Collagen-elastic tissue changes and vascular involvement in XXXX annulare: a review of 35 cases.

@entity1 @entity558 @entity3079 @entity738 @entity2652 @entity1333 @entity1711 @entity1710 @entity56
BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of @entity738 annulare (GA) is unclear. Collagen fiber degeneration is commonly reported, and there are several conflicting studies on elastic fiber and vascular changes associated with GA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate histopathologic characteristics, collagen and elastic tissue changes and vascular changes in GA. METHODS: Clinical records of 35 GA @entity1 were examined alongside serial sections of 38 biopsy specimens from these @entity1 . New sections of biopsy tissue were stained with @entity1710 and @entity1711 , @entity558 and then evaluated. RESULTS: Four different histopathologic patterns were observed: interstitial (57.9%), palisadic granulomatous (26.3%), sarcoidal granulomatous (5.3%) and mixed (10.5%). @entity3079 was determined in 84.2% of specimens. @entity2652 was observed in only seven specimens, and elastophagocytosis was observed in only two specimens. Collagen and elastic tissue damages were consistent findings in all biopsy specimens. Fibrin thrombi and vasculitic changes were not found in any of the specimens from this @entity1 group. CONCLUSIONS: Elastic and collagen fiber damage are the main accompanying features of GA, which may develop from @entity56 . @entity1333 does not appear to be a major causative process. Sun exposure also seems to have no major effect on the formation of GA but can be one of the stimulants or predisposing factors.
