Immunohistochemical features of cutaneous granulomas in primary immunodeficiency disorders: a comparison with cutaneous sarcoidosis

Cutaneous sarcoidosis: clinical and pathologic features, molecular pathogenesis, and treatment

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder that most commonly affects the lungs, lymphatic system, eyes, and skin. Cutaneous involvement is present in approximately 20% to 30% patients. Prednisone and corticotropin repository are the only Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for sarcoidosis. We review the varied cutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis and the recommended evaluation for this disease. We also discuss histopathologic findings and outline disease pathogenesis, incorporating newer molecular data. Treatment approaches for cutaneous sarcoidosis and their associated levels of evidence are also delineated.

Molecularly Targeted Therapies for Inflammatory Cutaneous Granulomatous Disorders: A Review of the Evidence and Implications for Understanding Disease Pathogenesis

Inflammatory cutaneous granulomatous diseases, including granuloma annulare, cutaneous sarcoidosis, and necrobiosis lipoidica, are distinct diseases unified by the hallmark of macrophage accumulation and activation in the skin. There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for these conditions except prednisone and repository corticotropin injection for pulmonary sarcoidosis. Treatment of these diseases has generally been guided by low-quality evidence and may involve broadly immunomodulatory medications. Development of new treatments has in part been limited by an incomplete understanding of disease pathogenesis. Recently, there has been substantial progress in better understanding the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders, opening the door for therapeutic innovation. Likewise, reported outcomes of treatment with immunologically targeted therapies may offer insights into disease pathogenesis. In this systematic review, we summarize progress in deciphering the pathomechanisms of these disorders and discuss this in the context of emerging evidence on the use of molecularly targeted therapies in treatment of these diseases.

Granulomatous pigmented purpuric dermatosis: clinical and histopathologic findings in a series of nine cases

We report the largest series so far of granulomatous pigmented purpuric dermatosis (GPPD), a rare variant of pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD). GPPD can cause diagnostic difficulties as it can be mistaken clinically and histopathologically with numerous inflammatory and infectious dermatoses or even cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. We compared the histopathological findings of nine cases of GPPD with a control group consisting of ten randomly selected PPD of other subtypes. GPPD seems to predominantly affect the lower extremities of adult male patients; a clear association with hyperlipidemia or other systemic conditions could not be confirmed. Histopathologically, GPPD is characterized by a dermal histiocyte-rich interstitial infiltrate with or without granuloma formation, thickened capillaries, extravasated erythrocytes and/or hemosiderin deposits. In contrast to other forms of PPD, the inflammatory infiltrate of GPPD can extend to the mid or deep dermis and the admixed lymphocytic infiltrate is mainly composed of CD8+ T-cells. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CD8+ Lymphogranulomatous Dermatitis as a Manifestation of Malignancy-Associated Immunodeficiency: Rethinking Paraneoplastic Granulomas

ABSTRACT

Paraneoplastic granulomatous disease occurs in approximately 7.3% of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, most commonly among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These lesions are often reported to appear similar to sarcoidosis in clinical presentation and under light microscopy. However, comprehensive descriptions of the cytomorphologic characteristics of these paraneoplastic granulomas are lacking, and the mechanisms involved in their formation remain ill-defined. Noninfectious dermal granulomatous reactions have also been reported in many primary immunodeficiencies, including common variable immune deficiency and ataxia-telangiectasia. We present a case of noninfectious CD8+ predominant granulomatous dermatitis with ocular involvement occurring in the setting of CLL and marked hypogammaglobulinemia. Based on the analysis of shared factors in patients with primary immunodeficiencies and CLL, we conclude that the presence of pan-humoral immunodeficiency could itself be a risk factor for developing a CD8+ lymphogranulomatous reaction. This report and associated discussion evince that CD8+ predominant granulomatous reactions, distinct from sarcoidosis, may represent a previously unappreciated segment of the paraneoplastic granulomas observed in hematologic malignancies.

Rubella virus-associated chronic inflammation in primary immunodeficiency diseases

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this article is to summarize recent data on rubella virus (RuV) vaccine in chronic inflammation focusing on granulomas in individuals with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs).

RECENT FINDINGS

The live attenuated RuV vaccine has been recently associated with cutaneous and visceral granulomas in children with various PIDs. RuV vaccine strain can persist for decades subclinically in currently unknown body site(s) before emerging in granulomas. Histologically, RuV is predominately localized in M2 macrophages in the granuloma centers. Multiple mutations accumulate during persistence resulting in emergence of immunodeficiency-related vaccine-derived rubella viruses (iVDRVs) with altered immunological, replication, and persistence properties. Viral RNA was detected in granuloma biopsies and nasopharyngeal secretions and infectious virus were isolated from the granuloma lesions. The risk of iVDRV transmissibility to contacts needs to be evaluated. Several broad-spectrum antiviral drugs have been tested recently but did not provide significant clinical improvement. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only reliable option for curing chronic RuV-associated granulomas in PIDs.

SUMMARY

Persistence of vaccine-derived RuVs appears to be a crucial factor in a significant proportion of granulomatous disease in PIDs. RuV testing of granulomas in PID individuals might help with case management.

Cutaneous granulomas with primary immunodeficiency in children: a report of 17 new patients and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Paediatric cutaneous granuloma with primary immunodeficiency (PID) is a rare condition. The physiopathology is unclear, and treatment is challenging. We report on 17 paediatric cases and review the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To make dermatologists and dermatopathologists aware of the diagnostic value of skin granulomas in paediatric PID.

METHODS

We collected data on 17 patients with cutaneous granulomas and PID registered with us and also reviewed 33 cases from the literature.

RESULTS

Cutaneous granuloma was the presenting feature of the PID in 15 of the 50 collated cases. The lesions presented as red-brownish nodules and infiltrated ulcerative plaques, predominantly on the face and limbs. Scleroderma-like infiltration on a single limb was observed in 10% of the cases. The associated PID was ataxia-telangiectasia (52%), combined immunodeficiency (24%), cartilage-hair hypoplasia (6%) and other subtypes (18%). The granulomas were mostly sarcoidal, tuberculoid, palisaded or undefined subtypes. In some patients, several different histopathologic granulomatous patterns were found in the same biopsy. Some granulomas were associated with the presence of a vaccine strain of rubella virus.

CONCLUSION

Cutaneous granulomas associated with a PID have a variable clinical presentation. A PID can be suspected when crusty, brownish lesions are found on the face or limbs. The concomitant presence of several histological subtypes in a single patient is suggestive of a PID.

Bilateral epibulbar pseudorheumatoid nodulosis with a review of ocular adnexal palisading granulomas

We describe the clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of episcleral/conjunctival pseudorheumatoid nodulosis, a new granulomatous entity that belongs among a group of related lesions. Specifically, pseudorheumatoid nodulosis should be differentiated from solitary rheumatoid nodules, rheumatoid nodulosis, accelerated rheumatoid nodules and nodulosis, and solitary pseudorheumatoid nodules. A 53-year-old man presented with bilateral painless, large, faintly yellow-gray, partially immobile, solid, circumscribed, and occasionally confluent episcleral nodules of several months' duration. He had never had clinical rheumatoid arthritis and was rheumatoid factor negative. Biopsy revealed multiple, merging episcleral/conjunctival, nonulcerated, palisading granulomas with variably sized central zones of necrobiosis of collagen. Abundant palisading CD68/163 + histiocytes admixed with fibroblasts surrounded the necrobiotic foci, which failed to stain with Alcian blue for mucopolysaccharides. No fibrinoid deposits were detected. Numerous CD3+ T lymphocytes, fewer CD 20 + B lymphocytes, and a smaller subpopulation of CD138 + plasma cells were present. Numerous CD1a + Langerhans cells were scattered among the palisading histiocytes and overlying epithelium. Immunohistochemical stains for immunoglobulins revealed concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA, but not IgE, in the necrobiotic zones. Special stains did not reveal evidence of infection nor did polarization microscopy display any foreign material. An extensive systemic and serologic workup was negative. We review simulating palisading or other nonrheumatic granulomas that should be distinguished from pseudorheumatoid nodules or nodulosis and explore therapeutic options.

Rheumatoid-nodule-like cutaneous granuloma associated with recombinase activating gene 1-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency: A rare case

Cutaneous granulomas without detectable infectious etiology rarely occur in children and adults with primary immunodeficiency disorders. These cutaneous granulomas are primarily seen in combined variable immunodeficiency, ataxia-telangiectasia, and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and can emulate the reaction patterns seen in sarcoidosis and granuloma annulare. To date, the literature has described only six cases of non-infectious cutaneous granulomas in SCID. We report an unusual case of cutaneous granuloma, mimicking a sarcoma, in a 40-year old male with recombinase activating gene 1-deficient SCID, who presented with a slow-growing globus mass over the lateral aspect of the right elbow. There was heterogeneous enhancement on MRI, which was concerning for neoplasm but no malignancy was found on frozen or permanent sections. GMS, PAS with diastase, and AFB stains, as well as microbiology cultures, were negative. An AE1/AE3 stain was negative and a CD163 stain highlighted histiocytes. No infectious etiology was identified and histopathology revealed palisaded granulomatous dermatitis, most closely resembling a rheumatoid nodule. Although cutaneous manifestations have been reported in nearly half of primary immunodeficiency disorder cases, non-infectious cutaneous granulomas are exceedingly rare in SCID. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of cutaneous palisaded granulomatous dermatitis mimicking a rheumatoid nodule in a major joint.

Dysregulation of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent symptomatic primary immune deficiency. With widespread use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy, non-infectious complications, such as autoimmunity, chronic intestinal inflammation, and lung disease, have replaced infections as the major cause of morbidity and mortality in this immune deficiency. The pathogenic mechanisms that underlie the development of these complications in CVID are not known; however, there have been numerous associated laboratory findings. Among the most intriguing of these associations is elevation of interferon signature genes in CVID patients with inflammatory/autoimmune complications, as a similar gene expression profile is found in systemic lupus erythematosus and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Linked with this heightened interferon signature in CVID is an expansion of circulating IFN-γ-producing innate lymphoid cells. Innate lymphoid cells are key regulators of both protective and pathogenic immune responses that have been extensively studied in recent years. Further exploration of innate lymphoid cell biology in CVID may uncover key mechanisms underlying the development of inflammatory complications in these patients and may inspire much needed novel therapeutic approaches.

Lung Disease in Primary Antibody Deficiencies

Primary antibody deficiencies (PADs) are the most common form of primary immunodeficiency and predispose to severe and recurrent pulmonary infections, which can result in chronic lung disease including bronchiectasis. Chronic lung disease is among the most common complications of PAD and a significant source of morbidity and mortality for these patients. However, the development of lung disease in PAD may not be solely the result of recurrent bacterial infection or a consequence of bronchiectasis. Recent characterization of monogenic immune dysregulation disorders and more extensive study of common variable immunodeficiency have demonstrated that interstitial lung disease (ILD) in PAD can result from generalized immune dysregulation and frequently occurs in the absence of pneumonia history or bronchiectasis. This distinction between bronchiectasis and ILD has important consequences in the evaluation and management of lung disease in PAD. For example, treatment of ILD in PAD typically uses immunomodulatory approaches in addition to immunoglobulin replacement and antibiotic prophylaxis, which are the stalwarts of bronchiectasis management in these patients. Although all antibody-deficient patients are at risk of developing bronchiectasis, ILD occurs in some forms of PAD much more commonly than in others, suggesting that distinct but poorly understood immunological factors underlie the development of this complication. Importantly, ILD can have earlier onset and may worsen survival more than bronchiectasis. Further efforts to understand the pathogenesis of lung disease in PAD will provide vital information for the most effective methods of diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment of these patients.

Autoimmune and Lymphoproliferative Complications of Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is frequently complicated by the development of autoimmune and lymphoproliferative diseases. With widespread use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy, autoimmune and lymphoproliferative complications have replaced infection as the major cause of morbidity and mortality in CVID patients. Certain CVID complications, such as bronchiectasis, are likely to be the result of immunodeficiency and are associated with infection susceptibility. However, other complications may result from immune dysregulation rather than immunocompromise. CVID patients develop autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and granulomas in association with distinct immunological abnormalities. Mutations in transmembrane activator and CAML interactor, reduction of isotype-switched memory B cells, expansion of CD21 low B cells, heightened interferon signature expression, and retained B cell function are all associated with both autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation in CVID. Further research aimed to better understand that the pathological mechanisms of these shared forms of immune dysregulation may inspire therapies beneficial for multiple CVID complications.

Noninfectious Granulomas

Primary immunodeficiency disorders, such as ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), may rarely be associated with cutaneous granulomas without an identifiable infection. The authors report a case of a 3-year-old boy with A-T who presented with two persistent ulcerated erythematous nodules. Histopathology was consistent with a granulomatous process secondary to A-T, without an infectious origin. Partial improvement was noted with clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream applied twice daily under occlusion. Of note, the presence of multiple noninfectious granulomas in a child may be the initial sign of an immune deficiency and should alert the astute clinician to investigate for an underlying primary immunodeficiency. Herein, the authors discuss the associations of noninfectious granulomas and primary immunodeficiency disorders and present management options for these difficult-to-treat lesions.

Cutaneous granulomas in the setting of primary immunodeficiency: a report of four cases and review of the literature

IMPORTANCE

Cutaneous granulomas without an identifiable infectious etiology are a rare manifestation of primary immunodeficiency (ID). These cutaneous lesions can be misdiagnosed, often as sarcoidosis, when the skin findings precede the diagnosis of immunodeficiency.

OBJECTIVE

We present four cases from our institution and review the literature in order to emphasize the clinical relevance of this association, discuss the histologic and immunohistochemical features, and explore possible pathogenic mechanisms of granuloma formation.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

We retrospectively reviewed case reports of all patients presenting with cutaneous granulomas in the setting of primary immunodeficiency. Cases with insufficient information to confirm an immunodeficiency state were excluded. Four patients from our clinic were included, for 54 total cases.

FINDINGS

The majority of cutaneous granulomas are seen in three types of immunodeficiencies: ataxia-telangiectasia, severe combined immunodeficiency, and combined variable immunodeficiency. Twenty-six percent of patients developed cutaneous granulomas prior to their immunodeficiency diagnosis. Histologically, various granulomatous patterns have been described. Immunohistochemistry revealed a CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio of less than or equal to 1 in our four patients, which may help differentiate cutaneous granulomas in primary ID from sarcoidal granulomas that typically show a CD4+ predominance.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Cutaneous granulomas are a rare manifestation of primary ID and occur predominantly in immunodeficiencies that affect T and B cell compartments.

CD8(+) granulomatous cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: a potential association with immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Granulomatous cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (G-CTCL) is a rarely encountered entity. Most G-CTCL is CD4(+), with granulomatous mycosis fungoides representing the vast majority of cases. Because of the rarity of CD8(+) G-CTCL, there is a paucity of data regarding the clinicopathologic features and expected course.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and histopathologic features of G-CTCL.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of collected cases.

RESULTS

We present 4 cases of CD8(+) G-CTCL. Patients presented with papules and nodules on the trunk and extremities without antecedent patch or plaque disease. In all cases, biopsy specimens were obtained, and these revealed a dense granulomatous infiltrate accompanied by an atypical lymphoid infiltrate of CD8(+) T cells. T-cell clonality studies were positive in 3 of 4 cases. Staging was negative for nodal involvement, but lung granulomas were seen in all cases. In all 4 cases, the patient's medical history was significant for immunodeficiency, either primary or iatrogenic. All 4 patients had slowly progressive disease.

LIMITATIONS

This is a small retrospective case series.

CONCLUSIONS

CD8(+) G-CTCL appears to be associated with immunodeficiency. The finding of a CD8(+) G-CTCL should prompt an evaluation for underlying immunodeficiency. Additional studies are required to validate these conclusions.

Budd-Chiari syndrome as presenting symptom of hepatic sarcoidosis in a child, with recurrence after liver transplantation

A seven-yr-old boy presented with a severe Budd-Chiari syndrome, complicated by recurrent thrombosis of several successive TIPSs. Because of liver failure secondary to venous outflow tract obstruction and deterioration of his general condition, an emergency liver transplantation was performed. Steroids were discontinued three months after transplantation, and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy consisted of tacrolimus and azathioprine. Seven years later, this patient presented symptoms of recurrence of venous outflow obstruction in the transplant liver, comparable to the initial event. Histopathology of the liver revealed diffuse granulomatous inflammation with confluent non-caseating granulomas compressing the centrolobular veins. Extensive investigations excluded infections, immune deficiency, and systemic vasculitides. After treatment with a high dose of corticosteroids, the granulomas in the allograft disappeared completely. We report the first case of hepatic sarcoidosis, presenting with venous outflow obstruction and recurring after liver transplantation, in a child.

Cutaneous granulomas in ataxia telangiectasia and other primary immunodeficiencies: reflection of inappropriate immune regulation?

BACKGROUND

Non-infective cutaneous granulomas with unknown pathogenesis occur in various primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) including ataxia telangiectasia (A-T).

OBJECTIVE

To find a common immunological denominator in these cutaneous granulomas.

METHODS

The dermatological and immunological features of 4 patients with A-T and cutaneous granulomas were described. The literature on skin granulomas in A-T and in other PIDs is reviewed.

RESULTS

All 4 A-T patients had progressive granulomas on their limbs and showed decreased IgG and IgA concentrations with normal IgM levels. They had a marked decrease in B cells and naïve T cells coinciding with the appearance of the cutaneous granulomas. Similar B- and T-cell abnormalities were described in patients with other PIDs with skin granulomas.

CONCLUSIONS

We hypothesize that the pathogenesis of these skin granulomas is related to immune dysregulation of macrophages due to the absence of naïve T cells with an appropriate T-cell receptor repertoire and the unopposed activity of γδ T cells and/or natural killer cells.

Adaptive immune responses in primary cutaneous sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder with cutaneous lesions present in about one-quarter of the patients. Cutaneous lesions have been classified as specific and nonspecific, depending on the presence of nonnecrotizing epithelial cell granulomas on histologic studies. The development and progression of specific cutaneous sarcoidosis involves a complex interaction between cells of the adaptive immune systems, notably T-lymphocytes and dendritic cells. In this paper, we will discuss the role of T-cells and skin dendritic cells in the development of primary cutaneous sarcoidosis and comment on the potential antigenic stimuli that may account for the development of the immunological response. We will further explore the contributions of selected cytokines to the immunopathological process. The knowledge of the adaptive immunological mechanisms operative in cutaneous sarcoidosis may subsequently be useful for identifying prevention and treatment strategies of systemic sarcoidosis.

Artemis splice defects cause atypical SCID and can be restored in vitro by an antisense oligonucleotide

Artemis deficiency is known to result in classical T-B- severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in case of Artemis null mutations, or Omenn's syndrome in case of hypomorphic mutations in the Artemis gene. We describe two unrelated patients with a relatively mild clinical T-B- SCID phenotype, caused by different homozygous Artemis splice-site mutations. The splice-site mutations concern either dysfunction of a 5' splice-site or an intronic point mutation creating a novel 3' splice-site, resulting in mutated Artemis protein with residual activity or low levels of wild type (WT) Artemis transcripts. During the first 10 years of life, the patients suffered from recurrent infections necessitating antibiotic prophylaxis and intravenous immunoglobulins. Both mutations resulted in increased ionizing radiation sensitivity and insufficient variable, diversity and joining (V(D)J) recombination, causing B-lymphopenia and exhaustion of the naive T-cell compartment. The patient with the novel 3' splice-site had progressive granulomatous skin lesions, which disappeared after stem cell transplantation (SCT). We showed that an alternative approach to SCT can, in principle, be used in this case; an antisense oligonucleotide (AON) covering the intronic mutation restored WT Artemis transcript levels and non-homologous end-joining pathway activity in the patient fibroblasts.

Chronic noninfectious necrotizing granulomas in a child with Nijmegen breakage syndrome

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is a chromosomal breakage disorder with characteristic physical features, chromosomal instability, and combined immunodeficiency. It is closely related to other chromosomal breakage disorders like ataxia telangiectasia. Noninfectious granulomatous inflammation refractory to treatment is a relatively common feature in ataxia telangiectasia. Herein we report a patient with NBS who developed chronic refractory necrotizing granulomatous ulcerations and review the pathophysiology of NBS and noninfectious granulomas in primary immunodeficiency syndromes.