The relationship between deep vein thrombosis and erythema nodosum in male patients with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenesis of thrombosis in Behçet's Disease (BD) is unknown, however, multiple factors leading to the disease may include hypercoagulability, hypofibrinolysis and endothelial injury. We sought to evaluate the frequency of erythema nodosum-like lesions (ENLL) due to the presence of vasculitis in ENLL observed in BD in male patients with BD with and without deep vein thrombosis. To our knowledge this is the first study to investigate the association of ENLL between the groups with or without thrombosis in only male patients with BD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 92 patients, 41 of whom had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 51 had no thrombosis that met the international diagnosis criteria for BD. Vascular involvement was diagnosed based on clinical signs; radiological findings from Doppler, ultrasonography and/or angiography computed tomographic or magnetic resonance. ENLL were diagnosed by means of biopsy in suspected cases. RESULTS: Since both groups were age-matched, there were no statistically significant differences in regard to age (p > 0.05). Twenty-four patients (66%) of the DVT group, had ENLL, while18 patients (35%) of the group without DVT had ENLL. In male patients with vascular involvement, the frequency of ENLL was significantly higher than that of male patients without vascular involvement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The male Behçet's patients with ENLL compose high-risk patient group in terms of complications, such as DVT. We therefore recommend that male patients with ENLL be monitored more carefully for DVT.

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides associated with atopy in two children.

Mycosis fungoides is very rare in children. Hypopigmented lesions of this disease are usually observed in dark-skinned individuals and often show a T supressor CD8(+) phenotype. Two Caucasian children with predominantly hypopigmented lesions of mycosis fungoides are presented here. Atopy was a concomitant feature in both.

Efficacy of imiquimod in solitary plaques of mycosis fungoides.

Mycosis fungoides is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The extent and type of skin involvement (T classification) and presence of lymph node or visceral involvement are important predictors in selecting the type of treatment. Skin directed treatment represents the most appropriate therapy for early stage disease. Current topical treatment including potent topical steroids and nitrogen mustard are associated with adverse effects such as cutaneous atrophy and contact dermatitis. In the present study, we tested the efficacy of imiquimod in mycosis fungoides plaques.

Eruptive widespread Spitz nevi: can pregnancy be a stimulating factor?

Spitz nevus is most commonly a benign solitary lesion. Agminated or disseminated Spitz nevi represent an uncommon manifestation of this nevus. We report an unusual case of Spitz nevi arising and disseminating during pregnancy.

Pediculosis capitis in Istanbul.

BACKGROUND: Pediculosis capitis is a worldwide problem. We studied the prevalence of this infestation in Istanbul. METHODS: We reviewed the records of the Dermatology Clinic of Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty from a 20-year period (1970-1989). RESULTS: The number of cases of pediculosis capitis have gradually increased over this period, with a peak in 1981. Women are more involved than men. There has been a significant increase in cases in children of school and pre-school ages. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors may have contributed to this increase: poor hygiene and socioeconomic conditions, lack of medical training, and probably some resistance to pediculicide preparations in the lice. The stigma attached to the disease may prevent people from coming forward.