Clinicopathological Correlation in Dermatopathology

Introduction and aim: Getting an accurate diagnosis in dermatopathology requires a combination of clinical and pathological information. Our aim was to assess the importance of the correlation between clinical and histopathological diagnosis in various cutaneous diseases. Materials and Methods: One-hundred cases of variable skin diseases were studied clinically by dermatologist and histopathologically by general pathologists. Cliniopathological correlation was done by direct communication between the dermatologist and the pathologist. Results: Concordance between pathological and clinical diagnoses was seen in 84%, a new pathological diagnosis was issued in 3% and non-diagnostic report in 13 %. After clinicopathological correlation; out of 84%, we accept only 65% as final diagnosis. In addition, the correlation was helpful and provide a diagnosis in another 20% of cases. One new pathological diagnosis was accepted whereas in the remaining cases (14%) further workup were required. Conclusions: Accurate diagnosis of cutaneous disorders depends on clinical skills as well as careful histopathological assessment and best results can be obtained if the patient and biopsy sections are viewed together. Electron microscopy, immunofluorescence assay, immunohistochemistry techniques and molecular pathology are important adjuncts for definite diagnosis of many skin diseases.