations of Sarcoidosis and Granulomatous Disorders

“…The plaques appear violaceous and contain a central area that initially appears red-brown but later progresses to a yellowbrown discoloration with atrophic, waxy appearance with prominent telangiectatic vessels [102]. But this classical presentation may not present in Indian patients where common presentation is erythematous plaque [103] (Figure 20). Lesions are 1-3 in number [102].…”

Annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma: A report of 10 cases

“…Granulomatous infiltrate and overlapping histopathology have resulted in forme fruste of well-defined entities, such as granuloma annulare, granuloma multiforme, sarcoidal reaction in Hansen's disease, necrobiosis lipoidica, and even annular elastolytic granuloma. [ 1 2 3 ]…”

Histopathological Spectrum of Granulomatous Skin Lesions: A Review

“…The absence of interstitial mucin deposits within the palisading granulomas of necrobiosis lipoidica differentiates it from granuloma annulare. 23 In rheumatoid disease, patients frequently have subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules. Histological sections studied from these nodules show reticular dermis filled with extensive fibrinoid necrosis and fat surrounded by elongated histiocytic cells with focal palisaded arrangement.…”