Intravascular fasciitis in the foot

Abstract

Intravascular fasciitis is a rare benign condition characterized by reactive fibroblastic proliferation arising from the superficial or deep fascia and involving arteries and/or veins. Intravascular fasciitis is a distinct variant of a more common condition called nodular or pseudosarcomatous fasciitis, which possesses clinical and histologic features similar but lacks vascular invasion. The fibroblastic violation of the vascular network suggests a malignant component and often leads to an inappropriate diagnosis for this benign condition. A thorough review of the literature revealed less than 25 reported cases of intravascular fasciitis, with this publication being the only case involving the foot or ankle. A case of intravascular fasciitis affecting the plantar aspect of the foot in a pediatric patient is presented and its clinical and histologic features are discussed.