Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis in a hepatitis C-infected individual.

Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis is a rare manifestation of this fungal infection, typically identified in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS. Here, we report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis with gastrointestinal involvement in a Hepatitis C-infected patient. The fungal agent was confirmed to be Histoplasma capsulatum by a DNA probe assay performed on a bone marrow sample. We propose that this fungal disease should be kept on the differential of patients infected with the Hepatitis C virus, as it has been reported to have numerous damaging effects on the adaptive immune system.

Granuloma annulare mimicking multicentric reticulohistiocytosis.

We describe a patient with granuloma annulare (GA) who presented with firm periungual papules mimicking "coral beads", a characteristic sign of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH). We highlight the importance of distinguishing between GA and MRH because the prognoses differ significantly.

Eccrine hidrocystomas presenting as multiple papules on the cheeks.

Hidrocystomas are common, benign adnexal neoplasms most frequently found on the eyelids, canthi, or periocular areas. Herein, we report a case of multiple hidrocystomas distributed over less common facial areas: cheeks and cutaneous lips.

Metachromatic leukodystrophy and its effects on the gallbladder: a case report.

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of arylsulfatase A enzyme. This deficiency leads to accumulation of sulfatides in the central nervous system and other organs, such as the gallbladder. Here the authors discuss a 9-year-old Middle Eastern patient with late-infantile-type MLD who presented with symptoms of cholecystitis. Radiographic studies revealed an enlarged gallbladder with a thickened wall and a pericholecystic fluid collection with peripheral calcifications. Gross examination of the gallbladder showed multiple small to medium-sized papillary projections involving the entire mucosal surface. Sections through the gallbladder wall revealed multilocular dilated mucin-producing cystic spaces. Microscopically, the mucosa showed numerous papillary projections with complex folds lined by mucin-producing cuboidal to tall columnar cells. The cystic spaces were composed of numerous markedly distended Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses filled with mucin. Ultrastructurally, the epithelial cells and macrophages showed frequent secondary lysosomes containing closely packed lamellar amorphous to prismatic material with alternating leaflets and tubules, imparting a "herringbone" or "tuffstone" pattern. This case illustrates the features of gallbladder involvement in MLD and the potential role of ultrastructural examination in diagnosis of MLD.

Steroid hormone signaling between Schwann cells and neurons regulates the rate of myelin synthesis.

Fluorescence digital imaging microscopy was used to develop a method that allows the continuous monitoring and quantitative measurement of a single myelin internode throughout its development. Using this technique, steroid hormones such as progesterone and dexamethasone were shown to reduce the time required for the initiation and to regulate the rate of myelin synthesis. Progesterone was capable of increasing the rate of myelin synthesis in Schwann cell/neuronal co-cultures in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR and in situ hydridization studies revealed that the mRNAs for P450scc and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzymes involved in progesterone biosynthesis, were induced at the onset of myelin synthesis. The progesterone receptor protein translocated into the nucleus of the neurons during myelin synthesis, suggesting that progesterone could also be affecting neuronal gene expression. Changes in gene expression caused by progesterone are being examined to identify additional factors that may control myelin formation.