Intradermal Proliferative Fasciitis Occurring With Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis
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Published on: March 25, 2016
Ashley Elsensohn1, Sasha Getty, Jessica Shiu
1Division of Dermatology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA.
Abstract:
Nodular fasciitis is a benign myofibroblastic tumor. Its uncommon variant, proliferative fasciitis (PF), can present in an even less common intradermal form. We report a case of intradermal PF of the ear in a 45-year-old man who presented with recurrent episodes of pain and swelling of the lesion. Histologic examination showed a dermal, nodular proliferation of ganglion-like basophilic fibroblasts with prominent nuclei and nucleoli, admixed with foamy histiocytes and areas of spindle cells arranged in intersecting fascicles in a fibromyxoid background. Lesional cells stained positive for smooth muscle actin and were negative for AE1/AE3, p63, and Melan-A. CD68 highlighted intervening histiocytes. We postulate that the underlying chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis was a triggering etiology, consistent with the current speculation that intradermal PF results from trauma.
Insights
Intradermal proliferative fasciitis (PF) is a rare skin tumor. This case highlights its occurrence on the ear, suggesting trauma may trigger this benign myofibroblastic proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nodular fasciitis is a benign myofibroblastic tumor.
- Proliferative fasciitis (PF) is an uncommon variant.
- Intradermal PF is an even rarer presentation.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old man presented with recurrent painful, swollen ear lesions.
- Histology revealed a dermal proliferation of ganglion-like fibroblasts and histiocytes.
- Lesional cells expressed smooth muscle actin but lacked markers for other tumors.
Findings:
- The case represents an intradermal proliferative fasciitis of the ear.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the myofibroblastic nature of the tumor.
- The patient's presentation suggests a possible link to chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of proliferative fasciitis.
- It supports the hypothesis that intradermal PF may arise secondary to trauma.
- Understanding the etiology is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of this benign neoplasm.
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