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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Division of Dermatology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON. jennifer.kwinter@utoronto.ca
Jennifer
J
Kwinter
Joel
J
DeKoven
D001706:Biopsy; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006644:Histiocytes / Q000473:pathology; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin