Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. A generalized lymphoproliferative disorder with cutaneous manifestations

Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AIBL) is a recently described, systemic disorder characterized by an excessive proliferation of transformed lymphocytes, possibly the result of chronic antigenic stimulation, frequently by drugs. Cutaneous involvement, usually in the form of a pruritic, generalized, maculopapular rash, occurs in about 40% of cases. We saw a patient with AIBL who had an unusual, primarily plaque- and nodular-type of skin involvement and who had been receiving drugs not previously reported as being associated with this disorder. Because cutaneous involvement is a frequent, presenting complaint, dermatologists should be able to recognize this unusual, clinicopathologic entity.