Benign cephalic histiocytosis: case report and literature review

Pediatr Dermatol. 1994 Jun;11(2):164-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.1994.tb00573.x.

Abstract

A 3-year-old boy had maculopapules on his face and neck since age 6 months. These were yellow-brown, asymptomatic, and clinically similar to flat warts. Histopathologic study revealed a fibrohistiocytic infiltrate in the superficial dermis. Ultrastructurally, comma-shaped bodies, desmosome-like junctions, and coated vesicles were seen; there were no lipid droplets or Birbeck granules. With these data, a diagnosis of benign cephalic histiocytosis was made. Twenty-five cases are reported in the literature: 17 males and 8 females (male:female ratio 2:1). Sixteen patients had lesions on parts of the body other than the head, neck, and shoulders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Head
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin / ultrastructure
  • Skin Diseases / pathology*