[Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia. Histologic study and successful therapy with the argon laser]

We report a case of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (AHE) with regional lymphadenopathy. The multiple papules were composed of both a lymphoid infiltrate of predominant T-cell type with eosinophils and anomalous vascular proliferation lined by "histiocytoid" endothelial cells, which were in close association with a ruined artery at the subcutaneous level in the largest nodule. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed factor-VIII-related antigen to be concentrated within the Weibel-Palade bodies of the endothelial cells. Their cytoplasmic filaments consisted of vimentin. In the pericytes large amounts of actin were demonstrable. Since AHE has a benign progressive course and only local recurrence is noted, the lesions were treated with argon laser. Subsequently, lymphadenopathy resolved spontaneously and the blood parameters normalized. There is no evidence of recurrence 1 year after treatment.