Cutaneous granulomatous lesions in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia

Ataxia-telangiectasia is a genetic syndrome with progressive cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasias and other skin manifestations, variable immune system defects, chronic progressive sinopulmonary disease, and a high incidence of cancer. Cutaneous granulomas developed and persisted in eight patients with ataxia-telangiectasia, despite treatment with intravenously administered immune globulin, topical antibiotic therapy, and potent topical corticosteroid therapy. We were unable to identify an infectious agent; the granulomas may develop in an attempt to localize antigen in the presence of a dysfunctional immune system.