Multiple perifollicular fibromas: report of a case and analysis of the literature

Abstract

Perifollicular fibroma is a cutaneous hamartomatous proliferation of the pilar connective tissue sheath. We describe a patient with multiple perifollicular fibromas and analyze the literature on this topic. Histologically, perifollicular fibroma is characterized by a concentric arrangement of collagen fibers surrounding a generally unaltered hair follicle. Clinically, it is usually multiple and occurs predominantly on the face and upper trunk. This clinical presentation is similar to that observed in patients with the Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome where, in addition to perifollicular fibromas, fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordons are found. Several reports of multiple perifollicular fibroma prior to the recognition of this syndrome may, in fact, represent cases of the Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.