Giant angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia on the chest

J Cutan Pathol. 2009 Apr;36(4):493-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2008.01066.x.

Abstract

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is a rare vascular proliferation characterized by single or multiple purplish, brownish papules and subcutaneous nodules, sometimes associated with pain or pruritus. This rare benign process occurs with a female predominance. Approximately 85% of the lesions occur in the skin of the head and neck; most of them are around the ear or on the forehead or scalp. Whether angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia represents a benign neoplasm or an unusual reaction to varied stimuli, including trauma, the etiology remains unclear. Histopathologically, the lesions consist of a proliferation of blood vessels of variable size lined by large epithelioid endothelial cells and a variable inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes and eosinophils, sometimes with lymphoid follicle formation. The lesion is benign but may be persistent and is difficult to eradicate. We report on a case of a 58-year-old Caucasian man who presented a purplish pink dome-shaped tumor of size up to 8 cm in diameter located on the chest. We emphasize this case considering the unusual dimensions of the lesion (8 cm diameter) and the atypical location on the chest.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia / pathology*
  • Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thorax / pathology*