Perifollicular fibromatosis cutis with polyps of the colon—a cutaneo-intestinal syndrome sui generis

Otto P. Hornstein, Monika Knickenberg

In the present study, a peculiar fibromatosis cutis in two siblings has been reported the dermatosis being characterized by innumerable perifollicular fibromas on face, neck and trunk as well as multiple fibromata pendulantia. Since the father allegedly had skin lesions resembling those of his two affected children, an inherited condition is assumed for the disease manifesting itself rather late in age. In the female patient, several adenomatous colon polyps one being transformed into carcinoma were found. Since the association of distinct epithelial and mesenchymal tumours of the skin and the cranial bones with multiple colon polyps is typical for Gardner's syndrome, we have discussed in detail the possiblity of an unknown variant of it. On the other hand, most features of Gardner's syndrome (cutaneous and subcutaneous epidermoid cysts, desmoid tumours, generalized osteomas, a marked multitude of colon polyps, early manifestation of skin and bone changes) were absent in both cases whereas, to our knowledge, in Gardner's syndrome perifollicular fibromas have never been seen. Since perifollicular fibromas are organoid tumours of the mesenchymal hair sheath being clearly defined both clinically and histologically, they must not be confused with the equally well characterized cutaneous tumours of Gardner's syndrome. We are prone to assume that the (irregular?) ASSOCAITION OF MULTIPLE PERIFOLLICULAR FIBROMAS AND COLON POLYPS Represents a distinct nosological entity neither identical with Gardner's syndrome nor with any other known dermo-intestinal syndrome. Thus, perifollicular fibromatosis should alert the dermatologist to consider periodic thorough examination for intestinal polyps the more as they may change into malignant growth.