Cutaneous manifestations and histologic findings in the hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome. International Hyper IgD Study Group.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN

The hyperimmunoglobulinemia D (hyper-IgD) syndrome is characterized by recurrent febrile attacks with abdominal distress, headache, and arthralgias. Physical examination reveals cervical lymphadenopathy in most cases and, sometimes, splenomegaly. Skin lesions have been observed in isolated cases during attacks. We summarize the features of skin lesions and the histopathologic findings in biopsy specimens in the hyper-IgD syndrome.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients with the hyper-IgD syndrome were studied. Thirty-five (79%) of them, 19 males and 16 females, had skin lesions during febrile attacks. Erythematous macules were the most common cutaneous manifestation (15 cases), followed by erythematous papules (12 cases); urticarial lesions (nine cases) and erythematous nodules (seven cases). Skin biopsy specimens of 10 patients with the hyper-IgD syndrome were available for review. The findings varied considerably. Most biopsy specimens showed mild features of vasculitis. Nonspecific findings were noted in five biopsy specimens; Sweet-like features in two, cellulitis-like findings in one, and deep vasculitis characteristics in one.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin lesions are common in the hyper-IgD syndrome suggesting that they are a true manifestation of the disease.