DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home Topics A–Z Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency panniculitis pathology
Author: Assoc Prof Patrick Emanuel, Dermatopathologist, Auckland, New Zealand, January 2015.
Panniculitis is a recognised, but rare complication of α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency. It is mostly diagnosed in the homozygous PiZZ variant.
Histopathological examination usually reveals a lobular panniculitis but septal involvement may be seen. In early stages, neutrophils are interstitially arranged between collagen bundles of the deep reticular dermis, followed by a neutrophilic mixed panniculitis with lobular necrosis (figures 1, 2, 3). Vasculitis has been described in association with significant neutrophilic infiltration.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency panniculitis pathology
Special stains and/or cultures for microorganisms can be helpful if an infectious aetiology is suspected.
Neutrophilic dermatoses: Clinical correlation can be needed to exclude other neutrophilic dermatoses. Usually patients are known to have alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency when the panniculitis presents.
Factitial panniculitis: The sections should be polarised to exclude foreign material if a factitial cause is suspected.
Books about skin diseases
© 2022 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.