Hereditary hypotrichosis simplex of the scalp.

We report on a female aged 13 years, whose scalp hair began to disappear at the age of 9 years, leaving only sparse wispy hairs in the parietal-occipital region. Eyelashes, eyebrows and body hair were unaffected. There were no signs of ectodermal dysplasia on the skin, nails, teeth and eyes nor other congenital abnormalities. The family pedigree showed 15 relatives similarly affected according to an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. Clinical, genetic, histological and ultrastructural aspects led to a diagnosis of hereditary hypotrichosis simplex of the scalp (Toribio-Quiñones type).

Clinical expression of secondary syphilis in a patient with HIV infection.

There are increasing reports of unusual clinical features and atypical courses of syphilis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Recently, we had the opportunity to study an HIV-positive female patient with strong manifestations of secondary syphilis. The case is discussed together with the implications of secondary syphilis in her concomitant ocular affliction. Moreover, we comment on the clinico-therapeutic controversies brought about by the association of infection with Treponema pallidum and HIV.