Facial Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman Disease Mimicking Sporotrichosis: A Case Report (2026)

Facial Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman Disease Mimicking Sporotrichosis: A Case Study

This case report highlights a rare and complex scenario involving a 64-year-old patient with facial Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman Disease (CRDD) initially misdiagnosed as sporotrichosis. The patient presented with a solitary erythematous nodule on the right cheek, which gradually enlarged and ulcerated, resembling sporotrichosis. However, upon closer examination, the histopathological findings revealed the characteristic features of CRDD, including emperipolesis and histiocyte infiltration. This case underscores the importance of careful differential diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment.

Key Points:
- CRDD is a rare form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with highly variable cutaneous manifestations.
- The etiology and pathogenesis of CRDD are still unclear, making diagnostic errors and missed diagnoses common.
- This case highlights the importance of considering CRDD in patients with facial nodules, even if initially suspected as sporotrichosis.
- Histopathological examination, including emperipolesis detection, and immunohistochemical analysis are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Treatment should be individualized, and surgical excision is often effective for managing CRDD lesions.

Controversial Aspect:
The initial misdiagnosis as sporotrichosis raises questions about the accuracy of clinical assessments and the potential impact of superficial fungal culture limitations. The patient's refusal of repeated deep tissue sampling further complicates the diagnostic process, emphasizing the need for standardized diagnostic workflows to minimize misdiagnosis.

Further Discussion:
- The rarity and variability of CRDD make it challenging to establish definitive diagnostic criteria.
- The case highlights the importance of considering CRDD in patients with facial nodules, even if initially suspected as sporotrichosis.
- Emphasizing the role of histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis in confirming the diagnosis.
- The need for individualized treatment approaches based on clinical presentation and the lack of standardized guidelines.
- The potential impact of patient refusal on diagnostic accuracy and the importance of patient cooperation in obtaining necessary samples.

Facial Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman Disease Mimicking Sporotrichosis: A Case Report (2026)
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