Antiperspirant-related zirconium and aluminum-containing granulomas; histopathology and in situ chemical analysis.

The potential adverse health effects of antiperspirant use are of interest to patients, primary care providers, dermatologists, and pathologists. In rare instances, antiperspirants containing aluminum-zirconium complexes have been associated with granulomatous dermatoses despite being deemed non-sensitizing in experiments. In this case study, we present a detailed examination of an axillary granuloma in a 28-year-old female who had been using an aluminum-zirconium-based antiperspirant for several years and presented with a left axillary nodule that was excised and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDXA). Histopathological examination revealed a foreign body-type reaction with amphophilic granular material within giant cells that corresponded to collocated zirconium and aluminum on SEM/EDXA elemental maps. Our case adds to the limited reports of axillary granulomas related to aluminum-zirconium complexes. It illustrates the histopathological appearance and in situ distribution of the aluminum-zirconium complexes, supporting the formation of foreign body-type granulomas. Additionally, our case study illustrates the potential role of these compounds in such reactions and aims to increase awareness among pathologists and clinicians.

Cutaneous Gamna-Gandy bodies: An unusual case of dystrophic calcification.

Dystrophic calcification is a common histopathologic finding that can be concomitant with a plethora of diseases, ranging from self-limited infections to insidious malignancies. Gamna-Gandy bodies (GGBs) are a form of dystrophic calcification associated with chronic hemolysis and are typically observed in the spleen. In this report, we present the case of a 92-year-old man who presented with a 4-mm blue papule that was biopsied given the concern for a blue nevus. The subsequent histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen showed a dermal organizing hematoma adjacent to pale-yellow to brown, refractile material within fibrotic collagen consistent with GGBs. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDXA) revealed that the structures were composed of carbon (39%), oxygen (32%), iron (16%), phosphorus (7%), calcium (5%), and sodium (1%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified amorphous calcium phosphate. GGBs have not been previously described in the skin and have been rarely characterized with SEM/EDXA in other sites.

Cutaneous Actinomycosis of the Perineum in an Immunocompetent Man.

ABSTRACT: We present a case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis of unclear pathogenesis. A 30-year-old-man with no significant medical or surgical history presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of a tender perineal mass. The patient denied trauma or perforating injury to the area. Examination of the area revealed an indurated, nonfluctuant, erythematous papulonodule located 2 cm from the anus. The lesion was unresponsive to oral and topical antibiotics and was therefore excised. The excision specimen revealed a dense mixed infiltrate partially filling the reticular dermis and extending into the subcutaneous fat. The infiltrate surrounded grains of basophilic material with an outer rim of eosinophilic radiating Splendore-Hoeppli material. Within the grains, filamentous bacteria were highlighted with Periodic acid-Schiff and Grocott's methenamine silver. The organisms were gram-positive and acid-fast negative. Given the clinical and histopathologic findings, actinomycosis was diagnosed. Two weeks later, the patient reported resolution of symptoms. The patient was lost to follow-up. This case highlights an unusual presentation of actinomycosis and the crucial role histopathology plays in diagnosis.

Iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorder presenting as small bowel perforation.

A woman in her late 50s on mycophenolate for limited systemic sclerosis presented with abdominal pain. Vital signs and investigative evaluations were normal. Cross-sectional imaging identified gastric and small bowel wall thickening, free fluid, and pneumoperitoneum. In the operating room, a small bowel perforation was found and resected. Postoperatively, immunosuppression was held and she completed a course of amoxicillin/clavulanate. She discharged home and re-presented on postoperative day 8 with seizures and was found to have a frontal brain mass which was biopsied. Pathology from both the resected bowel and brain biopsy demonstrated Epstein-Barr virus-positive B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with polymorphic B-cell features. The patient's immunosuppression was discontinued, and she was enrolled in a clinical trial for chemotherapy. Lymphoproliferative disorder can present years after immunosuppression initiation with either spontaneous perforation or solid tumour. Pathological assessment determines treatment options. Heightened concern for atypical clinical presentations in immunosuppressed patients is always warranted.