Musculoskeletal and Skin Pathology for Medical II Students

Lab 2a Psoriasis (01000-47220)

Psoriasis is a complex disease of the skin in which genetic factors, inflammatory cells and mediators, and faulty regulation of epidermal growth conspire to produce sometimes extensive and disfiguring skin lesions. Typically, sharply demarcated plaques with thick, micaceous scales form on extensor surfaces and scalp, though lesions can occur anywhere on the body surface. Variants include guttate (drop-like), pustular, and erythrodermic forms. An associated seronegative arthritis (psoriatic arthritis) can also occur.  Treatments are designed to control epidermal growth and inflammation; they include topical corticosteroids, tar, and anthralin, ultraviolet light or PUVA (psoralen and long wave ultraviolet light) and such systemic agents as methotrexate, etretinate, and cyclosporin.

Slides 1 & 2 | Slide 3

Slide 1 Typical clinical appearance of classic, plaque-type psoriasis.
Slide 2 Low power picture which shows acanthosis with prominent rete pegs (the increase in the prickle cell layer) and parakeratosis (nuclei in the keratin layer). Also thinning of the supra-papillary plate.

Digital Legends for Labs/Cases
Lab 1
1a | 1b | 1c | 1d | 1e | 1f | 1g
Gross & Radiographs
a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h 
Lab 2
2a | 2b | 2c | 2d | 2e | 2f

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Updated August 28, 2007