The Daily Papule

J Cutan PatholCase report

BRAFV600E-Mutant Non-Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Clonally Related to Remitted Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Shimshak S, Jiang L, Sokumbi O

Journal of Cutaneous PathologyIn the feed 11 Aug 2026, published online 11 Aug 2026, issue 2026 Aug 11, added to PubMed 11 Aug 2026

Topics: DermatopathologySkin biologyImmunosuppressed & transplantTopical treatments

Abstract

We report a case of a 71-year-old female with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), treated with chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), who developed a clonally related non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (NLCH). She presented with pink papules on the mid-upper cutaneous lip and thighs 3 months following HSCT. Skin biopsies revealed a dermal proliferation of cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies demonstrated positivity for CD68, CD163, BRAF, cyclin D1, and Factor XIIIa and negativity for CD1a, S100, MPO, and CD20. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a comprehensive myeloid panel revealed corresponding pathogenic mutations to her AML, including BCOR Q176fs*40, IDH1 R132C, and TP53 Y163N, and an additional BRAF V600E mutation. Additional mutations in DNMT3A and KMT2A associated with her AML were not identified. These findings supported the diagnosis of NLCH sharing a clonal origin with the patient's AML. Work up demonstrated isolated cutaneous involvement without AML relapse; therefore, the skin lesions were treated with shave excision, topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, and topical clobetasol 0.05% cream without further systemic treatment. The acquired BRAF V600E mutation illustrates the potential for divergent myeloid differentiation and likely explains the emergence of a clonal NLCH after successful AML treatment. Genetic analysis in NLCH can establish clonality with associated hematologic malignancies, uncover actionable mutations, and guide treatment.

Abstract from PubMed

PMID 42578793 · DOI 10.1111/cup.70192