Clustered juvenile xanthogranuloma

Juvenile xanthogranulomas: Examining single, multiple, and extracutaneous presentations

BACKGROUND

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis characterized by yellowish papules in the skin. JXGs most often occur in infancy or early childhood and are typically solitary and asymptomatic, often regressing after several years. While JXGs predominantly occur on the skin, extracutaneous JXGs also exist.

AIMS

In this paper, we review the literature on single, multiple, and visceral JXGs and provide recommendations on monitoring and work-up.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A literature review was conducted with the PubMed database using selective search terms for single, multiple, ocular, and visceral lesions as well as NF1/JMML.

RESULTS / DISCUSSION

JXG is typically a self-limited disorder if lesions are cutaneous and singular. While rare, JXGs may manifest as multiple and extracutaneous lesions. Further screening and referral to specialists may be warranted in these cases based on age and extent of involvement.

CONCLUSION

Our review demonstrates common presentations of single, multiple, and extracutaneous lesions in addition to those that occur with NF1 and JMML. We suggest patients be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a dermatologist and referred to specialists as appropriate.

Congenital-type juvenile xanthogranuloma: A case series and literature review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas are infrequently described in the medical literature. We report three previously unpublished cases and systematically review the literature to better characterize this variant.

METHODS

We surveyed English-language articles indexed in MEDLINE (1951-March 2017) and EMBASE (1974-March 2017) for cases of congenital-onset juvenile xanthogranulomas confirmed on histopathology. Cases were divided into two categories: cutaneous only or cutaneous with systemic involvement.

RESULTS

We identified 31 cases of congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas involving only the skin and 16 cases with systemic involvement. Congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas involving only the skin were large (> 3 cm), presented with various clinical morphologies, and showed signs of regression by 1 year of age. Atypical clinical presentations included exophytic tumors, infiltrative plaques, agminated plaques, and subcutaneous tumors. Complications included ulceration and anetodermic scarring. Infants with congenital cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas who also had systemic involvement typically had multiple cutaneous tumors and hepatic involvement and showed signs of spontaneous regression independent of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The medical literature supports that congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas behave in a fashion similar to that of juvenile xanthogranulomas of infancy or childhood. Congenital cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas with or without systemic involvement spontaneously regress. The varied clinical presentations in the skin may lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate examination, and unnecessary treatments. Infants with multiple congenital cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas should be evaluated for systemic involvement, with a particular focus on the liver, because 72.2% of these children were found to have hepatic juvenile xanthogranulomas.