[Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (lipoid dermato-arthritis). Apropos of a case with fatal outcome].

The authors report the case of a 37-year-old man affected by a seronegative polyarthritis associated at first with erythroderma and then with cutaneous and subcutaneous papulo-nodular structures and a xanthomatous eryption. Histological examination of the cutaneous nodules and of the synovial membrane confirmed the diagnosis of multicentred reticulohistiocytosis by showing the presence of lipid infiltrates in the histiocyte cells and of multinucleate giant cells. A study of the ultrastructure of the histiocytes revealed the presence of numerous intracytoplasmic vacuoles. In spite of antimalaria treatment, with cortisone and then with immuno-depressants, the outcome was fatal with a picture of acute reticulosis and neurological disorders. In discussing this case, the authors also make a general review of the subject.