Spontaneous keloids: A literature review

Abstract

Background: Keloids are benign fibroproliferative tumors that extend beyond the original wound. Spontaneous keloids are those that result without a significant history of trauma. There are multiple reported cases in the literature. Objective: This article provides a summary and review of the cases that have been reported with spontaneous keloids and organizes them according to their associated medical conditions. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE that included all English published cases and case series from May 1955 to February 2018. Results: Spontaneous keloids have been reported mainly in association with syndromes such as Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Dubowitz syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Goeminne syndrome, Bethlem myopathy, conjunctivocorneal dystrophy, X-linked recessive polyfibromatosis and a novel X-linked syndrome with flamin A mutation. Furthermore, spontaneous keloids were reported in atopic patients and a couple of patients who are medically healthy. Conclusion: Spontaneous keloids are diagnosed clinically based on the patient's history, and it is challenging to confirm since they might be triggered by minimal injury or inflammation especially if it is a single lesion. Reported syndromes indicate a genetic possibility in the pathogenesis of spontaneous keloids.