RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pruritus in children is a frequent reason for consultation, most often related to a common dermatosis. Where dermatological investigation fails to reveal a dermatological cause, a general cause may be suspected. We report three cases of pruritus revealing Hodgkin's lymphoma in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case 1: a 14-year-old girl presented pruritus with diffuse scratching lesions present for 6 months, associated with right cervical lymph nodes occurring after the onset of pruritus. Tomodensitometry revealed involvement of the supra- and sub-diaphragmatic lymph nodes as well as pulmonary involvement. Lymph node biopsy confirmed nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma. Case 2: a 14-year-old boy was hospitalized for suspected psychogenic pruritus. He presented intense itching, predominantly in the lower extremities and at night, occurring over the previous 6 months as well as night sweats. Examination showed that the patient had lost 5kg in 1 month and had a low-grade fever of 38°C; he presented linear striated scratching lesions on both legs. Cervical and inguinal lymphadenopathy was seen. The chest scan also revealed supra-diaphragmatic adenomegalies. The biopsy confirmed Hodgkin's lymphoma. DISCUSSION: Systemic causes of pruritus in children are poorly described in the literature. In these two cases, pruritus allowed a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma to be made, emphasizing the important role of dermatologists in the early diagnosis of haematological malignancy.
