Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis Associated with an Early Form of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report of a Rare Disease, with Mini Review of the Literature

Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis Presenting As Acute Pericarditis With Moderate-Sized Pericardial Effusion: A Case Report and Review of Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis Treatment

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare, class IIb non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis associated with skin and joint involvement. It is more prevalent (80%) in Caucasian females in their fifth to sixth decade of life. Patients usually demonstrate symptoms and signs of symmetric polyarthritis and papulonodular cutaneous lesions. In addition to skin and joints, multiple organs can be involved, such as the lung (pleural effusion, interstitial fibrosis, hilar lymphadenopathy), heart (pericardial effusion, myocarditis), gastrointestinal system, and urogenital system (genital tract and kidney). Pericardial involvement is a rare manifestation, and around three cases have been reported in the literature so far. Our case report is a valuable contribution to the literature, which aids clinicians in contemplating MRH as one of the differentials among patients presenting with pericardial effusion. We described the characteristics of MRH along with its differentiating features from other autoimmune conditions and management.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH)/systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) overlap syndrome is an uncommon disease in the clinic and is diagnosed through characteristic clinical manifestations, histopathology, and immunopathology. Here, we report the case of a 30-year-old woman with SLE who developed MRH.

CASE SUMMARY

A 30-year-old woman with a history of polyarthritis for the past 12 years had multiple skin nodules on her body for 10 years, including the sacrococcygeal area, dorsum of the hands, interphalangeal joint of the feet and sternoclavicular joint. The histopathology of a biopsy of the distal interphalangeal joint of the hands revealed granulomatous inflammation, fibrous hyperplasia with ground-glass degeneration, inflammatory cell exudation and focal necrosis. The immunohistochemical stains showed positive staining for CD68 and negative staining for S100 and acid-fast staining. The patient was diagnosed with SLE with MRH. Her symptoms were improved after a combined treatment of prednisone, hydroxychloroquine and cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSION

MRH/SLE overlap syndrome is difficult to diagnose and treat. Cyclophosphamide may be an alternative choice for the treatment of MRH.