Primary cutaneous angioplasmocellular hyperplasia.

Angioplasmocellular hyperplasia is a rare clinical condition with blood vessel proliferation and a reactive plasma cell infiltrate. To the best of our knowledge fewer than 20 cases of cutaneous angioplasmocellular hyperplasia have been published in English literature. We report a case of a 65-year-old man who presented with a long standing asymptomatic flesh colored ulcerated nodule on the back. Histopathological examination revealed a dermal vascular proliferation with polyclonal plasma cell infiltration. A diagnosis of angioplasmocellular hyperplasia was established. This entity is rare and we would like to emphasize the importance of clinico-pathological correlation to differentiate it from various other conditions of cutaneous plasma cell infiltration.

Multifocal tuberculosis verrucosa cutis.

Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis (TBVC), a verrucous form of cutaneous tuberculosis, occurs from inoculation of tubercle bacilli into the skin of a previously sensitized patient with moderate to high degree of immunity. This disease is now rare in western countries and in India; the incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis has fallen from 2% to 0.15%. However two recent studies from the Indian subcontinent have reported the prevalence of cutaneous tuebrculosis as 0.7% (Varshney et al) and 0.26% (Patra et al) This case is reported to demonstrate the indolent and extensive nature of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis in an immunocompetent individual and to highlight the importance of histopathology and empirical antitubercular therapy as an adjunct diagnostic tool.

Porokeratosis ptychotropica: a rare variant of porokeratosis.

BACKGROUND: Porokeratosis, a well recognized disorder of keratinization, is known to have several clinical variants. This report describes a rare variant characterized by verrucous plaques. METHODS: An adult male presented with a slowly progressive verrucous plaque on the gluteal region that was resistant to conventional therapy. Careful inspection revealed a keratotic ridge at the plaque border leading to the diagnosis. RESULTS: Histopathology showed the presence of multiple cornoid lamellae confirming the diagnosis of porokeratosis ptychotropica. CONCLUSIONS: Porokeratosis ptychotropica is a rare variant of porokeratosis with fewer than 25 cases described in the literature. This report is to highlight the importance of considering this particular entity in the diagnosis of genitogluteal plaques, especially those not responding to conventional modalities.

Pattern of skin and nail changes in chronic renal failure in Nepal: a hospital-based study.

Chronic renal failure, regardless of its cause, often produces specific dermatological abnormalities, which can develop long before failure manifests clinically. Our aim was to study the clinical pattern of skin and nail changes in chronic renal failure and also study the associations of these changes with age, sex, etiology and duration of the chronic renal failure. A total of 104 diagnosed cases of chronic renal failure were included in the study over a period of 1 year. Equal numbers of age- and sex-matched individuals were taken as controls. The male : female ratio was 1.4:1. The mean duration of chronic renal failure was 19 +/- 20 months. Among cases and controls, 72% and 16% had skin changes, respectively. Xerosis was the most common of the skin changes (28%), followed by hyperpigmentation (20%), pruritus (15%), infectious diseases (5%) and other skin changes (33%) in chronic renal failure patients. Abnormal nail changes were seen in 82% of the cases compared to only 8% of the controls. In the cases, white nail was most common followed by brown and half-and-half nail. Pruritus was significantly higher in the dialysis group whereas the nail changes were significantly higher in the non-dialysis group. The skin and nail changes were common in chronic renal failure and manifested in various forms. Thus, thorough inspection of the integument might reveal markers of occult renal disease.

Serum Homocysteine and Total Antioxidant Status in Vitiligo: A Case Control Study in Indian Population.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is considered as an initial pathogenic event in melanocyte destruction. These free radicals are scavenged by antioxidants, whose sum of activity in serum is measured by total antioxidant status (TAS). In addition, homocysteine (Hcy) may mediate melanocyte destruction via increased oxidative damage. However, previous studies investigating these parameters in vitiligo provide equivocal results. AIMS: To study and compare serum Hcy and TAS levels in vitiligo patients with controls and also to correlate these parameters with the various disease characteristics. The present study further looked into any correlation between serum Hcy and TAS in vitiligo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study was conducted on 82 vitiligo patients and 83 controls aged 18-45 years after excluding factors which could potentially alter serum Hcy or TAS levels. Disease characteristics were studied and blood samples were obtained for measuring serum Hcy and TAS levels. RESULTS: TAS levels were lower in vitiligo patients than controls (1.79 ± 0.51 vs. 2.16 ± 0.63 mmol/L; P < 0.001) and had a negative correlation with disease activity (r = -0.410, P < 0.001). However, serum Hcy levels were comparable between vitiligo patients (18.68 ± 9.90 µmol/L) and controls (20.21 ± 13.39 µmol/L) (P = 0.406). No significant correlation was found between serum Hcy and serum TAS levels. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TAS may be further investigated to establish its role as biomarker for vitiligo since its levels also correlate with disease activity. However, serum Hcy may not be a reliable marker in Indian population probably because of differences in dietary habits.

Treatment of severe refractory erythema nodosum leprosum with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor Etanercept.

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a common complication of lepromatous leprosy. Some patients unresponsive to conventional, first-line therapeutics develop recurrent, recalcitrant ENL. Here, we report a case of severe refractory ENL that was successfully treated with Etanercept. Biologics may be considered as therapeutic alternatives in management of severe, recalcitrant ENL.

Phototherapy as an effective treatment for Majocchi's disease--case report.

Pigmented purpuric dermatoses are chronic and relapsing disorders characterized by a symmetrical rash of petechial and pigmentary macules, mainly confined to the lower limbs. Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi is a less common variant of Pigmented purpuric dermatoses characterized by punctate telangiectatic macules progressing to annular, hyperpigmented patches with central clearing and infrequent atrophy. A 12 year-old girl presented with asymptomatic round to oval reddish brown macules, present symmetrically over her lower and upper limbs for 3 years. Few lesions were annular in shape. Biopsy from the lesion was compatible with Pigmented purpuric dermatoses. On the basis of clinical and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi was made. The patient began phototherapy thrice a week and showed excellent response.

Comparison of direct immunofluorescence and ELISA for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen in the patients of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Fifty female patients clinically diagnosed as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) attending Gynaecology OPD of Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital were studied for the presence of Chlamydial antigen by direct immunofluorescence (DFA) and Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) test. Out of fifty PID patients Chlamydia tracchomatis lipopolysaccharide antigen could be detected in 28% of cases by ELISA and Chlamydial outer membrane protein antigen could be detected in 32% of cases by DFA. Although in the present study DFA and ELISA compare well with each other, but DFA has been found to be more specific test as it detects outer membrane protein antigen of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Thyroid dermopathy-a diagnostic clue of hidden hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid dermopathy is an uncommon manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease. About 0.5%-4.3% of patients with history of thyrotoxicosis and 15% of patients with severe Graves' ophthalmopathy have this cutaneous manifestation. However thyroid dermopathy is almost always associated with ophthalmopathy (96%) and sign and symptoms of hyperth-yroidism. The diagnosis of thyroid dermopathy is based on clinical sign and symptoms, serological thyroid hormone abnormalities supported by skin pathology. Isolated dermopathy is an uncommon manifestation of hyperthyroidism. A 35-year-old male presented with 7 months history of asymptomatic, multiple skin colored nodulo-tumorous growth over anterior aspect of both leg and one erythematous plaque with mild central atrophy on left leg. On examination most of the nodulo-tumorous growth (1 cm × 1 cm to 4 cm × 4 cm) and plaque (3 cm × 4 cm) showed 'peau d' orange' appearance and were firm in consistency, indurated, non-tender with no rise of local temperature. Complete systemic and ophthalmological examination revealed no abnormalities. Abnormal thyroid function test and cutaneous deposition of mucin on histopathology suggested the diagnosis.The case is reported for its uncommon manifestation. Clinical sign should be documented and analysis of skin histopathology should be carried out in patients with suspected thyroid dermopathy.

Keloidal plaque in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis: A rare morphological variant of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis.

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TVC), also known as warty tuberculosis, anatomist's wart or prosector's wart is characterized by the presence of verrucous plaque-like lesions, resulting from direct inoculation of the causative organism into the skin of a previously infected patient. A 59-year-old man presented with a hyperpigmented plaque on the chest wall which closely mimicked a keloid. He was a case of sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis and had repeatedly been applying early morning saliva on the lesion as a part of the indigenous practices for quick healing. There was further progression of the lesion with discharge from several sites. A smear for acid fast bacilli was positive from the discharge and growth on Lowenstein Jensen medium revealed growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Biopsy was compatible with TVC and the patient was started on 6months anti-tubercular therapy. However, the plaque continued to persist with continuing discharge from multiple openings which necessitated surgical intervention, finally leading to near complete resolution of the plaque of TVC.

Vesicular syphilid in a seropositive patient.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection with various stages of evolution and a myriad of presentations. To avoid a delay in diagnosis, it is important to recognize secondary syphilis presenting with vesicular lesions. A patient presented with maculopapular rash of recent onset with several vesicles and related the eruption to paracetamol taken one day before. The differential diagnoses considered were drug eruption, pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, pityriasis rosea and secondary syphilis. HIV, VDRL (1:256) and TPHA tests were positive and histopathology revealed lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and plasma cells. Thus, a diagnosis of secondary syphilis coexisting with HIV was confirmed. The patient was administered benzathine penicillin and anti-retroviral therapy was started. He responded very well to treatment. We report this case because of the rarity of vesicular eruption in secondary syphilis.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: An unusual presentation.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare tumors, with an estimated incidence of 0.1/100,000/year. They are regarded as a rare variety of soft-tissue sarcomas that derive from peripheral nerves or from cells associated with the nerve sheath. Until 50% of observed MPNSTs occur in patients with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). The typical presenting signs and symptoms of a PNST are a palpable mass involving a peripheral nerve, loss of nerve function and/or pain. Recently, positron emission tomography (PET) has been used to detect 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in these tumors. Most of the PET studies have been reported in patients with NF1. We report a case of sporadic MPNST masquerading as infectious dermatoses, with an unusual PET/computed tomography presentation.

Systemic PUVA vs. narrowband UVB in the treatment of vitiligo: a randomized controlled study.

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder having disfiguring consequences. Many treatments have been attempted with varying reports of success. A parallel-group, assessor blinded, randomized, controlled trial was designed to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of narrowband UVB (NBUVB) with oral psoralen UVA (PUVA) therapy in the treatment of vitiligo. Patients aged 13-70 years with vitiliginous lesions involving more than 5% body surface area were eligible for the study. In total, 56 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to oral PUVA or NBUVB phototherapy groups. Patients were assessed for the percentage of repigmentation over the depigmented areas as the primary outcome measure at each visit during the first three months and then monthly within the next three months. The incidence of adverse effects was also noted during the study period as the secondary outcome measure. The median repigmentation achieved at the end of the six-month therapy course was 45% in the NBUVB group and 40% in the oral PUVA group. Focal vitiligo had the best response in both treatment groups. There were lesser adverse effects within the NBUVB (7.4%) than in the PUVA (57.2%) group. Two PUVA patients discontinued therapy due to severe dizziness. There was no significant difference in the mean degree of repigmentation; however, NBUVB carried a greater response rate and might be superior to oral PUVA with better tolerance and color match with the surrounding normal skin, as well as fewer side effects in the treatment of vitiligo.

Prevalences of and risk factors for vulvar diseases in Nepal: a hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: The vulvar diseases are common skin conditions, but their frequency and importance are often underestimated. OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical patterns of vulvar diseases and the risk factors associated with these diseases in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in eastern Nepal. METHODS: Patients with vulval symptoms or cutaneous lesions on the vulva were enrolled in the study. Laboratory investigations were carried out according to need. Equal numbers of age-matched females without vulval lesions or symptoms were selected from the outpatient department as controls. RESULTS: Of 5521 female patients attending the Dermatology Department's outpatient clinic during the study period, 105 (1.9%) had vulval symptoms and/or lesions. The most common types of vulvar disease were vulvar dermatoses (62.85%), pruritus vulvae (36.19%) and vulvodynia (0.95%). In vulvar dermatoses, infection was the most common (33.4%) manifestation, with a predominance of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Other dermatoses included: cysts and tumors (5.6%); pigmentary changes (vitiligo) (5.6%); inflammatory dermatoses (6.6%); atrophic vaginitis (1.8%); erosive disease (0.9%); and dermatosis caused by sexual abuse (1.9%). Use of nylon undergarments, occasional detergent use for washing clothes, and an irregular menstrual history were found to be associated with vulvar diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings indicate that the known frequency of vulvar diseases may represent only a small proportion of actual frequency. Further clinical and population-based research should be carried out with respect to the treatment, follow-up, and true prevalence of these diseases in the community.

Phototherapy as an effective treatment for Majocchi's disease - Case report

Pigmented purpuric dermatoses are chronic and relapsing disorders characterized by a symmetrical rash of petechial and pigmentary macules, mainly confined to the lower limbs. Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi is a less common variant of Pigmented purpuric dermatoses characterized by punctate telangiectatic macules progressing to annular, hyperpigmented patches with central clearing and infrequent atrophy. A 12 year-old girl presented with asymptomatic round to oval reddish brown macules, present symmetrically over her lower and upper limbs for 3 years. Few lesions were annular in shape. Biopsy from the lesion was compatible with Pigmented purpuric dermatoses. On the basis of clinical and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi was made. The patient began phototherapy thrice a week and showed excellent response.

Atypical varicella zoster as SJS-TEN overlap syndrome with involvement of palm and sole.

A 14-month-old boy presented with generalised vesicular eruption involving the face, trunk and extremities accompanied by high grade fever. He had associated redness and purulent discharge from both eyes. Examination revealed erosions on the tongue, soft palate and genitalia with haemorrhagic crusts on the lips and nasal orifices. All laboratory investigations were within normal limits except leucocytosis. Chest x-ray showed left middle zone pneumonitis. Treatment was by paracetamol, antibiotics and oral acyclovir. Desquamation started from the eighth day. Our purpose in reporting this case is to highlight the fact that varicella can be atypical with distal involvement and can present as SJS-TEN overlap syndrome.