A Case of Hodgkin Lymphoma as a Secondary Cause of Cutis Verticis Gyrata

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare condition characterized by deep skin folds over scalp. The secondary CVG can occur due to conditions including malignancies such as leukemia. However, there are limited reports on lymphoma as a secondary etiology for CVG, to date.

A 41-year-old man patient came to our dermatology clinic complaining of generalized pruritus, deep skin folds on scalp, and weight loss from 3 years ago, as well as chronic cough from one year ago. On examination, he had left axillary and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Since mediastinal lymphadenopathy was reported on his lung high-resolution computed tomography, a lymph node biopsy was done, and a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma was made. Chemotherapy was commenced for the patient, and after two sessions, his pruritus and cough vastly improved. Additionally, at a follow-up session 3 years after admission, his CVG improved.

This case report is one of limited available reports about lymphoma as a secondary cause of CVG. Timely diagnosis of secondary causes of CVG, including hematological malignancies, could be of critical importance. In addition, in this case, treatment of the underlying cause of CVG resulted in an improvement in CVG itself.