UPMC Dermatopathology

UPMC Dermatopathology "Case of the Month" Presentations

UPP - Department of Dermatology, Dermatopathology Unit

5230 Centre Avenue (412) 623-2614          Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 682-6450 FAX


Ellen Roh MD, John McSorley MD, Drazen Jukic, MD, PhD

DECEMBER 2006 CASE OF THE MONTH


CLINICAL FINDINGS

Clinical History

A 61-year-old male was admitted for leukocytosis and anemia, found on routine examination by his primary care physician.  His past medical history was significant only for hypercholesterolemia that was well controlled with simvastatin.  He endorsed some fatigue, night sweats and a dry cough, and he reported that prior to developing these symptoms, he had traveled throughout Southeast Asia and India.  During his hospitalization, dermatology was consulted for lower leg lesions, which according to the patient had been present for six months.  He described them as slightly pruritic, and had been treated with topical clotrimazole without any improvement. 

Physical exam:

In general, our patient appeared to be a well-developed male in no acute distress.  There were several coin-shaped erythematous patches on his lower legs (see figures 1 & 2).  No lymphadenopathy could be appreciated on examination.

Laboratory studies

A CBC showed a leukocytosis (WBC 75) and anemia (Hgb 6) with 14% metamyelocytes on the differential. Liver function tests, renal function tests and electrolytes were within normal limits, but his LDH was 2387. A chest x-ray showed no masses. Blood, tissue and skin cultures were negative for bacteria and fungi. A bone marrow biopsy was consistent with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Histopathology:

A punch biopsy was obtained from the left tibial lesion, which showed foci of immature myeloid and erythroid forms (see figures 3, 4 & 5), positive for CD34 (see figure 6) and glycophorin (see figure 7), in the deep dermis.  In addition, there was evidence of overlying spongiosis with eosinophils and neutrophils.

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