Round Bodies Detected by Treponema pallidum Immunohistochemical Stain in Two Cases of Cutaneous Syphilitic Gummata.

ABSTRACT: Tertiary syphilis may present a diagnostic challenge due to negative nontreponemal serologies in up to 30% of cases and frequent lack of identifiable spirochetes on histopathology or other direct detection tests. We report 2 cases of round bodies staining with Treponema pallidum immunohistochemistry by light microscopy in biopsies from cutaneous syphilitic gummata. In 1 case, the finding was validated 3 times by 2 independent laboratories; in the other case, T. pallidum was detected by polymerase chain reaction in the biopsy sample. Spirochete round bodies have previously been reported in the setting of electron microscopy and fluorography, but to the best of our knowledge, have not been reported by light microscopy in a routine skin biopsy. Although the clinical implications are unclear, this may represent a helpful new paradigm for the diagnosis of tertiary syphilis.

A case of eruptive lichen spinulosus after toxic epidermal necrolysis.

We report a case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with eruptive monomorphic white papules on the trunk and arms involving regions previously affected by toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Biopsy revealed compact keratin involving the hair follicle and sparse mixed perivascular infiltrate, findings consistent with lichen spinulosus. Improvement was noted after treatment with ammonium lactate 12% lotion. While cutaneous dyschromia and xerosis are common after TEN, lichen spinulosus has not yet been described in the literature. It is important for providers to be aware of any potential cutaneous sequelae of TEN that can affect quality of life in order to best counsel their patients.

A virtual faculty exchange program enhances dermatology resident education in the COVID-19 era: a survey study.

One of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was the cancelation of the 2020 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. This conference historically features lectures from world-renowned experts in all areas of dermatology, thus providing an important educational experience for dermatology residents. We hypothesized that the cancellation of this meeting produced a substantial educational loss for dermatology residents. To mitigate this impact, we developed a virtual faculty exchange program and surveyed dermatology residents' perspectives on its implementation. All participating residents found the virtual faculty exchange useful and would recommend it to other residents/programs. Moreover, all residents wanted to participate in more faculty exchange sessions as well as incorporate them throughout the academic year. Additionally, this educational program eliminated the potential cost of >$15,000 in flights and >24 metric tons of carbon emissions. This virtual faculty exchange program is a viable tool to enhance dermatology resident education in the COVID-19 era.

Osimertinib tolerance in a patient with Stevens Johnson syndrome during osimertinib therapy after treatment with pembrolizumab.

BACKGROUND: Osimertinib has emerged as an important tool in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) with certain activating mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, Osimertinib may cause adverse effects, including severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The risk of certain adverse effects may be increased in the setting of recent use of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, although it is unclear whether recent use of ICI therapy is a risk factor for Osimertinib-induced SJS specifically. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a patient with EGFR L858R mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC who developed Osimertinib-induced SJS after recent administration of eight cycles of a pembrolizumab-containing chemotherapy regimen. Osimertinib, which was the best treatment targeting his lung cancer, was avoided due to history of SJS. Four years later, because of unresponsiveness or side effects of alternative treatments, he underwent Osimertinib challenge and tolerated it. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary care and supports the hypothesis that the risk of SJS to Osimertinib is significantly higher in the context of recent administration of ICI therapy and, patients may tolerate Osimertinib after certain time has elapsed after the last dose of ICI.

Development of a Skin-Directed Scoring System for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Epidermal Necrolysis: A Delphi Consensus Exercise.

Importance: Scoring systems for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and epidermal necrolysis (EN) only estimate patient prognosis and are weighted toward comorbidities and systemic features; morphologic terminology for EN lesions is inconsistent. Objectives: To establish consensus among expert dermatologists on EN terminology, morphologic progression, and most-affected sites, and to build a framework for developing a skin-directed scoring system for EN. Evidence Review: A Delphi consensus using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness criteria was initiated with a core group from the Society of Dermatology Hospitalists to establish agreement on the optimal design for an EN cutaneous scoring instrument, terminology, morphologic traits, and sites of involvement. Findings: In round 1, the 54 participating dermatology hospitalists reached consensus on all 49 statements (30 appropriate, 3 inappropriate, 16 uncertain). In round 2, they agreed on another 15 statements (8 appropriate, 7 uncertain). There was consistent agreement on the need for a skin-specific instrument; on the most-often affected skin sites (head and neck, chest, upper back, ocular mucosa, oral mucosa); and that blanching erythema, dusky erythema, targetoid erythema, vesicles/bullae, desquamation, and erosions comprise the morphologic traits of EN and can be consistently differentiated. Conclusions and Relevance: This consensus exercise confirmed the need for an EN skin-directed scoring system, nomenclature, and differentiation of specific morphologic traits, and identified the sites most affected. It also established a baseline consensus for a standardized EN instrument with consistent terminology.

Erythromelalgia successfully treated with low-dose gabapentin in a pediatric patient.

Primary erythromelalgia, while uncommon, may significantly decrease the quality of life of those affected. While many patients with erythromelalgia require systemic therapy, there is no standard of care for this condition. Herein, we report a 7-year-old girl who experienced resolution of erythromelalgia symptoms with no adverse effects after treatment with low-dose gabapentin. We also discuss the safety and efficacy of low-dose gabapentin in children for treatment of pain.

Characterizing DRESS syndrome recurrence: a systematic review.

Recurrence of DRESS syndrome is poorly characterized, and dermatologists must be prepared to predict, identify, and manage patients after treatment of the initial presentation. In this study, a primary literature search was conducted using PubMed, capturing all articles recording cases of DRESS syndrome recurrence. Forty-two articles were included for review comprising a total of 60 patients. The average age of patients was 46.3 years and time to recurrence was 123 days. Recurrent episodes presented more frequently with a higher fever and eosinophil absolute peak. Relapse was most often attributed to the introduction of a new medication (n = 18). Of the 17 cases in which outcome data were available, the survival rate of those experiencing recurrence was 71%. Viral reactivation with HHV-6 and organ involvement of the liver were frequently recorded complications. In essence, viral reactivation, severe internal organ involvement, and hematological abnormalities all portended a poorer prognosis in those experiencing DRESS syndrome recurrence. An adequate course of treatment should be maintained until clinical and laboratory parameters normalize, with a slow taper to minimize the likelihood of relapse in those most at risk.

Predicting DRESS Syndrome Recurrence-The ReDRESS Score.

This cross-sectional study of DRESS syndrome cases creates a model capable of predicting recurrence to identify patients most at risk.