[Multinodular reticulohistiocytosis in the adult. Clinical picture, histology and electron microscopy].

Multiple nodular infiltrates of reticulohistiocytic cells may progressively develop in human adult skin showing intracellular lipid storage (neutral lipids, phospholipids, free cholesterin), without changes of the lipid levels in blood. These are obviously benign reactive lesions, which may spontaneously disappear. Concomitant skin or systemic diseases may occur. According to the individual data of each case several names are given to the skin lesions which seem to represent variants of the same entity. The cell infiltrate may predominantly consist of histiocytes, giant cells or lipid storing (foam) cells. Ultrastructural examination did not reveal specific types of lipids or specific types of intracellular storage; however, it seems necessary, in order to differentiate this entity from histiocytosis X: dermal Langerhans cells are lacking in this disease.