S5C17P11-1: The pattern at the extremity of this follicle is more cellular than are the patterns usually seen at the dermal-epidermal interface in lesions of LE. Perifollicular cell-rich reactions are a
common finding in lesions of LE. The basement membrane is coarsened, hyalinized, and reduplicated in a pattern of multiple lamina (red arrows). Vessels show perivascular deposits of hyalin. The yellow arrow
identifies a melanophage.
S5C17P11-2: In this area of the same lesion as figure S5C16P10-4, the epidermal changes are those of a lesion of lupus erythematosus. The delicate collagen bundles and the wide spacing of these bundles
in the reticular dermis are common features of LE in the superficial portion of the dermis. Vessels are ectatic.
S5C17P11-3: Mucinosis of the reticular dermis is a prominent feature. In this area, the epidermal changes are minimal and non-specific. The lesion clinically had been characterized as “lupus tumidus.”
The lesion qualifies as tumoral mucinosis of lupus erythematosus. The walls of vessels are hyalinized.
S5C17P11-4: An alcian blue-PAS stain greatly accentuates the mucinous changes in the reticular dermis. Collagen bundles are thin, and fibrillated. There are scattered mast cells. Mast cells are part and parcel of the
reaction in cutaneous mucinosis.
