• M Kakepis, S Havaki, A Katoulis, A Katsambas, N Stavrianeas, and T G Troupis.
• Department of Dermatology, 'Henry Dunant' Hospital, Athens, Greece.
• J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015 Jul 1; 29 (7): 1435-8.

BackgroundFew published data, concerning the electron microscopy findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis have been published so far.ObjectivesTo reveal the electron microscopic findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and their aetiopathogenetic associations.MethodsPunch biopsy specimens from four patients with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, after being properly processed, were observed under the electron microscope.ResultsIn the epidermis, melanocytes and melanosomes were normal in structure. In some areas, there was a reduced uptake of melanosomes by the keratinocytes. In the dermis, fibroblasts were structurally normal. Also, most elastic and collagen fibres were normal, but there were focal elastotic changes.ConclusionsNo significant structural abnormality of the melanocytes was observed, but rather a functional defect in the transfer of melanosomes from the melanocytes to the keratinocytes.© 2014 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

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