Korean J Dermatol.  2001 Nov;39(11):1231-1237.

The Value of PCR Detection of TCR gamma Gene Rearrangement in the Diagnosis of Early Mycosis Fungoides

• Choi TS
• Ko JW
• Jang MS
• Suh KS
• Kim ST

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mycosis fungoides(MF) is often difficult, clinically and histologically. A variety of inflammatory dermatoses may be seen with similar clinical and histological features. Given the limitation of histologic diagnosis in the early MF, an ancillary method to demonstrate a clonal T cell proliferation would be helpful. Recent attempts to enhance diagnostic sensitivity have involved T-cell receptor(TCR) gene rearrangement studies, using polymerase chain reaction(PCR) technique.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was the value of PCR detection of TCR gamma gene rearrangement in the diagnosis of early MF.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-two cases of paraffin embedded tissue(PET) from patients of early MF were investigated for the presence of TCR gamma gene rearrangement using a nested PCR technique and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE). As a control, PET from patients of 6 psoriasis, 3 lichen planus, 1 neurodermatitis, and 1 allergic contact dermatitis were tested.
RESULTS
Monoclonal TCR gamma gene rearrangement was detected in 28 out of 32 (88%) patients with early MF and in none out of 11 patients with inflammatory skin diseases.
CONCLUSION
TCR gamma gene rearrangement studies on lesional skin using PCR may be helpful as an adjunct to the histopathologic diagnosis of early MF.

Keyword

T-cell receptor gene rearrangement; Polymerase chain reaction; Early mycosis fungoides

MeSH Terms

Cell Proliferation
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact
Diagnosis*
Diagnosis, Differential
Gene Rearrangement
Genes, T-Cell Receptor gamma*
Humans
Lichen Planus
Mycosis Fungoides*
Neurodermatitis
Paraffin
Polymerase Chain Reaction*
Psoriasis
Skin
Skin Diseases
T-Lymphocytes
Paraffin