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Indeterminate cell histiocytosis successfully treated with narrowband UVB
Nicholas Logemann1, Brian Thomas, Tatyana Yetto
1Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Insights
A man experienced a sudden outbreak of reddish-brown papules. Indeterminate cell histiocytosis was diagnosed, and narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy proved effective.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Histiocytosis
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Histiocytosis encompasses a group of rare disorders characterized by an abnormal proliferation of histiocytes or related cells.
- Indeterminate cell histiocytosis (ICH) is a rare form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with overlapping clinical and histological features with other histiocytic disorders.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male presented with a sudden eruption of over 100 reddish-brown papules.
- Skin lesions were histologically characterized by a dense dermal proliferation of large mononuclear cells.
Findings:
- Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry confirmed findings consistent with indeterminate cell histiocytosis.
- The patient showed a positive clinical response to narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights narrowband UVB therapy as a potential treatment modality for indeterminate cell histiocytosis.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for ICH is warranted.
Abstract:
We present a 47-year-old man with a sudden eruption of more than 100 reddish-brown papules, which histologically exhibited a dense dermal proliferation of large mononuclear cells with vesicular nuclei and abundant pale cytoplasm. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry revealed findings consistent with indeterminate cell histiocytosis and the patient responded well to treatment with narrowband UVB therapy.
