Multiple adult xanthogranuloma: case report and literature review.
BACKGROUND
Non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses form a heterogeneous group defined by the proliferation of cells with macrophage characteristics. Diagnosis is easy in typical cases but becomes more complex in unusual forms.


METHODS
We report the case of a 53-year-old patient who presented multiple brown-to-yellowish papules and nodules of the trunk, neck, and head evolving for 6 months. No visceral involvement was found. Histopathological examination revealed histiocytic proliferation with features of secondary xanthomization with the presence of giant foamy multinucleated Touton cells. One year later, all lesions cleared spontaneously. Based on the clinical presentation and evolution and on the immunohistologic data, we retain the diagnosis of adult xanthogranuloma (AXG) in a diffuse shape.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple AXG is a rare entity (15 cases reported since 1963) with a stereotypic presentation. It is important to recognize because of its good prognosis and the absence of visceral involvement therefore requiring no investigations or aggressive treatments. This case is interesting because of the complete and spontaneous healing of all the lesions within 20 months.
Saad
Nathalie
N
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital de l'Hôtel Dieu, Lyon, France.
Skowron
François
F
Dalle
Stéphane
S
Forestier
Jean-Yves
JY
Balme
Brigitte
B
Thomas
Luc
L
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / Q000032:analysis; D005176:Factor XIII / Q000032:analysis; D006099:Granuloma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006644:Histiocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014973:Xanthomatosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; D005176:Factor XIII; C067980:CD68 antigen, human; D000097382:CD68 Molecule