Granuloma multiforme
| Granuloma multiforme | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Mkar disease and Granuloma multiforme (Leiker)[1] |
| Specialty | Dermatology  |
Granuloma multiforme is a cutaneous condition most commonly seen in central
skin lesions that are on the upper trunk and arms in sun-exposed areas.[2]: 707 It may be confused with tuberculoid leprosy, with which it has clinical similarities. The condition was first noted by Gosset in the 1940s, but it was not until 1964 that Leiker coined the term to describe "a disease resembling leprosy" in his study in Nigeria.[3]
Signs and symptoms
The upper trunk and arms are the main areas affected. The clinical picture differs greatly. Typically, the first lesions are
macules and extend with central healing over months or years. It irritates and is itchy, particularly when new lesions are developing. The lesions differ from leprosy in that they do not exhibit nerve enlargement, local sensation impairment, or impaired sweating. Also, the lesions never become ulcerated. The illness is a cause of cosmetic disfigurement, but it does not affect the patient's overall health.[4]
Causes
Granuloma multiforme is primarily thought to be caused by cumulative photodamage to the dermal collagen, with the lesions in this condition almost exclusively occurring in sun-exposed areas.[3]
Diagnosis
The best way to understand the histologic features is to look at a
Verhoeff-Van Gieson's. A zone of transition with granulomatous infiltration is visible on the elevated border. Both a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate and elastic tissue phagocytosis are seen within the giant cells.[5]
Other conditions that should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of granuloma multiforme include
reticular dermis.[6]
Treatment
Although topical steroids have been tried, there is currently no effective treatment for granuloma multiforme.[5]
See also
- Skin lesion
- Granuloma annulare
References
Further reading
- Poudyal, Yogesh; Shah, Anita (2019). "Granuloma Multiforme: A Rare Granulomatous Disease". Case Reports in Dermatological Medicine. 2019: 1–3. PMID 31687221.
- Sharma, Yugal K; Ankadavar, Nandini S; Malik, Garima; Patel, Ruchir J (2016). "A Rare Report of Granuloma Multiforme". Indian Journal of Dermatology. 61 (1): 124. PMID 26951760.