Testosterone metabolism in basal cell epitheliomas.

In basal cell epitheliomas the testosterone metabolism pattern differs from that of the normal surrounding skin. There is a significant reduction in 5 alpha-reductase activity with a consequent decrease in production of dihydrotestosterone and androstanediols. By contrast the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity shows no consistent change.

Falsely elevated urinary level of vanillylmandelic acid induced by griseofulvin.

A 6-year-old girl with mild hepatitis was found to have an elevated urinary level of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), but no cause for the elevation was found. The patient was receiving griseofulvin for treatment of tinea capitis, and this drug was suspected of causing a falsely elevated urinary VMA level. Four other patients receiving griseofulvin were also found to have elevated urinary VMA levels. In one patient, urinary VMA level determined by an alternate method was normal.

[Splash rash dermatitis. A case]. / Follicolite da idromassagio ("splash rash dermatitis"). Un caso.

The Authors report a case of a folliculitis developed in a woman who used a spa with hydrojet circulation. This dermatitis is due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can colonizes the closed-cycle water systems.