Korean J Dermatol.
2003 Aug;41(8):1014-1021.
Histopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Electron Microscopic Findings of Pigmented Skin Lesions Immediately after Q-switched Alexandrite Laser Treatment
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Dermatology, Dankook University, College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. kyccc@dku.edu
- 2Medical Laser Research Center, Dankook University, College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
- 3Department of Pathology, Dankook University, College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
- 4Department of Dermatology, Ajou University, College of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
- 5Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
There have been only a few electron microscopic studies after laser treatment of pigmented skin lesions. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to investigate the pathologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic changes following Q-switched alexandrite laser treatment of pigmented skin lesions. METHODS: Three patients with acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules, and 2 patients with cafeau lait macule were irradiated with Q-switched alexandrite laser. Forty biopsies were taken before and immediately after laser treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin, Fontana-Masson, and gp100 staining were performed for the evaluation of the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings of the specimens. Electron microscopic findings were also evaluated. RESULTS: Histopathologically, suprabasilar separations were observed immediately after laser treatment. Vacuolar alterations of pigment-containing cells were frequently found in the epidermis and/or in the dermis. Fontana-Masson and gp100 staining positivity changed to negative or decreased in the epidermis immediately after laser treatment, while they changed to negative in the dermis. Ultrastructurally, epidermal pigment-containing cells frequently showed severe vacuolar changes in the cytoplasm, pyknotic nuclei, and vacuolated and/or fragmented melanosomes immediately after laser treatment. Dermal melanocytes frequently revealed vacuolated and/or fragmented melanosomes immediately after laser treatment. CONCLUSION: Histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic examination of pigmented skin lesions immediately after Q-switched alexandrite laser treatment demonstrated vacuolated or fragmented melanosomes and vacuolar alteration of pigment-containing cells in the epidermis and/or in the dermis, which suggested selective photothermolysis of melanosomes.
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