Generalized eruptive histiocytoma with rapid progression and resolution following exanthema subitum

Generalized eruptive histiocytoma: case report

The case of generalized eruptive histiocytoma (GEH) in woman of 49 years old is reported. GEH is a rare disease relating to non-langerhans cell histiocytoses which are based on a benign reactive proliferation of histiocytes with immunophenotype inconsistent with Langerhans cells. As a result of treatment with methotrexate and betamethasone the improvement in skin condition was achieved.

Photoletter to the editor: Generalized eruptive histiocytoma

Generalized eruptive histiocytoma is a rare form of non Langerhan's cell histiocytosis. The disease occurs mainly in adults and its etiology is still unknown. We describe a case of 48-year-old female with multiple, firm, hemispherical, redish brown papules. Lesions were distributed on the face, upper limbs and trunk. Patient's general examination and routine laboratory investigations were normal. Excisional biopsy was taken from one representative lesion. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse dermal histiocytic infiltration that was suggestive of generalized eruptive histiocytoma. Confirmatory immunohistochemical staining for CD68 antibody was done and revealed positive results. Based on clinical and histopathological criteria the diagnosis of generalized eruptive histiocytoma was established.In conclusion, we present a rare case of generalized eruptive histiocytoma which is an uncommon form of non Langerhan's cell histiocytosis. The disease does not require treatment since it is a self-healing disease.

Generalized Eruptive Histiocytoma Treated with Isotretinoin

Background:

Generalized eruptive histiocytoma (GEH) is a rare, benign non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis characterized by widespread and symmetric skin-colored to blue-red papules on the trunk and proximal extremities affecting mainly adults. GEH is associated with a self-limiting course lasting from 1 month to over 12 years, and the lesions typically resolve spontaneously; therefore, reports of potential therapies for GEH are lacking.

Objective:

We report for the first time the use of isotretinoin in the treatment of GEH. An otherwise healthy 53-year-old female with a 3-month history of GEH had resolution of lesions without further development of new lesions over 8 months of treatment with isotretinoin, although, eventually, lesions began to recur.

Conclusion:

Although there has been success with isotretinoin in the management of Rosai-Dorfman disease and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, further investigation is needed to delineate the exact mechanism of action and future role of isotretinoin in the management of GEH.

Spontaneous regression of generalized eruptive histiocytosis: Possible involvement of apoptosis?

Generalized eruptive histiocytosis (GEH) is a rare generalized non-X histiocytosis, first described in 1963 by Winklemann and Muller. Since then more than 20 patients with GEH, mainly adults but also a few children, have been reported. We report a case of GEH in a middle-aged woman with spontaneous regression, in which the ultrastructural findings of apoptosis were observed.

Successful treatment of generalized eruptive histiocytoma with PUVA

Generalized eruptive histiocytoma (GEH) is a rare benign skin disease mainly affecting adults which belongs to the family of non-Langerhans-cell histiocytoses. A 32-year-old Caucasian woman developed disseminated, monomorphic papules of the trunk after a common cold with sinusitis. Mucous membranes, palms and soles were spared. She also suffered from arthralgia without fever or night sweats. After one month, the patient noticed progression of the reddish papules involving the trunk, extremities and face. Clinical as well as histological examination and immunohistochemistry led to the diagnosis of GEH. The clinical examination and laboratory testing were normal, except for eosinophilia in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. No neoplastic diseases were found during thorough examinations. Systemic PUVA therapy produced rapid regression of the skin lesions. After 10 treatments the lesions began to regress leaving slight papules and multiple brown hyperpigmentations. The lesions resolved completely after 20 PUVA treatments. No relapses occurred. Systemic PUVA therapy represents a promising option for the treatment of GEH.