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Aneurysmal (angiomatoid) fibrous histiocytoma of the skin: an unusual variant of dermatofibroma

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Abstract

We present a rare case of aneurysmal (angiomatoid) fibrous histiocytoma (AAFH) of the skin on the back of a 40-year-old Japanese man. Histologically, the tumor was characterized by massive proliferation of fibroblastic and histiocytic cells, prominent aggregation of hemosiderin pigment, and the presence of blood-filled tissue spaces devoid of an endothelial lining within a capillaryrich stroma. Immunohistochemically the tumor cells were immunoreactive for vimentin and for Factor XIIIa or Mac387. Ultrastructural study revealed that the tumor was composed mainly of fibroblast-like cells intermingled with histiocyte-like cells and intermediate cells with combined features of the two types of cells. These findings support the fibrohistiocytic origin of aneurysmal (angiomatoid) fibrous histiocytoma. In addition, ultrastructural examination seems quite useful to differentiate from other cutaneous neoplasms with architectural and cytological similarities to this tumor.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Deparment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitant, 930-01, Toyama, Japan

    Masahiko Toyoda & Masaaki Morohashi

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  1. Masahiko Toyoda
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  2. Masaaki Morohashi
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Correspondence to Masahiko Toyoda.

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Toyoda, M., Morohashi, M. Aneurysmal (angiomatoid) fibrous histiocytoma of the skin: an unusual variant of dermatofibroma. Med Electron Microsc 30, 163–169 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01545318

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01545318

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