Acquired perforating dermatosis with associated complicated cellulitis and amputation in a hemodialysis patient.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous manifestations related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common and associated with high morbidity. Acquired perforating dermatosis (APD) occurs mostly in diabetic or CKD patients, namely those undergoing hemodialysis. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old male with type 2 diabetes, with long-term insulin use, several microvascular and macrovascular complications, and on maintenance hemodialysis for 5 years presented with a 1-week history of painful, pruritic, umbilicated papules and some punctiform necrotic lesions on his left forearm, both hands, and both amputation stumps. There was no evidence of infection or vascular alterations, and the patient was not responsive to an initial course of topical corticosteroid. These lesions rapidly evolved to larger, coalescent necrotic injuries, with aggravated pain, intense left-hand skin peeling, and the appearance of similar lesions in the trunk, requiring hospital admission. Calciphylaxis and APD were suspected. Skin biopsy was performed and directed treatment initiated, including intradialytic sodium thiosulfate. Histology findings were compatible with APD and also excluded findings suggestive of vasculitis or calciphylaxis. Soon after, difficult-to-treat cellulitis of the left hand and forearm progressed to critical ischemia and amputation. Microbiology analysis revealed Serratia marcescens as the causative agent. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, there are no previously described cases of APD-related cellulitis. Its treatment can be particularly challenging, as lesions can persist and relapse, and chronic scars can develop. S. marcescens behaves as an opportunistic and difficult-to-treat pathogen, complicating the prognosis. CONCLUSION: APD can be associated with cellulitis and all of its complications in patients with underlying severe vasculopathy. Awareness of this complication in APD with early referral and aggressive treatment might improve the outcomes and quality of life of such patients.

Heterogeneous lupus-specific lesions and treatment outcome, in a single patient, over a period of time.

The report highlights the importance of strict clinico-histological correlations when skin biopsies are performed in diagnostic doubt in systemic lupus erythematosus. Furthermore, PUVA is never indicated in autoimmune conditions involving photosensitivity, due to high potential for internal and cutaneous aggravation of the disease, as the authors observed in this case.

Extensive and ulcerated malignant proliferating trichilemmal (pilar) tumour, arising from multiple, large, degenerated trichilemmal (pilar) cysts.

We report a rare case of a 61-year-old homeless man with a 15-year history of multiple trichilemmal cysts that served as a forerunner for the emergence of a malignant proliferating pilar tumour. The patient presented multiple, large, purulent, ulcerated lesions ranging from 10 to 150 mm in diameter, covering most of the scalp, with large areas superimposed by extensive myiasis infestation. The patient presented with no other major clinical findings. A CT scan showed no detectable signs of local or distant metastatic invasion. Initial supportive treatment was implemented. Given the extent of the injury, further surgical excision was considered, which required transfer to a specialised surgical centre. This social case is of educational value, as it can raise clinician awareness about the ability of trichilemmal cysts to undergo malignant transformation. Additionally, it highlights the importance of adequate social assistance structures for patients in need.