S5C24P17-1: The lymphocytic infiltrates of the dermis share common features; perivenular infiltrates of lymphocytes extend along the venular plexus to the lower margin of the dermis and even into the subcutaneous tissue. In common with many of the more respectable examples of the vasculitides, the infiltrates generally tend to spare the papillary dermis and the epidermis. Spotty areas of mild liquefaction degeneration at the dermal-epidermal interface are acceptable. Interstitial infiltrates of lymphoid cells, if represented, tend to be mild; they may be associated with a mild increase in interstitial mucins. In this example of reticulated erythematous mucinosis, the spaces among collagen bundles are widened; the collagen bundles are delicate. This process has a poorly defined, and variable, relationship with LE.

S5C24P17-2 (REM): At higher magnification, there are spotty areas of liquefaction degeneration at the dermal-epidermal interface, but it would be difficult to translate these changes into a diagnosis of LE.

S5C24P17-3: An alcian blue-PAS stain demonstrates the expanded mucinous matrix of the reticular dermis in this lesion of reticulated erythematous mucinosis.

S5C24P17-4: This is another example of a lymphocytic infiltrate of the dermis. A more precise classification of the lesion would require clinical correlations. The differential diagnosis includes polymorphic light eruption, lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner, and erythema annulare centrifugum, among others. In this example, interstitial infiltrates of lymphocytes are prominent.

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