Cutaneous epithelioid angiomatous nodule: a report of a series including a case with moderate cytologic atypia and immunosuppression

Background Cutaneous epithelioid angiomatous nodule (CEAN) is a very rare and relatively recently recognized vascular proliferation characterized usually by minimal cytological atypia and accompanying mitotic activity. As such, CEAN represents an important diagnostic pitfall, which could lead to significant misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Methods The clinicopathologic findings of 5 cases of CEAN were reviewed including a unique case with typical findings but also moderate cytologic atypia and brisk mitotic activity in a patient on immunosuppression. Results The cases were in 3 women and 2 men ranging in age from 18 to 61 years with lesions in the neck (2 cases), upper arm, back and shoulder. In 4 of the cases, the patients did not have any relevant potentially contributory clinical history, and in 1 case the patient was on immunosuppressive treatment. All 5 cases were superficially located within the dermis, well-circumscribed and similarly composed of epithelioid cells displaying minimal (in 4 cases) and moderate (1 case) atypia. The mitotic count ranged from 1 to 3 per 10 high power fields (HPF) in 4 cases and up to 9 per 10 HPF in the immunosuppressed patient. Atypical mitoses were not encountered in any of the cases. Two lesions that were incompletely excised recurred, but none of the patients showed distant metastases. Conclusion While cytologically alarming, CEAN has a characteristic microscopic appearance and if completely excised follows an indolent course.