Iranian Journal of Pathology

Exploring the Significance of Eosinophil Infiltration in Diagnosis of Psoriasis: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Maryam Khalili 1
Afsaneh Kooshesh 2
Simin Shamsi Meymandi 3
Niloofar Mehrolhasani 3
Rezvan Amiri 1
Mohammad Rezaei Zadeh Rukerd 4
Mahin Aflatoonian 1

1 Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30699/ijp.2024.2013501.3191
Abstract
Background & Objective: There is controversy whether eosinophils are involved  in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This study aims to assess the quantity of eosinophils in pathological specimens obtained from individuals diagnosed with psoriasis.
Methods: cross-sectional and retrospective study 91 skin samples were obtained from patients with diagnosis of psoriasis. Two experienced dermatologists thoroughly reviewed the specimens' demographic characteristics, clinical features, and pathological attributes. Subsequently, eosinophils were counted within all microscopic fields, utilizing a magnification of 200.
Results:  Eosinophils were present in approximately 70.3% of the examined samples, with a mean eosinophil count of 2.42±0.63. Although no significant correlation was observed between the clinical subtype and the average eosinophil count, eosinophils were most commonly detected in the cases presenting generalized pustular psoriasis (100%) and vulgaris types (71.11%). Notably, patients exhibiting Munro's microabscess and dilated papillary dermal blood vessels exhibited a significantly higher number of eosinophils (P=0.007 and P=0.039, respectively). Additionally, a notable association was identified between presence of spongiosis, and eosinophil counts in the pathological samples (P=0.04).
Conclusion: Presence of eosinophils may not contradict a diagnosis of psoriasis. Furthermore, a notable association may be observed between the number of eosinophils and  presence of spongiosis, dilated dermal papillary vessels, and Munro's microabscess.

Highlights

  • Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
  • The results of this study revealed that the presence of eosinophils does not contradict the diagnosis of psoriasis.
  • There is a notable association between the count of eosinophils and the presence of spongiosis, dilated dermal papillary vessels, as well as Munro's microabscess.

Keywords

Eosinophil
Pathology
Psoriasis

Subjects

  1.  

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Iranian Journal of Pathology
Volume 20, Issue 1
Winter 2025
Pages 18-23

  • Receive Date 30 September 2023
  • Revise Date 02 November 2024
  • Accept Date 06 December 2024

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