The HoVert technique: a novel method for the sectioning of XXXX biopsies.

@entity1665 @entity32 @entity3854 @entity406 @entity9821
BACKGROUND: Cicatricial forms of @entity1665 , including @entity3854 ( @entity3854 ) and @entity9821 ( @entity9821 ), may present with overlapping clinical features. In such cases, histopathological examination may provide key information for resolving the differential diagnosis. Optimally, microscopical analysis for @entity1665 requires both vertical and horizontal sections, and this may necessitate multiple samples. Here, we present what we term the "HoVert" technique, which produces horizontal and vertical sections from a single biopsy. We hypothesize that the HoVert technique should be useful for differentiating @entity9821 from @entity3854 . METHODS: A @entity406 -fixed 4 mm punch scalp biopsy is transected approximately 1 mm below the skin surface to create an epidermal disc and a lower portion. The epidermal disc is bisected and embedded in conventional fashion to obtain vertical sections. The lower portion is serially sectioned and embedded to obtain horizontal sections. RESULTS: The HoVert technique yields vertical sections permitting visualization of the epidermis, the @entity32 . The technique also provides horizontal sections that permit analysis of follicle number, follicle type, perifollicular @entity32 and scarring. Evaluation of both vertical and horizontal sections from a single scalp biopsy maximizes the histopathological information obtained and enhances the diagnosis of @entity3854 or @entity9821 in specific cases. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the HoVert technique represents a simple and diagnostically effective tool in differentiating @entity3854 from @entity9821 . It may also be applicable to the assessment of other forms of @entity1665 .
