Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma: Case report and literature review

Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma is a rare, vascular, fibrohistiocytic proliferation that has a benign but progressive course. The clinical presentation is that of grouped red-purple papules and nodules characteristically located on the lower extremities in women. The histopathology shows a proliferation of narrow vessels within thickened collagen bundles associated with multinucleate giant cells. These lesions are probably reactive in nature, and several mechanisms of pathogenesis, including hormonal, have been proposed. Different modalities, including intense pulsed light and pulsed-dye laser, have been used for treatment of these lesions. We report a case of a 74-year-old Caucasian woman with long-standing multinucleate angiohistiocytoma on her bilateral thighs that eluded diagnosis for several years. Upon biopsy and histopathological analysis, the diagnosis was made. Treatment options were entertained, although ultimately not pursued by the patient. We report this case to increase clinical awareness of this rare disease and to contribute to the ongoing literature aimed to further characterize this condition.