Munro's microabscess

Munro's microabscess
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Neutrophil accumulation in the stratum corneum
Complications	N/A
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Psoriasis
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Skin biopsy
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Topical corticosteroids, Phototherapy, Systemic therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common in patients with psoriasis
Deaths	N/A

Munro's microabscess is a medical term referring to a collection of neutrophils in the stratum corneum of the skin, often associated with psoriasis. It was named after Sir Robert Munro, a British dermatologist who first described the condition.

History

Sir Robert Munro first described the condition in the late 19th century. He noticed that patients with psoriasis often had small collections of neutrophils in the stratum corneum of their skin. These collections were later named Munro's microabscesses in his honor.

Pathophysiology

Munro's microabscesses are caused by the migration of neutrophils from the dermis to the stratum corneum. This migration is thought to be triggered by the release of chemotactic factors from T cells in response to an unknown antigen. The neutrophils then aggregate in the stratum corneum, forming the characteristic microabscesses.

Clinical significance

Munro's microabscesses are a common finding in patients with psoriasis, and their presence can help confirm a diagnosis of the condition. However, they can also be found in other skin conditions, such as dermatitis herpetiformis and pemphigus vulgaris, so their presence is not specific to psoriasis.

Treatment

The treatment of Munro's microabscesses is primarily aimed at treating the underlying condition causing them. This often involves the use of topical steroids, immunomodulators, or other anti-inflammatory medications.

See also

• Psoriasis
• Neutrophil
• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• Pemphigus vulgaris