Tufted angioma (angioblastoma): case report and review of 41 cases in the Japanese literature

Abstract

We report a 53-year-old man with a 2-year history of a violaceous indurated plaque on the shoulder. Although angiosarcoma was clinically suspected, histological examination revealed numerous lobules ('tufts') with cleft-like vascular lumina throughout the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Tumour cells had no nuclear atypia and were positive for CD34, but almost negative for factor VIII-related antigen. These findings were compatible with a diagnosis of tufted angioma, or angioblastoma. We reviewed 41 cases reported in Japan and found that, although most patients presented during the first year of life (23/41), the condition does occur throughout childhood and adult life. Both sexes are affected equally and, contrary to some reports, it is unlikely that oestrogens have a pathogenic role.

Eruptive tufted angiomas in a patient with Crohn's disease

“…Factor VIII related antigen expression is weak or absent. 16 Surgical excision or cryosurgery is the most successful treatment for this condition, but may fail because of the involvement of clinically normal skin. Other methods used with variable results include pulse dye laser, interferon a, corticosteroids, and radiotherapy.…”

Progressive Macular Hemangioma: A New Entity?

“…Tufted angioma, which has a similar histology with proliferating capillaries, could be a possible diagnosis [4, 5, 6]. However, several unusual features like absence of nodules or plaques even with the passage of so many years and the asymptomatic nature of the lesion made us think of an alternative diagnosis for the lesion in our patient.…”

“…The lesions often present in early infancy or childhood and affect the neck, upper trunk and shoulders in the form of macules, erythematous, indurated, annular nodules to plaques [3]. Macules with overlying papules and hypertrichosis have also been described [4, 5, 6]. The lesions may show central regression [7].…”

“…They may be tender, and complications such as ulceration, bleeding or Kasabach-Merrit syndrome may be seen though malignant transformation has not been reported. It has to be differentiated from infantile hemangioma, other cutaneous capillary malformations and microvenular hemangioma [4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. …”

Adult-Onset Tufted Angiomas Associated With an Arteriovenous Malformation in a Renal Transplant Recipient

“…5 TA most frequently presents in infancy and early childhood, with over half of the patients affected within the first 5 years of life and 80% by the age of 10 years. 3,11 Onset in adulthood is rare; a review of the literature of adult-onset TA by Lee et al 12 documented 16 patients. Our review of the English literature revealed 9 additional patients who developed TA in adulthood.…”