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Review
. 2024 Apr 12;13(8):2240.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13082240.

A Misdiagnosed Familiar Brooke-Spiegler Syndrome: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Affiliations
Review

A Misdiagnosed Familiar Brooke-Spiegler Syndrome: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Tito Brambullo et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Aim of the report: Brooke-Spiegler syndrome (BSS) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by the growth of cylindromas, spiradenomas, trichoepitheliomas, or their combination. These neoplasms usually begin in the second decade and progressively increase in number and size over the years. Diagnosis necessitates consideration of family history, clinical examination, histological findings, and genetic analysis. The aim of this paper is to explore the clinical overlap between Brooke-Spiegler syndrome (BSS) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). We aim to highlight the challenges associated with their differential diagnosis and emphasize the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches. Case presentation: Hereby, we introduce the case of a 28-year-old male referred for suspicion of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who initially declined the recommended surgical excision for a scalp mass. After four years, he returned with larger masses of the scalp, and underwent excision of multiple masses, revealing cylindromas, spiradenomas, and spiradenocylindromas. Family history reported similar tumors in his father, who was also diagnosed with NF1 for the presence of multiple subcutaneous lesions on the scalp. Clinical overlap led to a genetic consultation, but testing for CYLD mutations yielded no significant variations. Despite this, the strong family history and consistent findings led to a revised diagnosis of Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, correcting the initial misdiagnosis of NF1 syndrome. Conclusions: Thanks to the evolving landscape of BSS research over the past two decades, its molecular underpinnings, clinical presentation, and histopathological features are now clearer. However, a thorough family history assessment is mandatory when BSS is suspected. It is our belief that a multidisciplinary approach and cooperation between specialists are essential when dealing with BSS. By sharing this case, we hope to underscore the importance of considering BSS as a differential diagnosis, especially in cases with atypical presentations or overlapping features with other syndromes like NF1.

Keywords: Brooke–Spiegler syndrome; adnexal neoplasm; cylindroma; eccrine cylindromatosis; neurofibromatosis type 1; spiradenocylindroma; spiradenoma; trichoepithelioma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The enlarging mass on the right temple and the other tumors.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A) Surgical planning; (B) ALT flap; (C) final result.
Figure 3
Figure 3
On microscopic examination, we note in Figures (AC), a spiradenoma, which consists of multiple dermal nodules (A) surrounded by a thick basement membrane and composed of basaloid cells with minimal mitotic activity. Basement membrane material was also detected inside the neoplastic nests in the form of round deposits (B). The stroma between the tumor aggregates showed edema and numerous dilated vessels (C). In Figure (D), the presence of cylindromatous areas characterized by a “jigsaw puzzle” arrangement of the neoplastic nodules prompts the diagnosis of cylindroma. (H&E stain; original magnification 1.25×, 10× and 20×).

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