Abstract
Biopsy specimens of papules taken from 8 patients with polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) were examined by a direct immunofluorescence technique. Extensive intervascular and focal perivascular deposits of fibrin were detected in each case. Slight vascular deposition of [complement] C3 and IgM were observed in 5 and 2 patients, respectively. The lupus band test was negative in all cases. Venular injury with activation of the clotting system is involved in the devleopment of lesions in PMLE.