Reactive angioendotheliomatosis associated with cyroglobulinemia in a marathon runner

Abstract

We report a case of a 65-year-old marathon runner who presented with painful plaques, which were worse in cold weather and progressed to ulceration. A punch biopsy revealed vascular endothelial hyperplasia and an appearance consistent with reactive angioendotheliomatosis (RAE), a rare, but benign disorder of the skin. Subsequent investigations resulted in the diagnosis of type I cryoglobulinemia; the lesions resolved completely following treatment of the underlying disorder with lenalidomide.

Reactive Angioendotheliomatosis in Association with Ulcerative Colitis

“…Lesions are primarily located on the limbs, but the face and trunk can also be affected [ 4 ]. Differential diagnosis may include mycosis fungoides, sarcoidosis, Kaposi's sarcoma, acroangiodermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, leucocytoclastic vasculitis, and dermatitis herpetiformis [ 5 ].…”

“…RAE is a benign cutaneous reactive angiomatosis that must be distinguished from the malignant intravascular large B cell lymphoma as they both can have a similar clinical presentation. Absence of cellular atypia and a lack of T- or B-cell on immunostaining are in a favor of RAE in this case [ 5 ].…”