Struck by lightning: Lichtenberg figures on a 19th-century wax model.

Wax models in dermatology were used to a large extent until the 1930s as three-dimensional models to illustrate various pathologic conditions and in particular cutaneous signs of disease. As an example, a young woman who was struck by lightning and developed Lichtenberg figures is presented. Lichtenberg figures are a fernlike pattern on skin, characteristic of lightning. Such a wax model housed in the German Hygiene Museum Dresden, Germany, illustrates the significance of wax models and how, even today, they can play an important role in medical education.

Thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with macrolide-treated upper airway infection - drug related side effect or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Os autores apresentam relato de caso de um homem de 55 anos de idade que desenvolveu púrpura trombocitopênica com sangramento da pele e membranas mucosas e macro-hematúria após infecçäo das vias aéreas superiores tratada com o macrolídeo roxitromicina. Foi feito o diagnóstico de púrpura trombocitopênica idiopática crônica com início agudo e excluído o de citopenia droga-induzida devido ao rápido início após ingestäo de apenas três comprimidos, à recuperaçäo retardada, ao curso crônico e aos dados epidemiológicos. O diagnóstico deferencial e o tratamento säo discutidos resumidamente