Patch granuloma annulare: Clinicopathologic study of 6 patients

Background: Granuloma annulare is a common skin disorder that usually prese nts with smooth papules arranged as annular plaques, Variants, such as diss eminated, subcutaneous, and perforating granuloma annulare, have been descr ibed. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical and histol ogic features of a distinct patch form:of granuloma annulare. Methods: The clinical and histologic features of 6 patients with patch gran uloma annulare were evaluated. Results: Six women 27 to 72 years of age had patches on die extremities. Tw o patients also had a lesion on the trunk. Only one patient had annular pat ches. Histologic examination showed an interstitial infiltrate of lymphocyt es and histiocytes with diffuse necrobiosis. Conclusion: Patch granuloma annulare is a distinct variant with rather subt le clinical and histologic features. A high index of suspicion both clinica lly and histologically aids in making the diagnosis.