[CO2 laser therapy of verrucous epidermal nevus]. / Laser CO2 continu dans le traitement des hamartomes épidermiques verruqueux.

INTRODUCTION: Verrucous epidermal nevus are benign epidermal hyperplasias. Their treatments are disappointing because of recurrences and anaesthetic scars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of continuous carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of verrucous epidermal nevus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a retrospective study concerning all patients treated for epidermal verrucous nevus by carbon dioxide laser from 1991 to 2003. Several criteria were evaluated by the patients, a dermatologist and a staff (external observers). Aesthetic result, recurrences, pain due to treatment and global result were evaluated by the patients when they came back. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (12 F and 9 M), medium age 20.4, were evaluated with a 40.4 months follow-up (7 to 165 months). The epidermal verrucous nevus was situated on the neck or on the head for 62% of them (n = 13). Among these 21 patients, 86% (n = 19) estimated their skin as "cured" or "nearly normal" or "much improved". The rate was the same for the dermatologist. As for the staff, thanks to photos, only 53% of results were satisfying. The recurrences were never complete, but moderate in 38% of patients. Five patients, medium age 12,5, had hypertrophic scars. Among them, three were only partially hypertrophic. DISCUSSION: A literature review has been made. Our satisfaction rates (nearly 90%) were slightly higher than other studies rates using carbon dioxide laser (74%) or other types of lasers (87%). The medium follow-up was longer than the one of other laser CO2 studies (26.7 months) or other lasers studies' (15.8 months). This study shows that continuous wave carbon dioxide laser is an easy and effective treatment of verrucous epidermal nevus. Aesthetic results are satisfying but moderate recurrences often occur. To prevent hypertrophic scars, we suggest to exclude teenagers.

[Fluvastatin-induced dermatomyositis]. / Dermatomyosite induite par la fluvastatine.

BACKGROUND: Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory dermatosis for which an iatrogenic origin has been described in very few cases. We report a case of dermatomyositis occurring after fluvastatin intake. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old male patient sought medical attention for a photodistributed rash and considerable muscular weakness present for one month. Two months earlier, fluvastatin had been introduced following the discovery of dyslipidemia. Serum creatine phosphokinase levels were elevated. Histological examination of a muscle biopsy was consistent with a diagnosis of dermatomyositis. Investigation for neoplasia and associated autoimmune disease proved negative. All clinical and laboratory abnormalities diminished spontaneously without recourse to corticosteroids within one month of the final intake of fluvastatin. After a follow-up period of three years, no recurrence was observed and no signs of neoplasia or connectivitis were found. DISCUSSION: Iatrogenic dermatomyositis has only been reported in rare cases. Certain drugs have been incriminated, notably D-penicillamine. Six cases of drug-induced dermatomyositis have been described with statins: simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin and lovastatin. Of these cases, only one resolved spontaneously after withdrawal of the drug alone without use of corticosteroids. Our case concerns intake of fluvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor with rare though well-known muscular side effects: elevated serum CPK, myalgia and rhabdomyolysis. Six cases of polymyositis have also been reported. Ours is the first case of dermatomyositis described with this category of statins. It is also the second reported case showing improvement after withdrawal of the lipid-lowering agent and without corticosteroids. Thus in cases of dermatomyositis, this iatrogenic picture should be sought routinely.

[Disseminated histoplasmosis: an atypical ulcerous form in an HIV-infected patient]. / Histoplasmose disséminée: forme ulcéreuse atypique chez un malade infecté par le VIH.

INTRODUCTION: Histoplasma capsulatum var capsulatum is a dimorphic fungi predominating on the American continent. It is responsible for disseminated histoplasmosis associated with AIDS. The presentation in the form of cutaneous ulceration is uncommon and misleading. OBSERVATION: A 25 year-old man presented with 3 ulcerations, of 2 to 4 cm in diameter, localized on the lower lip and knees. The patient exhibited fever, alteration in his general status of health and a pulmonary interstitial syndrome. He was seropositive for the human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV). His lymphocyte CD4+ level was of 1/mm3. Diagnosis of histoplasmosis was established by direct examination and culture of the cutaneous ulcerations and bronchoalveolar washing fluid. DISCUSSION: The clinical aspect of cutaneous localizations of disseminated histoplasmosis is usually multiple, disseminated, papular or nodular-type lesions. Ulcerations represent less than 20% of the cases described. In our patient, the aspect of the lesions at first evoked cutaneous leishmaniosis. Direct mycological examination followed by culture confirmed the final diagnosis.