Clinicopathological correlation of transient acantholytic dermatosis: A case report

Abstract

Transient acantholytic dermatosis (TAD) is a benign, non-familial, non-immune mediated acantholytic disorder of unknown etiology. The presence of polymorphous, unorganized, pruritic lesions on the trunk, associated with focal acantholysis and dyskeratosis, resembles a wide variety of dermatoses. The etiology of TAD (also known as Grover's disease) is unknown, and the success of treatment relies on the correct identification of the disease; however, some cases are refractory to all forms of therapy. For accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive literature review is required. Here, the case of a 55-year-old male with TAD displaying a Darier-like histopathological pattern was reported. The patient was successfully treated with retinoids and acitretin (Neotigason), as well as dapsone, an anti-inflammatory agent, as maintenance therapy. The presence of more than two histological findings, limited to small foci and clinical information, can diagnose Darier disease. The exact pathogenesis has not been elucidated, thus further studies of the pathogenesis of TAD are required.

Keywords: clinicopathologic; dapsone; histologically; pathogenesis; transient acantholytic dermatosis; treatment.

Figure 1

Clinical presentation of erythematous plaques and placards, with vesicle-bullae in the periphery, located on the anterior part of the neck.

Figure 2

Clinical presentation of red-brown papular lesions and non-follicular lesions located on the lateral part of the trunk.

Figure 3

H&E staining of suprabasilar and subcorneal acantholysis (arrow). Magnification, x10.

Figure 4

H&E staining of suprabasilar acantholysis (arrow) with a brisk dermal mixed inflammation (asterisk). Magnification, x10.

Figure 5

H&E staining of intraepidermal spongiosis (asterisk) with neutrophil microabscesses (arrows). Magnification, x20.