Scleromyxedema: ultrastructural study

Scleromyxedema is a type of mucinosis that presents with some well defined clinical and histopathological characteristics. We describe the findings observed with transmission electron microscopy in a case that we recently studied. The patient was a 56-year-old female with a localized eruption of lichenoid papules on the face, upper trunk and limbs. It was accompanied by IgG lambda gammopathy. Optical microscopy showed the findings typical of scleromyxedema. Electron microscopy revealed the existence of a large number of fibroblasts with high activity levels in the synthesis and release of collagen fibers and a mucoid substance.