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.
Kwinter
Jennifer
J
Division of Dermatology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON. jennifer.kwinter@utoronto.ca
DeKoven
Joel
J
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