Necrobiosis lipoidica - A case with prominent cholesterol clefting and transepithelial elimination

Transepithelial elimination of degenerated collagen through the hair follic le in necrobiosis lipoidica is rare, clinically manifesting as comedo-like plugs. Also unusual in necrobiosis Lipoidica is the finding of cholesterol cleft formation. We report a case of necrobiosis lipoidica with transepithe lial elimination of cholesterol crystals through hair follicles. This has b een described in necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, demonstrating some overlap in the histopathologic findings in both necrobiotic granulomas. Additional cr iteria should be used to establish the diagnosis.