title: Multiple cutaneous fibrous histiocytomas in association with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Cutaneous fibrous histiocytomas are usually regarded as superficial lesions and commonly known as dermatofibromas; however, unusual cases histologically showing fibrohistiocytic proliferation extending into the deeper dermis or subcutaneous tissues are occasionally experienced. Some authors propose this type as benign fibrous histiocytoma of the skin, distinct from dermatofibroma. We describe herein a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed multiple nodules on the face, trunk and extremities. The nodule on the forehead did not present a typical clinical appearance of dermatofibroma, and histopathological examination showed fibrohistiocytic proliferation with a storiform pattern extending into the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissues. By contrast, histology of the nodule on the abdomen showed fibrohistiocytic proliferation confined to the dermis and compatible with dermatofibroma. Although multiple dermatofibromas are occasionally seen in patients with SLE, benign fibrous histiocytoma of the skin showing deeper invasion than dermatofibroma is rarely associated with SLE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Medicine, Yushima, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshiyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sumi
authors.forename: Hiroo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yokozeki
authors.forename: Kiyoshi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nishioka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005546:Forehead; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology