ABSTRACT
Congenital smooth muscle hamartoma is a benign proliferation of smooth muscles within the dermis. The classic form presents as well-defined, skin-colored, or hyperpigmented plaques associated with hypertrichosis. However, there have been reports of atypical forms, including a follicular spotted appearance, linear atrophic plaques, and morphea-like forms. In such cases, distinguishing congenital smooth muscle hamartomas from other cutaneous diseases can be challenging. Herein, we report on a 16-month-old boy who presented with a hypopigmented patch and hypertrichosis on his back since birth. Histopathological examination revealed mild acanthosis and well-defined smooth muscle bundles haphazardly oriented in the dermis. These bundles stained positively with Masson’s trichrome stain. Based on these findings, a definitive diagnosis of congenital smooth muscle hamartoma was established. In conclusion, an exceptionally rare case of congenital smooth muscle hamartoma with a hypopigmented appearance is reported.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is characterized by diffuse hair thinning in the mid-frontal scalp and increased hair shedding. Although the use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) is increasing significantly in Korea, data on its use are limited. @*Objective@#To determine the efficacy and safety of LDOM in Korean patients with FPHL. @*Methods@#This retrospective, single-center study was conducted at Pusan National University Hospital. The study included female patients with pattern hair loss who received treatment with LDOM at 1.25 mg/d for a minimum of 6 months in combination with other treatments. Patients were eligible for LDOM addition if their previous treatments showed a limited response and the previous treatment regimen remained unchanged throughout the evaluation period. Clinical response to treatment was evaluated using the Sinclair hair loss severity scale. @*Results@#The study included 44 females with FPHL. Before treatment, the mean Sinclair scale score was 2.77, which decreased to 2.27 after treatment. By the 3rd month, one patient (2.3%) experienced worsening, while seven patients (15.9%) showed slight improvement. By the 6th month, the treatment response was as follows: stabilization in 30 patients (68.2%), slight improvement in 13 patients (29.5%), and substantial improvement in one patient (2.3%). Adverse effects, predominantly hypertrichosis, were observed in nine patients. All adverse effects improved upon discontinuation of LDOM and no life-threatening adverse effects were observed during the study. @*Conclusion@#This study provides evidence that LDOM can be an effective therapeutic option with a good safety profile for FPHL.
ABSTRACT
Dupilumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-4 receptor α, has exhibited rapid and remarkable therapeutic efficacy in numerous clinical trials focusing on moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. Nonetheless, instances of mycosis fungoides have been reported in patients undergoing dupilumab treatment for atopic dermatitis. We present two cases: a 36-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man who presented to our dermatology clinic with erythematous papules and plaques. Following skin biopsy, both patients were diagnosed with chronic eczematous dermatitis with prurigo. Erythematous plaques notably increased after 9 months and 1 month of dupilumab treatment, respectively. Subsequent biopsies confirmed histopathological markers consistent with mycosis fungoides. The first patient underwent chemotherapy for lymph node metastasis, while the second received oral acitretin, narrow-band ultraviolet B, and topical corticosteroids.