Eruptive cherry hemangiomatosis associated with multicentric Castleman disease: a case report and diagnostic clue.

BACKGROUND: Eruptive cherry hemangiomatosis, which involves the sudden onset of multiple small vascular proliferations, has been rarely reported as a heralding sign of multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) and other lymphoproliferative diseases. We report a case wherein the rapid appearance of cherry hemangiomata is the presenting sign of MCD. OBSERVATIONS: A 25-year-old man with a 10-year history of benign vascular growths developed 23 cutaneous vascular proliferations and systemic symptoms 5 days prior to presentation. Biopsy of the cutaneous lesions revealed a polypoidal proliferation of vessels consistent with cherry hemangiomata. Laboratory studies disclosed systemic abnormalities, and the findings of a subsequent lymph node biopsy confirmed MCD. Combination chemotherapy was initiated, and the cutaneous proliferations improved in association with the systemic disease.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a scarcity of literature describing the association between eruptive cherry hemangiomatosis and MCD. The likely underlying mechanism is hypersecretion of vascular endothelial growth factor secondary to an elevated interleukin 6 level. Failure to recognize this association may have led to diagnostic delays. The authors suggest careful evaluation and follow-up of all patients presenting with the sudden onset of cherry hemangiomata, particularly with systemic symptoms, lymphadenopathy, or other benign vascular endothelial growths, for the potential development of MCD and other lymphoproliferative diseases.