Primary Cutaneous Actinomycosis Mimicking Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection commonly seen in the tropics, caused by gram-positive, anaerobic bacilli of the genus Actinomyces. There are very few reported cases of primary cutaneous actinomycosis. It can mimic mycetoma, tuberculosis, nocardiosis, and botryomycosis. A high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis in the absence of sinuses. Even with repeated attempts, cultures are mostly negative; and hence, histology reveals the diagnosis in most cases. Here, we report an unusual case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis in a 21-year-old female patient, following a road traffic accident (RTA). A positive Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon and special stains demonstrated the ray fungus and helped us reach the diagnosis. The patient was started on oral penicillin G and showed good response.

Therapeutic implications of dermoscopic findings in acanthosis nigricans: A clinical and histopathological study.

Acanthosis nigricans is associated with numerous systemic disorders. These include endocrinological conditions such as, diabetes, acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, as well as metabolic abnormalities like obesity and polycystic ovarian disease. Its association with visceral malignancy is known. Moreover, Acanthosis nigricans is known to be a cutaneous marker of insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinemia. The primary aim of this study was to study clinical and histopathological patterns of acanthosis nigricans and its correlation with dermoscopic patterns and treatment implications. 103 patients clinically diagnosed as acanthosis nigricans were enrolled in the study. Clinical evaluation, dermoscopy, and skin biopsy was done for histopathological evaluation. Consistency was observed in the changes seen on dermoscopy with clinical and histopathological findings. Common dermoscopy findings were Crista Cutis, Sulcus Cutis, Papillary projections, hyperpigmented dots, crypts, and blotching Dermoscopic findings can be correlated with histopathological features. Dermoscopy allows visualization on higher magnification which helps to pick up subtle changes which are not visible to naked eye. Dermoscopy can be a useful tool to distinguish acanthosis nigricans from other pigmentary disorders in patients who are not willing for histopathological examination and helps in treatment making decisions.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis: a window to systemic churg strauss syndrome.

A twenty year old male presented with purpuric lesions with chronic painful ulcers over the lower extremities and a recurrent pruritic rash on the trunk for 10 years. He was diagnosed as idiopathic leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) after investigations failed to reveal a systemic association. He was treated with immunosuppressants at each visit with partial remission. In 2004, he was diagnosed with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. In his recent admission, he showed necrotic ulcers on legs and extensive shiny, truncal micropapules. Examination revealed maxillary sinus tenderness and loss of sensation on the medial aspect of the left lower limb. Biopsy of ulcer and the micropapules showed the presence of extravascular eosinophils, while hematological investigations showed peripheral eosinophilia of 18%, raised serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE), Anti nuclear antibody (ANA) positivity and negative antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). Radiography confirmed maxillary sinusitis, nerve conduction studies revealed mononeuritis of the anterior tibial nerve and pulmonary function tests (PFT) were normal. Clinical examination and investigations pointed towards the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). This report highlights the development of full-blown CSS over a period of 12 years in a patient initially diagnosed as idiopathic LCV, emphasizing the need for regular follow-up of resistant and recurrent cases of LCV.

Antiretroviral drug-resistant HIV-2 infection--a new therapeutic dilemma.

HIV-2 drug resistance in a case of dual HIV infection presents a formidable challenge to the treating physician. We report a patient with dual infection on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) since March 2001 presented with clinical failure. Laboratory assays showed undetectable HIV-1 viral RNA copies, but with low CD4 count. Suspecting HIV-2 resistance, specific genotype assays were performed. Mutations at codons M184V and Q151M conferring resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in HIV-1 infection were detected, as were mutations at codons V71I and L90M implying indinavir and nelfinavir resistance as well. Salvage therapy was initiated with good clinical response.

HIV and tuberculosis: partners in crime.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is the commonest infection detected in HIV-infected individuals worldwide. AIM: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, bacteriologic and radiological spectrum of tuberculosis (TB) in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a tertiary care centre in Mumbai. METHODS: A total of 8640 HIV-infected individuals were screened for tuberculosis routinely from January 1998 to December 2003, using clinical examination, chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasonography, sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and culture on Lowenstein-Jensen medium. RESULTS: TB was detected in 8078 (93.5%) patients of whom 3393 (42%) had pulmonary, 3514 (43.5%) had extrapulmonary TB and 1171 (14.5%) had disseminated disease. One thousand two hundred thirty eight patients (36.5%) showed AFB in sputum, while 1154 (34%) showed growth on culture medium and 4174 had radiographic involvement. In 781 (67%) individuals disseminated disease coexisted with pulmonary involvement. All 8078 coinfected patients were treated with anti-TB therapy (ATT), of whom 6422 patients (79.5%) showed one or more adverse events. Gastritis was the commonest complaint followed by hepatitis and skin rashes. ATT resistance was detected in 482 individuals. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis is the commonest opportunistic infection (OI) in HIV positive patients in India, showing a higher prevalence of extrapulmonary and disseminated TB and adverse events due to ATT. Early recognition of concurrent OIs and their adequate treatment and prophylaxis is essential.