Angiolymphoid hyperplasia demonstrating extensive skin and mucosal lesions controlled with vinblastine therapy

Abstract

Since Kimura's original description of an unusual subcutaneous disorder with distinctive histologic features of vascular and lymphoid proliferation, numerous descriptions of diseases with similar features have been reported. A variety of descriptive labels, including Kimura's disease, angiolymphoid hyperplasia (ALH) with eosinophilia, atypical pyogenic granuloma, papular angioplasia, and histiocytoid hemangioma, have been applied to these diseases. Although this information has broadened our understanding of the clinical and pathologic spectrum of ALH, the etiology and/or pathogenesis remains unknown. Our case report illustrates the wide range of clinical features of ALH, demonstrating extensive lesions on skin and mucosa. The extreme histologic variability with regard to eosinophils, lymphoid infiltrates, and vascular alterations is also illustrated. Dramatic response to vinblastine sulfate treatment has not been previously reported and may provide a viable treatment alternative in selected patients.