Colonic Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia With Eosinophilia Masquerading as Malignancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (AHE) of the colon is a rare entity. Since 1997, to our knowledge only 2 similar cases have been documented in the literature. Here, we report a third case that presented as a transverse colonic mass mimicking cancer both clinically and radiologically. Microscopically classic morphologic criteria of this entity were observed, which consisted of both a vascular proliferation and an inflammatory component rich in eosinophils without any malignant features. Whether AHE is a reactive process or a neoplastic process (either a benign vascular neoplasm or a T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder) is still under debate. However, it is important to recognize this entity as a cause of colonic mass to avoid a misdiagnosis of malignancy.