Validation of clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical based algorithm for the diagnosis of early-stage mycosis fungoides

Abstract Background Diagnosis of mycosis fungoides is challenging because of its large clinical and histopathological lack of specificity. The literature indicates an average delay of 4–6 years for a conclusive diagnosis. Refinement of the histopathological criteria for the diagnosis of patients in early stages of the disease is considered of interest. Objectives To study the histopathological aspects of early stage mycosis fungoides and the applicability, in a retrospective form, of the diagnostic algorithm proposed by Pimpinelli et al. Methods Observational, retrospective, transversal study based on revision of histopathological exams of patients with suspected mycosis fungoides. Medical records were reviewed, and complementary immunohistochemistry performed. Results Sixty-seven patients were included. The most frequent histopathological features were superficial perivascular lymphoid infiltrate (71.6%), epidermotropism (68.7%), lymphocytic atypia (63.8%), hyperkeratosis (62.7%) and acanthosis (62.7%). Forty-three patients scored 4 points at the algorithm, by clinical and histological evaluation. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 23 of the 24 patients with less than 4 points. Of those 23, 22 scored 1 point, allowing a total of 61 patients (91%) with the diagnosis of early mycosis fungoides. Study limitations Its retrospective character, reduced size of the sample and incomplete application of the algorithm. Conclusions Application of the Pimpinelli et al. algorithm, even in an incomplete form, increased the percentage of cases diagnosed as mycosis fungoides. Routine application of the algorithm may contribute to earlier specific management and improvement of the patients’ outcome.