Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia: a study of 7 cases.

INTRODUCTION

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a benign vasoproliferative disease of undetermined origin. It is characterized by the presence of nodular pseudo-tumors corresponding microscopically to a vascular proliferation within an inflammatory infiltrate made up of lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils. The authors describe 7 cases of ALHE.

METHODS

The 7 cases were diagnosed over a period of 19 years (1990-2008). Clinical data and histological slides were brought from the departments of dermatology and pathology of the Rabta Hospital.

RESULTS

The 7 patients were 4 women and 3 men with an average age of 34.5 years. The cephalic localization was the most frequent. Lesions were solitary or multiple and formed papules or plaques of variable color. The diagnosis was based in all cases on histological findings.

DISCUSSION

The main disease in the differential diagnosis of ALHE is Kimura disease, but the 2 entities have several clinical and histological differences. The pathogenesis remains unclear and there is no consensus on the best treatment.