Systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma: a case report and brief review

Multiple Red-brown Papules and Plaques on the Trunk and Extremities: A Quiz

Abstract is missing (Quiz)

Juvenile xanthogranuloma: retrospective analysis of 44 pediatric cases (single tertiary care center experience)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rarely encountered skin disorder, which is characterized by the proliferation of non-Langerhans cell histiocytes. As JXG primarily affects infants and young children, this study aims to describe the epidemiologic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics of 44 children diagnosed with JXG at a tertiary health care center.

METHODS

Fourty-four children with a histopathologic diagnosis of JXG between January 2003 and January 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data related to epidemiologic, clinical, and histopathologic features were extracted from hospital records.

RESULTS

The mean age of the affected patients was 4.6 years old (range: 0-17 years old) at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-five patients (56.8%) were male, and 19 patients were female (43.2%). Thirty-six children (81.8%) had solitary JXG, one of which was a giant congenital JXG; eight children (18.2%) had eruptive JXG. The heterozygote mutation associated with neurofibromatosis 1 gene was detected in one patient who had both eruptive JXG and numerous café-au-lait spots. Another patient with eruptive JXG was identified to have hypercholesterolemia. None of the children with eruptive JXG developed symptoms or signs of extracutaneous involvement during their clinical follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Since JXG is rarely encountered, there may be a tendency toward over-treatment, given concerns for extracutaneous involvement. However, our review revealed no instances of extracutaneous involvement.

Juvenile Xanthogranuloma: An Entity With a Wide Clinical Spectrum

Juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXGs) are rare, benign lesions that belong to the large group of non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses. JXG presents with 1 or more erythematous or yellowish nodules that are usually located on the head or neck. Most JXG lesions are congenital or appear during the first year of life. Extracutaneous involvement is rare, but the literature traditionally suggests investigating the possibility of ocular compromise. JXG is mainly a clinical diagnosis, but a skin biopsy may sometimes be needed for confirmation. JXGs on the skin are self-limiting and usually do not require treatment. This review describes the clinical and therapeutic aspects of JXG, emphasizing available evidence and the diagnosis of extracutaneous involvement.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma as a new type of skin lesions in tuberous sclerosis complex

OBJECTIVE

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease with many manifestations, and it involves any organ. In this study, we report a TSC patient with new type skin lesions.

METHODS

A 7-month-old TSC boy with multiple cutaneous nodules was admitted in our hospital. We collected the clinical data of the patient. We performed biopsy of cutaneous nodules and whole-exome sequencing in both paraffin block tissue and blood samples.

RESULTS

The patient presented with a 2 month history of gradual growth multiple cutaneous nodules. He had cardiac rhabdomyoma, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) and hypomelanotic macules. The pathological finding of cutaneous nodules was consistent with juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG). After 3 months of sirolimus treatment, the multiple nodules disappeared. The whole-exome sequencing identified TSC1 (c.2356C > T, p.R786*) mutation in both paraffin block tissue and blood samples. We overturned the original pathological diagnosis and finally identified JXG as a new type of skin lesions in TSC.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the occurrence of JXG skin lesions in TSC patient. Genetic testing is necessary in JXG. These findings expand the phenotype of skin in patients with TSC and contribute to the elucidation of JXG pathogenesis and treatment.