Expression of lymphatic markers in angiokeratomas

Unveiling an oral hemangiolymphangioma

Hemangiolymphangioma is a very rare vascular malformation that develops as a combination of dilated venous and lymphatic vessels. We describe an unusual case of hemangiolymphangioma of the tongue affecting an adult man who complained of an uncomfortable, slowly progressing exophytic irregular dark red-violaceous nodular mass on his tongue that impaired speech and swallowing for two weeks. The clinical differential diagnoses were Kaposi's sarcoma and a COVID-19-related lesion. A complete blood count and serology for HIV-1 and 2 and RT-PCR for COVID-19 were requested and results were negative. An incisional biopsy was performed. Microscopically, the lesion exhibited several dilated vessels lined by normal-appearing endothelial cells, some filled with prominent intravascular erythrocytes and others containing proteinaceous eosinophilic material resembling lymphatic vessels, in close association with hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, and acanthosis. From immunohistochemical analysis, most vessels were found to be CD34 positive, some highlighted by α-SMA, whereas D2-40 was focal. Positive staining for some lymphatic and blood vessel markers, i.e., D2-40 and CD34, respectively, indicates a mixed derivation of the lesion. HHV-8 was negative. Clinical features, the congested blood vessels with ectasia in intimate association with hyperplastic epithelium, and the immunohistochemical profile supported the final diagnosis of oral hemangiolymphangioma. The patient underwent minimally invasive surgical excision with no intercurrences. After 18 months of follow-up, there were no signs of relapse.

Verrucous Venous Malformation-Subcutaneous Variant

BACKGROUND

Verrucous venous malformation (VVM), previously called "verrucous hemangioma," typically involves the dermis and the subcutaneous fat. We have encountered patients with VVM confined to the hypodermis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During a nearly 20-year period, 13 patients, aged 2-17 years, presented with a subcutaneous mass in the limb without clinically obvious epidermal alterations. Consequently, operative excisions did not include the skin.

RESULTS

Histopathologically, the specimens were composed of blood-filled channels with morphologic characteristics of capillaries and veins that infiltrated adipose tissue. Aggregates often formed nodules with variable fibrosis and a component of large and radially oriented vessels. A diagnosis of VVM was supported by endothelial immunopositivity for GLUT-1 (25%-75% immunopositive channels in 16/16 specimens); D2-40 (1%-25% channels in 14/15 specimens); and Prox-1 (1%-50% of channels in 14/16 specimens). A MAP3K3 mutation was identified by droplet digital PCR in 3 of the 6 specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of VVM in this uncommon location is challenging because of absence of epidermal changes and lack of dermal involvement. Imaging is not pathognomonic, and mimickers are many. Appropriate immunohistochemical stains and molecular analysis contribute to the correct diagnosis.

Angiokeratomas, not everything is Fabry disease

INTRODUCTION

Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum are benign capillary malformations typically associated with Fabry disease and other lysosomal storage disorders. Only in a few cases they appear in healthy individuals.

METHODS AND CASE

We carried out an exhaustive review of the literature on angiokeratomas and their main clinical, dermoscopy and histological features. Additionally, we reviewed the cases of healthy subjects illustrating the limitations of each case and comparing these results with our case.

DISCUSSION

Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum is mostly related to Fabry disease and other lysosomal storage disorders. However, some cases may occur in apparently healthy individuals. Therefore, there is a increasing interest in its etiology, pathogenesis and clinical evaluation.

CONCLUSION

This is an academic-clinical review on angiokeratomas and their main implications in daily dermatological practice. Additionally, we report the first case in the literature of angiokeratoma corporis diffusum in a healthy patient with up-to-date laboratory methods currently available. The clinician should remember that not all angiokeratoma corporis diffusum occurs with lysosomal storage disorders.

Immunohistochemical Staining of Pediatric Solitary Angiokeratomas

The precise etiology and subtype of vessels constituting angiokeratomas is poorly understood. We sought to characterize the vessels by studying prospero-related homeobox gene-1 and D2-40 expression in 22 pediatric solitary angiokeratomas. Routine histologic examination demonstrated a mix of lymph-containing vessels and erythrocyte-filled small vessels. Our results suggest that angiokeratomas may in part be comprised of vessels with lymphatic differentiation.

Multiple giant angiokeratoma of Fordyce on the shaft of the penis masquerading as keratoacanthoma

The term 'angiokeratoma' includes a wide range of dermatological conditions of hyperkeratotic vascular disorders with a similar histologic combination of hyperkeratosis and superficial dermal vascular ectasia. Angiokeratomas can be classified into localized and systemic forms. Angiokeratoma of Fordyce (AKF) is a localized form of angiokeratoma, clinically characterized by 1- to 6-mm, black, blue, or dark red, dome-shaped papules located on the scrotum, shaft of penis, labia majora, clitoris, inner thigh, and lower abdomen. We describe herein a case of giant angiokeratoma of Fordyce on shaft of the penis in an elderly man, clinically masquerading as keratoacanthoma.