Targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma
Targetoid Hemosiderotic Hemangioma (THH), also known as Hobnail Hemangioma, is a benign vascular lesion of the skin. It is a rare condition, often misdiagnosed due to its clinical and histological similarities with other skin conditions.
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
THH typically presents as a solitary, red to purple papule or nodule. It is often characterized by a central dark area surrounded by a pale ring, giving it a "targetoid" appearance. The lesions are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the limbs. Patients may report a history of rapid growth followed by stability.
Histopathology[edit | edit source]
Histologically, THH is characterized by a biphasic pattern with dilated, thin-walled vessels in the superficial dermis and smaller, thick-walled vessels in the deeper dermis. The vessels are lined by endothelial cells with a characteristic "hobnail" appearance. There is often a significant amount of hemosiderin deposition, which gives the lesion its characteristic color.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of THH is primarily based on histopathological examination. Due to its clinical resemblance to other conditions such as Kaposi's sarcoma, melanoma, and pyogenic granuloma, a biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of THH is usually not necessary as the lesions are benign and often self-resolving. However, if the lesion is causing discomfort or cosmetic concern, it can be removed by surgical excision or laser therapy.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
THH is a rare condition with no known predilection for age, sex, or race. It has been reported in patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD