Abstract:

Zhu Huiling*, Zhong Minhua, Zhang Xinyue, Ma Chunguang, Ke Zunfu, Liao Qiman, Han Jiande. *Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China Corresponding author: Han Jiande, Email: hanjd-gzb@21cn.net 【Abstract】 Objective To investigate clinical and pathological features of pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis （PKMB）. Methods The clinical and pathological features as well as treatment of PKMB were retrospectively analyzed in 5 male patients collected from January 2008 to December 2013. Results The age at onset of PKMB varied from 56 to 67 years in these 5 patients, and none of the patients had received prepucectomy. Indurated keratotic plaques were observed in the glans of penis and inner lamina of the prepuce with no tenderness on palpation, whose surfaces were covered with grayish yellow, adherent and hard micaceous crusts. Histopathological study revealed obvious hyperkeratosis complicated by parakeratosis, epidermal pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, thickened spinous layer, and normal cell polarity in the epidermis, as well as telangiectasis and mild to moderate lymphocytic infiltration in the upper dermis. Immunohistochemical examination showed positive nuclear staining of epidermal cells for human papillomavirus （HPV） in 2 cases. Two patients took small doses of prednisone, but achieved no obvious improvement. Oral isotretinoin had resulted in a favorable outcome in another two cases, but relapse occurred after dose reduction, and thick crusts still appeared after topical application of glucocorticoid cream and tacrolimus cream, or carbon dioxide laser treatment and photodynamic therapy. Conclusions PKMB is a chronic and obstinate disease, and should be diagnosed based on pathological findings. Its treatment is difficult, and tretinoin has some effects, but relapse often occurs after drug withdrawal and maintenance treatment is needed.