Follicular mucinosis - Case report

Abstract

Follicular mucinosis, also known as alopecia mucinosa, is a cutaneous mucinosis histologically characterized by accumulation of dermal type mucin in the pilosebaceous follicle and sebaceous glands. It presents in two forms, a primary or idiopathic form and a secondary form associated with various benign or malignant processes. Among the malignant processes, the main association is with mycosis fungoides. The frequent overlap of clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular biology characteristics makes the correct classification of these conditions difficult, therefore a long follow-up of all cases is recommended. We report the case of an adolescent with disseminated lesions and discuss the difficulty of early identification of secondary follicular mucinosis associated with cutaneous lymphoma.

Generalized follicular mucinosis treated with narrow band ultraviolet B radiation

“…The clinical features of the primary and secondary forms are identical and histopathology is essential for the diagnosis. Mucin deposition in hair follicles may be seen in MF [1]. Our patient was diagnosed with primary FM, because the lymphocytic infiltrate was mild and the infiltrate was perivascular and interstitial, rather than follicular as in MF.…”

“…Primary FM may resolve spontaneously in 2e24 months. There are various treatment options for FM, including topical/systemic corticosteroids, topical retinoids, dapsone, indomethacin, minocycline, psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation and methotrexate [1]. NB-UVB has been reported to be ineffective in the treatment of FM [2].…”

“…Some authors believe that FM is an indolent form of MF; moreover, approximately 15e30% of primary FM develops into MF. Therefore, patient follow-up is recommended [1].There is no uniformly effective therapy for FM. Primary FM may resolve spontaneously in 2e24 months.…”

Primary follicular mucinosis – case report

“…2,3 O conhecimento da doença incomum e pouco vista nos consultórios médicos, auxilia no diagnóstico diferencial de lesões cutâneas atípicas que poderão ser confirmadas com o histopatológico.…”

CD8+ mycosis fungoides clinically masquerading as alopecia areata

“…Another differential diagnosis of hypopigmented patches of alopecia includes follicular mucinosis or alopecia mucinosis, which histologically shows deposition of acid mucopolysaccharides in the outer root sheath of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands . Follicular mucinosis can occur as an idiopathic inflammatory disease as well as in association with malignant conditions, most commonly MF .…”