Cutaneous innervation.

This is a review of historical facets of research in cutaneous neurohistology. The silver stains, used for some 150 years, led to the discovery of the neurone theory and to contemporary comparative studies. The cholinesterase methods, used since 1950, are the most convenient for general studies of nerves. The fluorescence technique of Falck (1962) is valuable for the study of adrenergic fibers. The electron microscope techniques used since 1950 have allowed the comprehensive description of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers and of corpuscles. The most important unsettled questions pertain to the physiology of cutaneous nerves and precise definitions of cutaneous sensibility.

[Buschke-Loewenstein tumor. Apropos of 2 cases in Cotonou, Benin]. / Tumeur de Buschke-Loewenstein. A propos de deux cas vus à Cotonou, Bénin.

About two cases of Buschke-Loewenstein tumor--one of the penis in man infected with HIV and another of perianal area-, the authors insist on the relative frequency of Buschke-Loewenstein tumor in non-circumcised and homosexual groups. They emphasize the continuous precancerous spectrum of Buschke-Loewenstein tumor.

[Idiopathic calcinosis of the scrotum : note on ultrastructure]. / Calcinose idiopathique du scrotum : note sur l'ultrastructure.

Calcium deposits develop in the vacuoles of fibroblasts and histiocytes within the granuloma at the periphery of the nodules. There is no clue for an epithelial origin.

[Erythropoietic protoporphyria. Ultrastructure of the basal pericapillary complex in the superficial dermis]. / Protoporphyrie érythropoïétique. Ultrastructure du complexe basal péricapillaire dans le derme superficiel.

An ultrastructural investigation of erythropoietic protoporphyria reveals the high complexity of the basal complex that surrounds the superficial capillaries. There is a tremendous replication of the usual basement membrane, but in chips, with the constitution of an uneven network within an amorphous substance. Few collagen fibrils and microfibrils are present. Furthermore the architectural upheaval is characterized by the penetration of endothelial cell pseudopoda and of slender processes of perithelial cells. The basal complex is clearly encompassed by a layer of epithelial cells. The overall thickness reaches 5 micra.

[Idiopathic calcinosis of the scrotum (author's transl)]. / Calcinose idiopathique du scrotum.

Clinical and histological features of idiopathic calcinosis of the scrotum are presented; calcium deposits are never associated with epithelial or connective tissue alterations. Identical lesions may arise in the skin at large; discrepancies and similitudes with cutaneous calculi are underlined.

[Angiosarcoma of the breast]. / Angiosarcome du sein.

A painless ecchymotic plaque developed progressively on the right breast of a 16 years old girl. Failure of the first biopsies to bring up specific lesions and episodes of regression delayed the diagnosis until a very deep biopsy and a CT-scan investigation revealed a diffuse and malignant vascular process. A simple mastectomy did not prevent recurrence and metastasing 3 months later. The clinical aspects of breast angiosarcoma, the shortcomings of investigative procedures and the recommended therapeutics are reviewed.

[Longitudinal melanonychia and hydroxyurea]. / Mélanonyche en bandes longitudinales et hydroxyurée.

A patient with chronic myeloid leukaemia was treated with hydroxyurea and developed longitudinal melanonychia on 10 of 20 nails. Such intense lesions are extremely rare.

[Pityrosporum ovale in keratotic lesions of seborrheic areas]. / Pityrosporum ovale dans les lésions kératosiques des zones séborrhéiques.

The Pityrosporum ovale (PO) is demonstrated in various percentages of the keratotic lesions of the seborrheic areas depending upon the techniques. The accumulation of horny material most probably enhances the multiplication of the yeast and makes its demonstration easier. The PAS technique prevails upon the mycological ones (77 p. 100 versus 50-65 p. 100). PO proliferates only in the keratin layer; there are isolated spores, small clusters or even large stratified colonies. On the other side the prevalence of PO does not differ significantly whatever the ultimate diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, naevocellular nevus or vial wart. Its multiplication within the keratin layer of the lesions does not make any difference as far as the lymphocytic infiltration of the dermis is concerned.

[Micronodular generalized familial angiomatosis (generalized essential telangiectasia): clinical cases; ultrastructural study]. / Angiomatose familiale micronodulaire généralisée. (télangiectasies essentielles généralisées): observations cliniques; étude ultrastructurale.

Six patients of the same family present with micronodular and generalized familial angiomatosis. Four of them have been investigated. Their problem is purely esthetic; however an asymptomatic form of von Willebrand disease has been found in a female and one of her daughters. The light microscope reveals a network of dilated capillaries in the superficial dermis. Electron microscope investigation of the endothelium demonstrates on abundance of Weibel-Palade bodies, the presence of osmiophilic inclusions within clear vacuoles, the occurrence of long spacing collagen fibrils in the vicinity of endothelial and perithelial cells; furthermore, cytoplasmic projections within the lumen constitute the most dramatic and constant feature: there are many villosities, loops, coils, tufts and entanglements in all four cases.

[Erythropoietic protoporphyria]. / Protoporphyrie érythropoïétique.

The investigation and follow-up of three cases of EPP led us to reevaluate the signs and symptoms of the disease, the usefulness of early skin biopsies and protoporphyrin and ferrochelatase determinations. A review of the literature brought forth the salient features of this inborn error of porphyrin metabolism and stressed the value of treatment with beta-carotene and canthaxantine but also the risk of the so-called "gold dust" retinopathy.

[Cutaneous-pulmonary sarcoidosis. Diagnostic difficulties in the Black African milieu]. / Sarcoïdose cutanéo-pulmonaire. Difficultés diagnostiques en milieu Noir Africain.

About a case of pulmonary and dermatologic manifestations of sarcoidosis, in a Black African patient, the authors emphasize the clinical polymorphism of sarcoidosis. They insist on the diagnostic criteria of sarcoidosis which are not at all specific of the disease but necessitate a compatible interpretation; particularly in Black Africa where leprosy, tuberculosis and many others granulomatous diseases are endemic.