Generalized eruptive histiocytoma evolving into xanthoma disseminatum in a 4-year-old boy

Abstract

Summary We report a 4‐year‐old boy who developed a generalized and symmetrical eruption of brownish papules over a period of 8 months, with spontaneous regression of some lesions. Clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural studies were suggestive of the diagnosis of generalized eruptive histiocytoma (GEH). The clinical features subsequently changed to a generalized eruption of confluent, yellowish papules, and diabetes insipidus developed. The clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural features of the new lesions were those of xanthoma disseminatum with cerebral involvement. This evolution suggests that GEH and xanthoma disseminatum may be variants of a continuous spectrum of histiocytic diseases.

Generalized eruptive histiocytosis mimicking leprosy

“…[4] In fact, Jang et al [18] proposed that GEH be divided into the following two subsets: an indifferent stage of other histiocytic disorders and a specific condition without subsequent disorder. [18] Hence, a frequent follow-up of patients is to be done to look for any change in lesions or systemic involvement and if present, it necessitates a repeat biopsy from newer lesion and systemic review.…”

“…[1] GEH is a rare cutaneous histiocytosis that mainly affects adults, [1][2][3] although children with these disorders have been reported. [4][5][6] Ever since Winkelmann and Muller described cases of GEH in three patients in 1963, many cases have been reported. [7] Clinically, GEH presents with multiple asymptomatic skin colored, brownish or blue-red symmetric papules on face, trunk, and proximal extremities which tend to come in crops.…”

Generalized eruptive histiocytoma

“…8 The absence of multinucleated, Touton giant and foamy cells histopathologically excludes GEH from the non-LCH disorders. 1 Histopathologically, GEH closely mimcs benign cephalic histiocytosis. However, the localization of the latter eruption to the head and neck and the appearance of the disease only in children seem to be distinctive features of benign cephalic histiocytosis.…”

“…The very rare cases of GEH evolving into one of the other non-LCH may serve to confirm such a concept. 1 GEH does not require treatment since it is a self-healing disease. …”

Generalized eruptive histiocytoma

“…[1] It is a papular, non-lipidic, self-healing histiocytosis affecting mainly adults. [2] The first adult case was described by Winkelmann and Muller in 1963.…”