Trichodysplasia Spinulosa Associated with Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
May 2007
in “
Australasian journal of dermatology
”
trichodysplasia spinulosa cutaneous viral infection chemotherapy acute lymphocytic leukemia immunosuppressed patients abnormal hair follicle maturation papules dilated hair follicles eosinophilic cells trichohyaline granules electron microscopy papovavirus viral skin infection cancer treatment ALL weakened immune system hair follicle issues skin bumps enlarged hair follicles white blood cells hair granules virus particles
TLDR Two boys developed a viral skin infection during chemotherapy, which resolved with improved immune function.
The document reported on two boys who developed trichodysplasia spinulosa, a cutaneous viral infection, while undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia. This condition, which affects immunosuppressed patients, led to abnormal hair follicle maturation and widespread papules, particularly on the face. Histopathological analysis showed dilated hair follicles with large eosinophilic cells and abnormal trichohyaline granules, and electron microscopy identified 30-nm viral particles consistent with a papovavirus. In the first case, the condition persisted for 2 years despite various treatments but resolved when the patient's immune function normalized. In the second case, the condition resolved spontaneously after 9 months. This report highlighted the clinical and pathological features of trichodysplasia spinulosa and documented its natural history for the first time.
