Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia in the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Twenty-four cases of Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia (IPEH) have been studied. IPEH comprises approximately 2% of benign and malignant vascular tumours of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This peculiar tumour-like process lacks specific clinical characteristics and its diagnosis must be based on microscopic examination. Histologically is is characterised by a papillary proliferation of endothelial cells forming vascular channels, commonly associated with thrombus and in some cases simulating angiosarcoma.--Follow-up of 10 cases indicates a benign clinical course.