The histopathologic features of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis

Abstract

Background: The histologic features of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (APD) are generally non-specific and have been described only in brief case reports. We present a case of APD and review the literature with a focus on the histologic findings described. Methods: A review of the English literature on APD was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE. Results: A total of 39 patients, including our patient are included in this review. The most consistent histologic finding reported was a perivascular inflammatory infiltrate, being seen in 72% of cases. A non-specific or interstitial inflammatory infiltrate was described in 31% of the cases, with 41% having an eosinophilic component and 21% having a neutrophilic component mixed with the predominant lymphocytic infiltrate. Interface dermatitis was the second most common finding with 36% showing a mild to exaggerated interface dermatitis. Conclusion: Although histopathologic changes are non-specific, perivascular dermatitis with eosinophils and interface changes are common in APD.