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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Dual-mode Imaging of Cutaneous Tissue Oxygenation and Vascular Function
Published on: December 8, 2010
Cutaneous hemophagocytosis: Clinicopathologic features of 21 cases
Francesca Boggio1, Viviana Lora2, Carlo Cota2
1Research Unit Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; School of Pathology, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Hemophagocytosis is well known in cytotoxic cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs), in which it may represent a sign of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome (HLHS), and is also typical of cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease (cRDD) (without prognostic relevance). Only rarely, has cutaneous hemophagocytosis (CH) been described in other skin conditions.
Objective:
To characterize the clinicopathologic features of CH in skin biopsy specimens from patients with conditions other than CTCL or cRDD.
Methods:
Case series analyzing clinicopathologic features and follow-up data on patients presenting with histopathologic signs of CH.
Results:
Biopsy specimens from 21 patients were included. None of the patients had HLHS. The majority (n = 11) presented with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Other associated diseases were lupus erythematous (n = 2), arthropod bite reaction (n = 2), erysipelas (n = 1), acne conglobata (n = 1), and Sweet syndrome (n = 1). Three patients had a nonspecific rash concomitant with Chlamydia pneumonia, middle ear infection, and pharyngitis, respectively.
Limitations:
This was a single-center, retrospective study.
Conclusion:
Isolated CH in conditions other than CTCL and cRDD is a histopathologic finding related mostly to leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Extensive investigations should be performed only if patients have other signs or symptoms of HLHS.
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