Diffuse plane xanthoma: clinicopathologic study of 8 cases

Abstract

Background: Diffuse plane xanthoma (DPX) usually has been described in association with a reticuloendothelial disease. However, the incidence of an underlying disease and its relation to clinical and histopathologic features have not been previously described.

Objective: We describe the clinicopathologic features of a series of patients with DPX.

Methods: Eight patients with DPX were diagnosed and studied between 1987 and 1996.

Results: Three of the 8 patients had a reticuloendothelial disease (benign monoclonal gammopathy in 2 and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia in 1). These 3 patients had larger cutaneous lesions and involvement of trunk and extremities. Histologic examination showed only foamy macrophages in 2 of the 8 patients. The remainder exhibited macrophages, foamy histiocytes, lymphocytes, and Touton cells.

Conclusion: The incidence of underlying disease associated with DPX seems to be lower than expected. However, patients with DPX should be observed for the potential occurrence of an associated condition.