Psoriasis confined strictly to vitiligo areas--a Koebner-like phenomenon?

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006 Feb;20(2):178-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01354.x.

Abstract

Vitiligo and psoriasis are both common skin disorders. However, psoriasis strictly confined to pre-existing vitiligo areas is rare and suggests a causal relationship. We report here on two patients with a strict anatomical colocalization of vitiligo and psoriasis. The histopathological examinations showed typical changes for both diseases together with a dense infiltrate of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. By immunohistochemistry, intracytoplasmatic granzyme B and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were detected within the T-cell population, suggesting the functional activity of these cells and the creation of a local T helper 1 (Th1)-cytokine milieu. Additionally, in one patient we could identify anti-melanocytic T cells by tetramer staining and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) analysis. These skin-infiltrating lymphocytes might trigger, by the local production of Th-1 cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the eruption of psoriatic plaques in patients with a genetic predisposition for psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / complications
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis*
  • Psoriasis / genetics
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Vitiligo / complications
  • Vitiligo / diagnosis*
  • Vitiligo / genetics
  • Vitiligo / pathology