Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: contrasting presentations in 2 Hispanic patients

Abstract

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MR) is a rare debilitating disease that involves the skin and joints. It most commonly affects white individuals but has been reported in other ethnic groups including black individuals, Native Americans, and Asians. The Hispanic population is largely underrepresented in the epidemiology of MR. We describe 2 Hispanic patients with contrasting presentations of MR. Prompt recognition of MR is essential to expedite treatment and prevent potentially disabling sequelae of undiagnosed disease; however, diagnosis can be challenging due to the wide range of clinical presentations of MR as well as variable laboratory findings, especially in patients with skin of color. Our case reports underscore this phenomenon and demonstrate the importance of considering MR in all ethnic groups, including Hispanic patients.