Dermatopathic lymphadenitis in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris

Abstract

Dermatopathic lymphadenitis (DL) is a reactive lymphoid hyperplasia that commonly involves the regional lymph nodes in patients with chronic dermatoses, such as exfoliative dermatitis, toxic-shock syndrome, pemphigus, psoriasis, eczema, and, in severe cases, mycosis fungoides. Diagnosis of DL depends on the histopathologic characteristics of paracortical T-zone expansion with melanin, hemosiderin, or lipid-laden macrophages. Lymphadenopathies in patients with chronic dermatoses may be due not only to infections or malignancy, but also to reactive disorders such as DL. We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman with pemphigus vulgaris who has characteristic manifestations of DL.