Progressive nodular histiocytoma associated with thrombocytopenia with absent radii (TAR syndrome) and angiofibromas

Abstract

A 50-year-old woman was admitted due to a long-standing history of cutaneous lesions, which were gradually increasing in number and size, located on the trunk and extremities. Histological studies confirmed the initial clinical diagnosis of histiocytomas. Moreover, the patient had numerous smooth erythematous papules on her chin and around her nose, which were diagnosed histologically as angiofibromas. The patient had congenital phocomelia. Analytical and imaging studies revealed the presence of bilateral phocomelia due to absent radii and thrombocytopenia (TAR syndrome). Multiple histiocytomas in a normolipaemic patient bring up several differential diagnoses. Slow progressive evolution without spontaneous resolution and a scattered distribution on the trunk and extremities suggest the diagnosis of progressive nodular histiocytoma. To our knowledge progressive nodular histiocytoma has not been reported previously associated either with TAR syndrome or with angiofibromas. These entities are uncommon, thus their association may not be due to chance. © 2006 Acta Dermato-Venereologica.