Multiple giant molluscum contagiosum in a renal transplant recipient

Abstract

Atypical presentations of molluscum contagiosum (MC) infection can be expected in renal transplant recipients, as a result of long-term immunosuppression. However, giant MC has rarely been reported in this population. We present a 28-year-old female renal transplant recipient receiving immunosuppressive therapy who developed multiple giant MC lesions on her axillary folds. The lesions were treated successfully with curettage and electrocauterization.

Clinical Characteristics of Molluscum Contagiosum in Children in a Private Dermatology Practice in the Greater Paris Area, France: A Prospective Study in 661 Patients

“…Giant MC (diameter >5 mm in our series) is a clinical variant of MC which has been reported to occur rarely [12], with most of the reported cases described in patients with HIV infection [9,13] or in patients with other immunodeficiencies [14]. In contradiction to these results, we found that 13% of the children had at least 1 giant MC and were most often older, which shows that this particular type of MC is not rare and should not be a reason for alarm.…”

Histopathological features of molluscum contagiosum other than molluscum bodies

“…MC occurring in immunocompromised individuals, older patients and patients with lesions on the head and neck may be more difficult to diagnose clinically . Atypical MC lesions may clinically mimic other neoplastic and inflammatory disorders, including basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, adnexal tumours, Darier's disease, cutaneous cryptococcosis, cutaneous histoplasmosis, eruptive vellus hair cysts, acne vulgaris, histoid leprosy, and xanthomas …”

Solitary giant molluscum contagiosum presenting as lid tumor in an immunocompetent child

“…In conditions with altered immunity such as atopic dermatitis,[2] corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy,[3] sarcoidosis, leukemias, Wiskott Aldrich syndrome and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS),[45] atypical lesions of MC may occur, often reaching a large size more than 1 cm 2 and then it is called giant MC. Although there are many case reports of giant MC in immunocompetent individuals elsewhere on body, Medline search revealed the only one case report of giant MC involving the eyelid in an immunocompetent patient.…”