Linear IgA bullous dermatosis following Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

A case of linear IgA bullous dermatosis developing 3 days after the second dose of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in an adult patient, suggesting a possible causal association. It is worth keeping in mind that COVID-19 vaccination could induce immune-mediated bullous disease in susceptible people.

Risk factors in facial hyperpigmentation in Maghrebian population - a case-control study.

Triggering factors seem to be multiple in the pathogenesis of facial hyperpigmentation (FH), as dark skin types, pregnancy, sun exposure… The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for FH in Maghrebian population. Patients with FH were included in a case-controlled study. Following data were recorded: age, sex, parity, phototype, FH and hormonal-related history, endocrinological features, sunlight exposure, specific cultural behaviours, use of topic corticosteroids and sunscreens. One hundred women (mean age 29.5 ± 13.7 years) were included with 200 age-matched controls. Duration of FH was 32.9 ± 42.2 months. There was a statistically significant relation between FH and hirsutism (P = 0.009), troubles of menstruations (P = 0.008), but not with acne (P = 0.23) and contraceptive oral (P = 0.06) drugs or with history of thyroid disorders (P = 0.13). For cultural factors, there were a statistical significant relation with rubbing by flannel glove (P < 0.05), use of dark soap (P = 0.009) and traditional masks (P < 0.05) but both groups were used to go to hammam. A strong relation was observed between FH and use of topical corticosteroids: 40% in the FH group vs. 5% in the control group (P < 0.05). Both groups used to apply sunscreens: 70% in the FH group and 67% in the control group where as there were no differences in the two groups for sun exposure. No statistical differences were observed regarding to age, phototypes and grade of parity. Our study demonstrated a relation between FH and hyperestrogenemia, rubbing with a friction glove, use of moroccan traditional masks and application of topical steroids. The eviction of all these triggering factors could be an adjuvant recommendation in the assessment of FH.

[Malignant pyoderma with cranial osteolysis]. / Pyoderma malin compliqué d'ostéolyse crânienne.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pyoderma or pyoderma gangrenosum with cephalic involvement is a rare disease characterized by chronic aggressive local progression. We report a case of malignant pyoderma with cranial osteolysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 42-year-old man had been presenting chronic ulcerative dermatosis involving the entire scalp since the age of sixteen. Clinical examination, histopathological analysis of the skin sample and negative aetiological tests suggested a diagnosis of cephalic pyoderma gangrenosum. Different treatments were ineffective. The patient was subsequently admitted with convulsions revealing cranial osteolysis. A cranial scan confirmed the osteolysis and histopathological analysis of the bone sample revealed non-specific suppurative osteitis. Treatment with corticosteroids and thalidomide was effective. Skin and bone grafting was proposed but was not carried out due to the chronic progression and absence of stable wound healing. DISCUSSION: Malignant pyoderma is a rare destructive, ulcerating dermatosis. It is characterized by a chronic course and resistance to treatment. Our case report is original in terms of the involvement of underlying cranial bone revealed by convulsions. This bone involvement makes treatment of the dermatosis more difficult.

[Prevalence of syphilis and HIV infection in female prison population in Morocco]. / Prévalence de la syphilis et de l'infection à VIH dans une population carcérale féminine au Maroc.

We studied the prevalence of syphilis and HIV infection in 217 female prisoners at Oukacha prison, Casablanca and associated risk factors. The mean age was 32.0 years and mean length of imprisonment 22.8 months. As regards risk factors, 9% of the women said they used condoms, homosexuality was not admitted, 1.8% were intravenous drug users and the average number of sexual partners was 5.17. Fifty-one women (23%) were positive for syphilis and 4 (2%) were HIV-positive. Multivariate analysis found that being married was protective (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57-0.97), while high number of partners was a positive risk factor (OR = 2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.51).

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the prevention of chloasma in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Chloasma, or melasma, is a pigmentary disorder that can affect between 50% and 70% of pregnant women. During pregnancy, chloasma does not require any particular treatment beside the use of an effective sunscreen and avoiding the use of any photosensitizing products or inappropriate skin care routine. However, there exist very few studies related to the benefits of sunscreens to prevent this dermatosis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the role of a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the prevention and treatment of chloasma in pregnant women. METHODS: We tested the effectiveness and tolerance of a sunscreen composition (SPF 50+, UVA-PF 28) during a 12-month clinical trial on 200 parturients. RESULTS: The 'excellent' tolerance of the sunscreen under evaluation was confirmed. Out of 185 patients who completed the study, only five new cases of chloasma were noted, an occurrence of 2.7%, which is much lower than the 53% previously observed in an usual condition study (same investigators, same geographical area and same time frame). In addition, the clinical effectiveness of the evaluated sunscreen was judged 'excellent' by the majority of parturients and by the research dermatologists during all the consultations. It is also worth noting that at 6 months, a clinical improvement was observed in 8 out of 12 volunteers who were affected by a pre-existing chloasma observed during their inclusion visit. Colorimetric measurements showed that, at the end of their pregnancy, the parturients' skin was, on average, significantly lightened (increase of parameter L* in 38% cases) and less pigmented (reduction of parameter b* in 50% cases); thus, resulting in a significantly lighter skin colour (increase of ITA degrees in 69% cases) compared to their inclusion visit. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the well-tolerated broad-spectrum sunscreen evaluated, in the prevention of the development of chloasma in pregnant women.

[Prevalence of syphilis and HIV infection in female prisoners in Morocco]

We studied the prevalence of syphilis and HIV infection in 217 female prisoners at Oukacha prison, Casablanca and associated risk factors. The mean age was 32.0 years and mean length of imprisonment 22.8 months. As regards risk factors, 9% of the women said they used condoms, homosexuality was not admitted, 1.8% were intravenous drug users and the average number of sexual partners was 5.17. Fifty-one women [23%] were positive for syphilis and 4 [2%] were HIV-positive. Multivariate analysis found that being married was protective [OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57-0.97], while high number of partners was a positive risk factor [OR = 2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.51]

[Childhood cutaneous tuberculosis from Morocco: a study of 30 cases]. / Tuberculose cutanée de l'enfant au Maroc: étude de 30 cas.

UNLABELLED: In Morocco, tuberculosis is still endemic. Cutaneous tuberculosis is ranged the fifth after the pleuro-pulmonary, lymphe node, urogenital and digestive tuberculosis. It mainly affects young people. Few studies of cutaneous tuberculosis are available in this age group. The aim of our study is to emphasize its epidemiological features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective study including all cases of childhood cutaneous tuberculosis observed between January 1981 and December 2004. The diagnosis was based on the confrontation of clinical, immunological, bacteriological and histological data. RESULTS: Thirty cases were collected. The mean age was 11 years. The clinical features are as follows: gumma 46.6%, scrofuloderma 36.6%, lupus vulgaris 13.3% and skin tuberculosis chancre 3.3%. The Mantoux test was positive in 67%, tuberculoid granuloma was observed in 78% and the search of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive in 13%. DISCUSSION: Gumma and scrofuloderma were the most frequent forms as in other Moroccan series. These results attest the endemicity of this affection in our country. The diagnosis relies on the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; as this situation is rare for the cutaneous location, the diagnosis relies then on the association of clinical and paraclinical criteria.

[Precocious mediastinal lipomatosis: a rare complication of systemic corticosteroid therapy]. / Lipomatose médiastinale précoce: une complication exceptionnelle de la corticothérapie generale.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid-induced lipomatosis results from hypertrophy within adipose tissue; the condition is frequently asymptomatic and its incidence is underestimated. We report a case of mediastinal lipomatosis that is rare in terms of both site and presenting symptoms. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old woman with no disease history other than obesity with a weight of 90 kg had been treated since 2002 for mixed connective tissue disease (profound lupus and dermatomyositis). She had been treated with oral corti costeroids (1 mg/kg/d). Two months after the start of treatment, she presented chest pains, resting dyspnea particularly aggravated in dorsal decubitus, chest edema in the subclavicular space and jugular turgescence. Chest x-ray revealed widening of all levels of the mediastinum. The chest CT scan showed lipomatosis throughout the entire mediastinum with no associated chest abnormalities or pericardial effusion. Rapid downward dosage adjustment ofcorticosteroids to 10 mg/d coupled with synthetic antimalarials resulted in gradual reduction of symptoms. The chest scan performed two months later short stabilization of the patient's mediastinal lipomatosis. DISCUSSION: The effects of long-term of glucocorticosteroid therapy are well-known, in particular Cushing's syndrome. Lipomatosis has been described more recently and affects different axial regions. Mediastinal localization is seen in 15% of patients treated. This presentation is less common than orbital and epidural localizations. Although often asymptomatic, as in our own report, it may present with worrying symptoms that pose real diagnostic problems. The diagnostic examinations of choice are CT scan or MRI. Regression following discontinuation or reduction of corticosteroids is inconsistent and often gradual.

[Intertoe space cutaneous epidermoid carcinoma]. / Carcinome épidermoïde interorteil.

BACKGROUND: Localisation of epidermoid carcinoma in the intertoe space is very rare. We report a case occurring in a setting of chronic intertoe intertrigo. CASE: A 66 year-old woman presenting intertoe intertrigo for 30 years consulted for painful ulceration of the 3rd intertoe space of the left foot present for 4 years and refractory to antifungal treatment. The examination revealed ulceration with infiltrated edges occupying the entire 3rd intertoe space, with no satellite adenopathy. Histological examination of the skin biopsy sample revealed epidermoid carcinoma. Wide excision of the lesion was performed with a safety margin of 5 mm, with removal of the 3rd and 4th left toes. The outcome was favourable with no relapse after 12 months. DISCUSSION: A single publication reported a series of 22 cases of intertoe epidermoid carcinoma in which the key aetiological feature of tumour was continual maceration. In this patient, maceration was maintained by a number of factors, including cultural factors: ritual ablutions performed 5 times daily, with no drying of the intertoe spaces, and domestic cleaning involving large quantities of water several times weekly.

[Terbinafine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and aggravation of systemic lupus erythematosus]. / Syndrome de Stevens-Johnson et aggravation d'un lupus systémique induits par la terbinafine.

BACKGROUND: There have been published reports of induction and aggravation of subacute systemic lupus erythematosus of lupus by terbinafine. We report the case of female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who, after treatment with terbinafine, presented a Stevens Johnson syndrome eruption, together with renal exacerbation of her connective tissue disease. OBSERVATION: A 25 - year-old woman was followed for 4 years for systemic lupus erythematosus was no renal involvement. The patient was stable under corticosteroids (20 mg/d) and chloroquine (200 mg/d). She was treated with terbinafine onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Seven days after trunk and limbs, with cheilitis affecting the mucous membrane and bilateral conjunctivitis. This rash was followed by epidermolysis involving 10% of the cutaneous area. Stevens-Johnson syndrome was diagnosed. Laboratory tests indicated massive hematuria and proteinuria, and the renal needle biopsy sample showed signs of class III lupus glomerulonephritis. The anti-histone antibodies were highly positive. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids (1 mg/kg/d), chloroquine was recommenced and cyclophosphamides were given in a bolus. The outcome of the patient's eruption and lupus was favorable. DISCUSSION: Although induction and worsening of lupus by terbinafine have already been reported, the present case differs through the concomitant occurrence of eruption on treatment with terbinafine and severe relapse of lupus, thus suggesting the involvement of a shared immunological mechanism.

[Ocular manifestation of Behçet disease (study of 50 patients consulting in dermatology department)]. / Les manifestations oculaires de la maladie de Behçet (étude de 50 patients consultant en dermatologie).

INTRODUCTION: Behçet disease is a multisystemic vascularitis. Ocular affection is one of the major criteria of this disease. The aim of this study is to specify the clinical, therapeutical characteristics and the prognosis factors of the ocular affection in patients having BD and admitted to the dermatology department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective investigation carried out in the dermatology department of Ibn Rochd university hospital center of Casablanca, Morroco, from Jannuary 1990 until December 2003. Two patient groups have been distinguished. The first one involved 50 patients (44,2%) having BD with ocular affection, and the second group involved 63 patients having BD without ocular affection. RESULTS: The mean age was 29 +/- 8 years in the first group VS 30 +/- 7,9 years in the 2(nd) group. The ocular affection was more frequent in males than in females (P < 0.05). The ocular manifestations were marked by uveitis and retinal periphlebitis. The frequency of the cutaneomucosal and joint manifestations was similar in both groups, whereas neurologic and vascular with ocular affections. The choice of the treatment depended on the type of ocular affection. Evolution was marked by blindness in 6 patients (12%). DISCUSSION: The ocular affection comes second after the cutanous mucuous affection. Males are more clearly affected than females. This allows saying that there is a marked effect of the sexual hormones on the ocular affection. Age is not predictive of this ocular affection. The ocular affection was severe in our series and was dominated by uveitis and vascularitis. We insist on the severity of ocular Behçet and its evolution? Risk toward blindness especially concerning young man. Currently, the treatment is not codified; however, the encouraging outcome obtained with some immunosuppressive therapies would be better if this treatment was set up early. CONCLUSION: This study enebed us to re-examine the ocular manifestations of the Behçet disease in the Maroccan population by the means of a consultation of Dermatology. Il should be noted that it is worse forecast because on the one hand of its frequent association to vascular and neurological affections and other share of the delay of consultation noted at the majority of our patients.

[Quality of life and pemphigus]. / Qualité de vie et pemphigus.

INTRODUCTION: Pemphigus is a frequent chronic bullous dermatosis in Morocco that predominantly affects young women. It requires serious therapeutic management and often repeated hospitalizations. The purpose of this study was to assess the particular impact of pemphigus on quality of life by comparing the quality of life in patients suffering from pemphigus with that of the general population using a generic instrument of measure of health related quality of life: the SF-36, in association with a questionnaire exploring the impact of the disease on self perception, social relationship and behaviour. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A French version of the SF-36 underwent 2 translations from French to Moroccan dialect, then two retrograde translations. After a pre-test, the questionnaire survey was administered by the same investigator to 30 patients who suffered from pemphigus, followed-up in the Ibn Rochd UHC in Casablanca and to 60 healthy adults. The two samples were paired according to age and sex. RESULTS: In the pemphigus group, there was a significant decrease of mean scores of all the SF-36 dimensions, except for physical pain and alteration in general status of health. The greatest alteration concerned the impact on physical and emotional status (p<0.00001) and the smallest alteration concerned the perception of general health (p=0.02). The factors influencing this impact were: profession, face involvement and extent of lesions. Other results concerning the psychosocial impact of pemphigus are presented. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that pemphigus is responsible for great alterations in health related quality of life. Therefore, the management of this disease must take into account its impact on various fields of life of the patients.