Biopsy of a violaceous papule shows apoptotic basal keratinocytes appearing as eosinophilic globular bodies in the lower epidermis and papillary dermis, along with wedge-shaped hypergranulosis. These globular bodies (Civatte bodies) represent:

• A Clusters of plasma cells
• B Aggregates of neutrophils
• C Deposits of dermal mucin
• D Apoptotic keratinocytes ✓

Explanation

Civatte or colloid bodies are apoptotic basal keratinocytes extruded into the papillary dermis, a hallmark of interface dermatitis in lichen planus. When basal layer damage is confluent, clefts form between epidermis and dermis (Max-Joseph spaces). Neutrophil aggregates within the stratum corneum define Munro microabscesses of psoriasis, which is the key contrast with this lichenoid pattern.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.