title: Spectrum and clinical variants of giant cell elastolytic granuloma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Giant cell elastolytic granuloma, also known as annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma or actinic granuloma, is histologically characterized by elastophagocytosis. Recent studies have revealed various clinical presentations in both sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed areas.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To clarify clinical characteristics based on case series observation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed patients who fulfilled the pathological diagnosis criteria for giant cell elastolytic granuloma seen at Mackay Memorial Hospital from 2000 to 2014. Patient characteristics, clinical presentation, duration, associated diseases, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 22 patients were analyzed and categorized into three major variants. Eight patients with the "annular form" showed large annular lesions, which were usually associated with sun exposure. Six patients with the "papular form" presented with small papules. Eight patients in the "mixed form" group exhibited both papules and smaller annular plaques. The papular form had the youngest age of onset and shortest disease duration. The known consequences in 19 patients were resolved in seven, improved in three, recurred in four, and persisted in five patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The term "giant cell elastolytic granuloma" is more appropriate because these were not completely related to actinic changes and may be nonannular. The papular form is not easily recognizable without a biopsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wan-Ting
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.|Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.|Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Pa-Fan
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Hsiao
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.|Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yu-Hung
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5579-2197
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010587:Phagocytosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006633:Histamine Antagonists