CUTANEOUS NECROSIS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME AND MYCOSIS-FUNGOIDES

The development of extensive cutaneous necrosis in a patient with tumo ur-stage mycosis fungoides is described. Skin biopsies showed a lympho matous infiltrate, and thrombosis of dermal blood vessels. Investigati on revealed the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies, a lupus antico agulant, and low free protein S, which contributed to a prothrombotic state. Antiphospholipid antibodies have been detected in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but clinical manifestations are uncommon. Such autoantibodi es may be produced by neoplastic lymphoid cells. The frequency with wh ich antiphospholipid antibodies occur in mycosis fungoides is currentl y unknown.