Pacinian Corpuscles as a Diagnostic Clue of Ledderhose Disease—A Case Report and Mapping of Pacinian Corpuscles of the Sole

Abstract

Background: Plantar fibromatosis, known as Ledderhose disease, is a neoplastic disease characterized by a locally-aggressive bland fibroblastic proliferation. Although Pacinian corpuscles alterations are commonly described in palmar fibromatosis, there are still no references about Pacinian corpuscles alterations in the rarer plantar version. Methods: We present a case report where a wide cutaneous resection, including the plantar fascia was performed, allowing a detailed study of Pacinian corpuscles. Pacinian corpuscles were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for neurofilament proteins, S100 protein, CD34, vimentin, glucose transporter 1, epithelial membrane antigen, neural-cell adhesion molecule, actin, desmin, type IV collagen, and high-affinity neurotrophin Trk-receptors. Moreover, the density and the size of the corpuscles were determined. Results: A clear increase in the number (hyperplasia) of Pacinian corpuscles was evidenced in the Ledderhose disease plantar fascia in comparison with similarly aged normal subjects. Pacinian hypertrophy was not demonstrated, but a significant decrease in the number of corpuscular lamellae was noted, with a subsequent increase in the interlamellar spaces. Pacinian corpuscles from the pathological plantar fascia showed an abnormal structure and immunohistochemical profile, generally without identifiable axons, and also absence of an inner core or an intermediate layer. Moreover, other molecules related with trophic maintenance of corpuscles were also absent. Finally, a vascular proliferation was commonly noted in some corpuscles, which involved all corpuscular constituents. Conclusion: The observed Pacinian corpuscles hyperplasia could be considered a diagnostic clue of plantar fibromatosis.

The enigmatic occurrence of Pacinian corpuscles in the prostate gland: Report of a case with pericorpuscular and intracorpuscular growth of prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma

“…Also, we provide immunohistochemical assessment of Pacinian corpuscle components, which recapitulate otherwise healthy Pacinian corpuscles found in typical locations, not showing evidence of aberrant immunophenotype as described for patients with Ledderhose disease. 5 While fetal and new-born urinary bladders have been shown to harbor Pacinian corpuscles associated with large paraganglia, as discussed by Medlicott and collaborators, 3 these rapidly separate from paraganglia during development and are no longer found in the urinary tract of adults. The prenatal development of Pacinian corpuscles is complex, and further maturation takes place after birth.…”