Figure 6.

Mimickers. This series of images (0.2×0.2mm - 100×100 pixels) demonstrates how similar various structures can appear when viewed in isolation, confirming the importance of context when interpreting RCM images. Column A shows the differing appearances of air bubbles trapped in oil from the skin surface to the DEJ (Frames A1-A4). The presence of air bubbles is confirmed by reviewing images captured at the surface of the skin. Column B shows the differing appearances eccrine ducts from stratum spinosum (SS) to within dermal papillae at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). The presence of eccrine ducts is confirmed by identifying the characteristic “coil” of a duct through the epidermis. Eccrine ducts can range from donut-shaped to very bright round structures to darker homogeneous grey round structures. Column C illustrates the appearance of intraepidermal melanocytic nests (MN), (C1), junctional (JNC) MN (C2, C3) and dermal MN (C3, C4). Column D shows the different presentations of Meissner’s corpuscles (MC), which while always at the tips of dermal papillae may appear to be intraepidermal (D1) in certain locations. Nests on acral surfaces are ruled out by the clinical context and recognizing the patterned location of MC. Eccrine ducts are ruled out by following the structure through the epidermis to confirm the presence or absence of the characteristic “coil” of a duct.