Poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans showing features of ashy dermatosis in the beginning.

Poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans (PVA) is a rare poikilodermatous variant of early-stage mycosis fungoides characterized by generalized poikiloderma, atrophy, mottled dyspigmentation, and telangiectasia. In 2001, a 14-year-old male presented with asymptomatic brownish-gray polymorphic macules throughout the body with flexural accentuation. A skin biopsy showed increased melanophages with focal hydropic changes. Ashy dermatosis was considered a possible diagnosis. In 2005, the lesions began to show darkening and lichenification in the lower part of the trunk. In 2011, his skin showed definite poikilodermatous changes, and a biopsy showed band-like inflammatory infiltrations of atypical lymphocytes, epidermal atrophy, and epidermotropism of predominantly CD4(-)CD8(+) atypical T cells. In addition, results of T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis were positive. Based on the aforementioned findings, he was diagnosed with PVA. If a patient shows long-standing and progressive hyperpigmentary skin changes, periodic follow-up and repeated skin biopsies are recommended to determine the underlying condition.

The Antimicrobial Activity of (-)-Epigallocatehin-3-Gallate and Green Tea Extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli Isolated from Skin Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Skin infections with Gram-negative bacteria are sometimes challenging to treat, because these bacteria show multidrug resistance against commonly used antibiotics and patients with Gram-negative bacterial infection overall have deteriorated in conditions in many cases. Studies have shown that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and green tea extracts (GTE) inhibit the growth of several Gram-positive bacteria species. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of EGCG and GTE in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and assess the use of these chemicals as an alternative or adjunct topical antimicrobial agent against P. aeruginosa and E. coli with multidrug resistance. METHODS: The MICs of EGCG, GTE, and other tested antibiotics were measured and compared to determine the antibacterial efficacy and the differences in pattern of resistance. RESULTS: The P. aeruginosa and E. coli strains used in this study showed multidrug resistance. EGCG inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa at a MIC level of 200~400 µg/ml. The MIC of GTE was a 1 : 16 dilution for P. aeruginosa. EGCG showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli at a MIC of 400 µg/ml. In the case of GTE, the MIC was a dilution between 1:8 and 1:4 for E. coli. CONCLUSION: EGCG and GTE showed potential as alternative or adjunct topical antimicrobial agents for infections that are resistant to traditional antibiotic therapy.

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type I--clinical, microscopic, and molecular features.

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS I) is an autosomal dominant malformation syndrome characterized by a triad of hair alteration, craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities. TRPS1 gene was first identified in 2000 and mapped on chromosome 8q23.3. A 39-year-old female patient with short stature (149 cm) visited for fine sparse and slow-growing hair with receded medio-occipital hairline of roughly triangular shape since infancy. A typical pear-shaped nose and elongated philtrum were noticeable. In addition, she reported deviation of middle phalanges, bilateral coxa varus in both hips and brachydactyly on bilateral fourth digits. Mutation analysis identified a transition of cytosine to thymine at position 1630 (exon 4), which results in amino acid change R544X and a premature stop of translation. There is no established treatment. But through careful evaluation of suspicious cases to identify potential mutation carriers, the patient can receive information about the disease and genetic counseling.