Morphometric study of microvessels, epidermal characteristics and inflammation in psoriasis vulgaris with their correlations.

ABSTRACT

Background: Vascular proliferation, inflammation and epidermal changes are important features in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Aims: In this study we attempted an objective evaluation of these parameters using morphometry. Methods: Inflammation, microvessels and epidermal parameters were assessed in 50 newly diagnosed cases of psoriasis vulgaris (between 01 Nov 2008 and 31 Oct 2011) by morphometry. Parameters studied were microvessel density, microvessel caliber, inflammatory cell density in dermis, ratio between inner and outer epidermal length, maximum epidermal thickness, minimum epidermal thickness and difference between maximum epidermal thickness and minimum epidermal thickness. Results: Microvessel caliber showed moderate correlation (r = 0.645) and microvessel density, weak correlation (r = 0.226) with inflammatory cell density in dermis. Both these parameters also showed mild positive correlation with "ratio between inner and outer epidermal length". All parameters except minimum epidermal thickness showed mild positive correlation with inflammatory cell density in dermis. Conclusion: All microvessels and epidermal parameters showed positive correlation with dermal inflammation; and epidermal parameters exhibited positive correlation with micro-vascular dilation. It is likely that inflammation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.