Cutaneous extravascular necrotizing granuloma (Winkelmann granuloma): confirmation of the association with systemic disease

Abstract

Background: An unusual palisading granuloma has been described in patients with immunoreactive diseases. Multiple names have been given to this lesion.

Objective: Our aim was to verify whether a distinct palisading granuloma can be used as a marker for systemic disease. We also propose unifying nomenclature.

Methods: Thirty-four biopsy specimens from 22 patients were selected for study on the basis of histologic criteria. The medical histories of these patients were subsequently reviewed for clinical information.

Results: At least 21 of the 22 patients with cutaneous extravascular necrotizing granuloma had evidence of an underlying immunoreactive systemic illness. In each, the systemic disease preceded or was diagnosed concurrently with the cutaneous lesions.

Conclusion: The cutaneous extravascular necrotizing granuloma has unique clinical and histologic features. In a great majority of cases, a systemic immunoreactive disease is present.