Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (Riga-Fede's disease and traumatic eosinophilic granuloma)

A review of the English literature revealed ten lesions classified as Riga-Fede's disease and nineteen lesions classified as traumatic eosinophilic granuloma. These two entities have the same histologic features and are often associated with a history of trauma. These are benign, reactive, nonosseous lesions that occur either in infancy or later in life. It is suggested that they be considered as one entity. To delineate them from more aggressive lesions, such as the eosinophilic granuloma of histiocytosis X, the author suggests the term traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia. Forty-one previously unreported cases are described. Histologic examination revealed the presence of mast cells in addition to eosinophils. A pathogenesis for traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia, based on the hypothesis that mast cells release an eosinophilic chemotactic factor and that eosinophils may act as cytotoxic agents, is suggested.