Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to E F Harpster.
Granuloma annulare is a benign dermatosis with multiple clinical presentations and a common histologic picture, which is characterized by areas of degenerated collagen surrounded by palisading histiocytes. A case of granuloma annulare that presented as progressive, asymptomatic, symmetric truncal bands is described. The varied clinical presentations and possible pathogenetic mechanisms of granuloma annulare are reviewed.
Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) is a form of mastocytosis. It is an uncommon condition, particularly in children. The disorder is characterized by telangiectatic macules and generally has a good prognosis, with little tendency to urticate or cause constitutional symptoms. We report a girl who presented at age 2 with a 6-month history of erythematous macules on her arms and legs. The lesions were larger and possessed a more angular configuration than classic telangiectases. They slowly spread to her torso and face; there were no associated constitutional symptoms. Histopathologic examination showed dilated capillaries and increased numbers of mast cells, consistent with TMEP. Mastocytosis should be considered in patients presenting with telangiectatic lesions that are atypical in appearance, distribution, or onset.