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Porokeratosis ptychotropica: a rare manifestation with typical histological exam* * Study performed at Hospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Abstract:

Porokeratosis is a disorder of epidermal keratinization characterized clinically by a distinctive ridge-like border, and histologically by cornoid lamellae. The known clinical variants of porokeratosis are: classic porokeratosis of Mibelli, disseminated superficial (actinic) porokeratosis (DSAP), porokeratosis palmaris et plantaris disseminata, linear porokeratosis and punctate porokeratosis. In 1995, a seventh form was described as porokeratosis ptychotropica: a verrucous form resembling psoriasis involving the gluteal cleft presenting on the histological exam multiple cornoid lamellae. There are very few reports in the literature of this clinical variant. The present study describes the case of a healthy male presenting gluteal hyperkeratotic plaques for 22 years. He had been to several dermatologists, none of them had achieved a definitive diagnosis. We present a typical clinical presentation and its dermoscopy findings, in addition to histological examination that confirmed the diagnosis.

Keywords:
Buttocks; Dermoscopy; Histology; Keratosis; Porokeratosis

COMMUNICATION REPORT

Male patient, 41 years old, hypertensive, in use of captopril and Ginkgo biloba, sought the dermatology service for dermatosis located in gluteal region for about 22 years, with progressive growth. He reported having previously sought other services and having received treatment for psoriasis and widespread warts, but without success.

At physical examination, he presented symmetrical skin lesions in the gluteal region, characterized by extensive erythematous to wine color plaques, with hyperkeratotic surface, precise edges and irregular contours (Figures 1 and 2). Dermoscopy showed prominent hyperkeratosis thoroughly, with well-defined borders and no evidence of other structures (Figure 3).

Figure 1
Gluteal lesions characterized by hyperkeratotic plaques
Figure 2
Detail of the periphery of the lesion in the left gluteus
Figure 3
Contact dermoscopic examination in polarized light showing hyperkeratosis and well-defined edge

Facing the possible differential diagnoses of disseminated warts and psoriasis, we opted for a biopsy and immunosuppression research with serologic tests. Anatomopathologic results revealed the presence of multiple cornoid lamellae and intense hyperkeratosis (Figure 4). Serologic tests for hepatitis B and C, syphilis and HIV were negative.

Figure 4
Histology stained by HE, increased x100. Presence of multiple cornoid lamellae and intense hyperkeratosis

DISCUSSION

In 1995, Lucker et al described the first case of porokeratosis ptychotropica using the Greek words ptyche (fold) and trope (a turning) to describe the flexural distribution of this condition.11 Lucker GP, Happle R, Steijlen PM.An unusual case of porokeratosis involving the natal cleft: porokeratosis ptychotropica? Br J Dermatol. 1995;132:150-1. The presented clinical condition is characteristic of this disease; however, given its rarity, more common diagnoses should be excluded. 11 Lucker GP, Happle R, Steijlen PM.An unusual case of porokeratosis involving the natal cleft: porokeratosis ptychotropica? Br J Dermatol. 1995;132:150-1.,22 Broussard KC, Boyd A, Gloeckner Powers J. Thick intergluteal cleft and lower extremity plaques. JAMA Dermatol. 2013;149:1099-100.

The main differential diagnoses are common warts and psoriasis.22 Broussard KC, Boyd A, Gloeckner Powers J. Thick intergluteal cleft and lower extremity plaques. JAMA Dermatol. 2013;149:1099-100.,33 Ferreira FR, Lessa PP, Alvarenga ML. Genitoglutea lporokeratosis - Case report. Na Bras Dermatol. 2013;88:438-40. In dermoscopy of verruca vulgaris, papillomatosis and dilation of the capillaries of the dermal papillae are observed, and hyperkeratosis may be evidenced according to the clinical presentation of the lesion.44 Veasey JV, Framil VMS, Nadal SR, Marta AC, Lellis RF. Genital warts: comparing clinical findings to dermatoscopic aspects, in vivo reflectance confocal features and histopathologic exam. An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89:141-4. In the case of porokeratosis ptychotropica, only hyperkeratosis was observed and the other components of the viral warts were missing.

Histological examination was crucial for the diagnosis and exclusion of differential diagnoses. The absence of papillomatosis, dilation of dermal capillaries and koilocytosis ruled out viral warts. Regular acanthosis, Munro's microabscess or other characteristic findings of psoriasis also were not observed. On the other hand, multiple cornoid lamellae, establishing yielded the diagnosis diagnosis.

The patient was possibly immunocompetent due to nonreactive serology; however, it was not pursued further research into the possibility of other causes of immunosuppression, since the patient's immunity does not appear to interfere with the clinical manifestation of this form of porokeratosis.55 Takiguchi RH, White KP, White CR Jr, Simpson EL.Verrucous porokeratosis of the gluteal cleft (porokeratosisptychotropica): a rare disorder easily misdiagnosed. J CutanPathol. 2010;37:802-7.

Several therapeutic modalities have been described, ranging from topical, such as imiquimod and tretinoin, to cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, CO2 laser, surgical excision and oral retinoids. However, the condition has been reported to be unresponsive to these therapies.55 Takiguchi RH, White KP, White CR Jr, Simpson EL.Verrucous porokeratosis of the gluteal cleft (porokeratosisptychotropica): a rare disorder easily misdiagnosed. J CutanPathol. 2010;37:802-7.

Due to the exuberant clinical condition, disease rarity and difficulty both in diagnosis and in treatment, the reported case is of great importance for the dermatological clinical practice, since it can be misdiagnosed as other common dermatoses or even sexually transmitted diseases.

  • *
    Study performed at Hospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
  • Financial Support: None.

REFERENCES

  • 1
    Lucker GP, Happle R, Steijlen PM.An unusual case of porokeratosis involving the natal cleft: porokeratosis ptychotropica? Br J Dermatol. 1995;132:150-1.
  • 2
    Broussard KC, Boyd A, Gloeckner Powers J. Thick intergluteal cleft and lower extremity plaques. JAMA Dermatol. 2013;149:1099-100.
  • 3
    Ferreira FR, Lessa PP, Alvarenga ML. Genitoglutea lporokeratosis - Case report. Na Bras Dermatol. 2013;88:438-40.
  • 4
    Veasey JV, Framil VMS, Nadal SR, Marta AC, Lellis RF. Genital warts: comparing clinical findings to dermatoscopic aspects, in vivo reflectance confocal features and histopathologic exam. An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89:141-4.
  • 5
    Takiguchi RH, White KP, White CR Jr, Simpson EL.Verrucous porokeratosis of the gluteal cleft (porokeratosisptychotropica): a rare disorder easily misdiagnosed. J CutanPathol. 2010;37:802-7.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Jul-Aug 2016

History

  • Received
    22 Jan 2015
  • Accepted
    30 Mar 2015
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