ANGIOLYMPHOID HYPERPLASIA WITH EOSINOPHILIA – A RARE ENTITY

Background and Objective: Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare, benign, vasoproliferative entity of unknown etiology. It is said to be more frequent in Asians and Caucasians with a predilection to involve the head and neck area. These cases are reported here, with the objective, to share our experience with others. The diagnosis was made by routine histopathological procedures. Methods: Three cases of ALHE were recently diagnosed. Case 1 was a 60-year-old male with multiple nodules in the periauricula area. He was a teacher by profession. Case 2 was a 29-year- old male with recurrent swelling in the left temporal area. He worked in a pesticide factory. Case 3 was a 77-year-0ld male with a slow growing swelling on left cheek for 15 years. He was a farmer in his active years. Results: Microscopic examination of all the cases revealed lesions comprised of vascular and inflammatory components. The vascular channels were lined by plump and prominent endothelial cells. The inflammatory cells included lymphocytes, plasma cells, hemosiderin eaden macrophages and numerous eosinophils. Conclusion: ALHE is said to be more frequent in Asians and Caucasians. Awareness of the entity can help prevent the diagnosis being missed. Correct diagnosis would prompt appropriate therapy, which is vital keeping in view the multifocal and recurrent nature of the disease.