Enterocolic granulomatous phlebitis associated with epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 deposition and focal amyloid properties: A case report

Abstract

A woman in her 60s with rheumatoid arthritis was admitted with fever and abdominal pain. Laparoscopic examination with the differential diagnosis of peritoneal neoplasm and infection revealed granulomatous phlebitis in the resected greater omentum. Amorphous eosinophilic deposits observed in the resected tissue exhibited focal, weak positivity for Congo red but were strongly positive for thioflavin S, confirming their focal amyloid properties. Marked degeneration of elastic fibers was also evident. Electron microscopy revealed deposits around the affected elastic fibers. Immunohistochemistry revealed the deposition of epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) along with T-cell-predominant lymphocytic inflammation. The definitive diagnosis was granulomatous enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis (ELP) associated with EFEMP1 deposition exhibiting focal amyloid properties (EFEMP1/AEFEMP1), supported by proteomics analysis. This type of vasculitis is similar to amyloid-β-related angiitis of the central nervous system. Thus, we speculate that granulomatous ELP also results from an immune response that recognizes EFEMP1/AEFEMP1 deposits as foreign material and attempts to remove them. Confirmation of EFEMP1/AEFEMP1 deposition with Congo red staining is challenging, particularly in the presence of inflammation, and warrants comprehensive evaluation.

Keywords: Congo red staining; amyloidosis; enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis; epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein; granulomatous phlebitis.