Korean J Dermatol.
1982 Dec;20(6):819-825.
Immunofluorescent Studies of Erythema Nodosum Leprosum
Abstract
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Skin lesions of erythema nodosum leprosum(ENL) occurs as crops of erythematous papules with microscopical features of vasculitis, and these are considered to he immune complex mediated. Recent studies by several investigators detected high levels of circulating immune complexes in over fifty percent of patients with ENL, using well known Clq binding assay or monoclonal rheumatoid factor assay. Moreover they found immuoglobulins (Ig) and complement components in the blood vessels of these patients. These immunopathologic data presented more support to the immune complex mediated pathogenesis of the skin lesions in ENL spectrum. In connection with these findings, examinations of the skin lesions of Korean patient with ENL by immunofluorescent techniques were done. Among seven biopsy specimens from each seven patients, four revealed deposits of Igs (G and M) along with CR in dermal blood vesseIs. Alpha-1 antitrypsin and fibrin were also found in some patients.