Derm SAQs ·
Inflammatory dermatopathology patterns — SAQ
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Stem
You supervise a general pathology trainee reporting skin biopsies. Three specimens arrive: (A) a spongiotic foot plaque, (B) a subepidermal blister on the trunk of an elderly man, and (C) early palpable purpura on the legs. Explain pattern-based reporting and sampling so each specimen yields an actionable diagnosis.
Questions
a) Define pattern-based (Ackerman-style) inflammatory diagnosis and list five major reaction patterns. (2 marks)
b) For specimen A, state the histologic pattern and the single most important special stain to avoid a classic diagnostic trap. (2 marks)
c) For specimen B, outline correct H&E plus DIF sampling and name the classic DIF pattern for pemphigus vulgaris versus bullous pemphigoid. (3 marks)
d) For specimen C, list histologic features of true leukocytoclastic vasculitis and one reason an old pigmented lesion is a poor biopsy target. (3 marks)