Subcutaneous granuloma annulare in childhood: clinicopathologic features in 34 cases

To gather clinicopathologic data on subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA), a subtype of granuloma annulare that occurs exclusively in children and is histologically similar to rheumatoid nodules.

Retrospective record review.

Children <10 years old in whom SGA, deep granuloma annulare, or necrobiotic granuloma was diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) from 1983 to 1998.

Thirty-four patients (21 girls and 13 boys; average age at diagnosis: 4.6 years) were found to have SGA. The lesions predominantly occurred in the lower extremity, especially in a pretibial location. Local recurrence within 1 month to 7 years was documented in 38.2%; recurrence at other locations was documented in 14.7%. Average follow-up was 60 months; during follow-up, no patients developed signs or symptoms of rheumatologic disease. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 2 patients, 1 before the development of SGA and 1 after it by 1 month.

SGA is a lesion that presents as subcutaneous nodules on the lower extremities, hands, or scalp in young children. Recurrence is common but usually does not warrant additional biopsy.