Korean J Dermatol.  2022 Jan;60(1):25-34.

Associated Comorbidities of Patients with Multiple Dermatofibromas: A Single-Center Retrospective Study and a Review of the Literature

• Yook HJ
• Kim YH
• Han JH
• Bang CH
• Lee JH
• Park YM
• Lee JY

Abstract

Background
Dermatofibromas (DF) are fibrohistiocytic tumors of unknown etiology, and multiple DF (MDF) are relatively rare. MDF have been reported in the setting of autoimmune diseases, human immunodeficiency virus infection, or comorbidities treated with immunosuppressive drugs.
Objective
The present study investigated whether underlying conditions with impaired immune function are associated with MDF.
Methods
A total of 338 patients with DF was enrolled. We divided patients into two groups as MDF and solitary DF (SDF) groups. We retrospectively reviewed patient medical records and classified all patients by underlying diseases. Statistical significance of SDF and MDF for each conditions was analyzed.
Results
The demographics and comorbidities were compared between MDF group (n=82) and SDF group (n=256). Among underlying conditions, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (odds ratio, 10.397; 95% confidence interval, 2.743∼39.404; p＜0.001) was significantly associated with MDF over SDF. Vitiligo and post status of kidney transplant were related more highly to MDF (p=0.014; p=0.014, respectively) than to SDF. Presence of overall comorbidities, autoimmune diseases, and immunosuppressive drug use were associated with DF number (p＜0.001; p＜0.001; p＜0.001, respectively).
Conclusion
We propose an association between MDF and comorbidities, especially SLE and immunosuppressant use. MDF lesions seem to be impacted by compromised immune function. This is of significance since it is essential to search for associated conditions in patients presenting with MDF in dermatologic clinical settings.

Keyword

Autoimmune diseases; Dermatofibroma; Immunosuppressive agents; Systemic lupus erythematosus