Molluscum contagiosum in the setting of Fingolimod: The experience at one institution.

Fingolimod treatment has been associated with opportunistic infections, most notably PML and cryptococcal meningitis. There are rare reports of other infections like molluscum contagiosum which are typically associated with impaired cellular immunity as seen in AIDS. Upon review of our multiple sclerosis patient database, we identified eight patients undergoing fingolimod treatment who developed molluscum contagiosum infections. We suspect that this association is a class effect and may also be observed with other S1P receptor modulators. While molluscum contagiosum infection is not life-threatening, it can be extremely distressing for patients, and resolution may require discontinuation of fingolimod.

Síndrome de Gianotti-Crosti-like secundario a Molluscum contagiosum / Gianotti-Crosti syndrome-like reaction secondary to Molluscum contagiosum

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Dermoscopic Features of Giant Molluscum Contagiosum in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Giant molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a peculiar variant of the disease with the presence of multiple or single lesions larger than 5 mm. In contrast to typical molluscum contagiosum, dermoscopic features of giant lesions have been poorly described, and none of the reports included multiple giant lesions in an immunocompromised patient. We present a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosed with multiple giant molluscum contagiosum along with the dermoscopic features of this entity. We examined a 40-year-old patient who had been diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) two months earlier. The disease defining AIDS was cerebral toxoplasmosis (initially presenting as a brain tumor several months earlier). Laboratory investigation showed a decreased CD4 cell count of 11 cells/mm3 and HIV viral load of 252 472 copies/mL. The patient was referred to the Department of Dermatology due to multiple flesh-colored, asymptomatic nodules with superficial telangiectasia that had been observed on the face for several weeks (Figure 1, a). Dermoscopy of larger (>5 mm) skin lesions showed yellowish globules of different size and random distribution, separated by smaller, oval-shape white globules and polymorphic vessels (Figure 1, b-d). Dermoscopy of smaller skin lesions showed the presence of a central yellow globule and white structureless area with irregular linear vessels of radial arrangement at the periphery (Figure 1, e). Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum (MC); special staining showed the details of the lesion (Figure 2, a-c). Antiretroviral therapy with Triumeq® (dolutegravir + abacavir + lamivudine) was initiated. After discussing MC treatment options with the patient, we decided to delay the treatment and wait for the effect of antiretroviral therapy. Partial regression of MC lesions was observed after 5 months; laboratory investigations showed a CD4 cell count of 99 cells/mm3 and a HIV viral load of 56 copies/mL. Along with continuation of antiretroviral therapy, the patient received treatment with topical imiquimod (Aldara®) for 12 weeks. Subsequently, a few lesions resistant to previous treatment were treated with cryosurgery and the patient was instructed to apply imiquimod only to new-onset/regrowing lesions. Clinical evaluation after 2 months revealed a good clinical and aesthetic effect (Figure 3). MC is a viral disease caused by a DNA virus of the Poxviridae family (MCV-1 or MCV-2). The infection most commonly affects children and sexually active adults, and may be diagnosed based on physical examination in the majority of cases. Typical clinical presentation includes single to multiple, 2-5 mm, flesh-colored, asymptomatic nodules with central umbilication. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows skin examination with magnification, therefore improving the accuracy of dermatological diagnosis. It was primarily developed to detect melanoma, but in recent years the role of this method in general dermatology has been constantly increasing. There have been several published reports that demonstrated the utility of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of MC. Most commonly observed structures include a central orifice and blood vessels arranged in punctiform, radial or mixed flower pattern (1). Giant molluscum contagiosum is an atypical variant of the disease, with the presence of multiple or single lesions larger than 5 mm (2). The diagnosis of giant MC usually indicates immunodeficiency and has been mainly described in HIV-positive patients, but also in coexistence with leukemia, sarcoidosis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, selective immunoglobulin M deficiency, atopic dermatitis, and after splenectomy, bone marrow transplantation, and during immunosuppressive therapy (3). Giant MC may mimic other benign or malignant dermatoses, and the final diagnosis is usually based on histopathological examination. The list of differential diagnoses is long and includes basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, viral wart, varicella, intradermal nevi, pyogenic granuloma, lichen planus, atypical mycobacterial infection, pneumocystosis, cutaneous cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis (3). In contrast to typical MC, dermoscopic features of giant MC have been poorly described, and none of the reports included multiple lesions in immunocompromised patient. Mun et al. described a pattern of multiple shiny white clods in giant MC observed in a 2-year-old girl in the perianal area (4). A different dermoscopic image - with prominent arborizing vessels and polylobular white structureless areas - was reported by Uzuncakmak et al., who described giant MC on the eyelid in a 25-year-old woman (2). Similar dermoscopic features of atypical MC (5 mm in size) were described by Zaballos et. al. (5). The course and treatment of MC differ in immunocompetent and in immunocompromised individuals. While the infection is usually mild and self-limiting in the former group, in the latter it may be extensive, symptomatic, and resistant to therapy. Treatment methods commonly applied in immunocompetent patients such as cryotherapy, curettage, and electrocautery are not generally recommended in patients with severe immunodeficiency as they pose a risk of secondary infection or autoinoculation (6). Additionally, such treatment of multiple lesions is connected with pain and higher risk of postinflammatory changes/scarring (7). According to the literature, treatment with local immunomodulators - including imiquimod cream, interferon-a (IFN-a) injections and cidofovir - appears to be effective (6). Topical 5% imiquimod was most commonly used, and although not licensed for this indication it was shown to be effective in HIV-positive individuals, including treatment of giant MC lesions (7). Regardless of the topical treatment, previous reports documented a correlation between immunity status and the extension of MC lesions. Therefore, effective antiretroviral therapy may itself lead to resolution of MC [8]. To sum up, the presented report introduced additional observations into the dermoscopic spectrum of giant MC. The observed dermoscopically large yellowish globules seem to correspond with the crypts and the surrounding white structures with the areas of lobulated, endophytic epidermal hyperplasia. The presence of vascular structures in dermoscopy corresponds with the blood vessels tightly surrounding inverted hyperplastic epidermal lobules (Figure 2, b). Dermoscopic features od giant MC are different than those observed in small lesions. Interestingly, the dermoscopic appearance of smaller lesions observed in our patient seemed to be similar to MC eruptions described in immunocompetent patients (1). In case of clinical suspicion giant MC coexisting with smaller lesions, dermoscopic assessment of the latter may serve as a clue to diagnosis.

Pediatric molluscum: an update.

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a poxvirus that causes infection in humans that is limited to the cutis and subcutaneous levels of the skin. The virus is transmitted from close associates in settings such as pools, day care, and bathtubs. Pediatric molluscum is common in school-aged children and resolves spontaneously in healthy children. Widespread lesions, complicated by comorbid dermatitis, are expected in children with atopic dermatitis (AD); however, even children without AD can develop dermatitis or signs of inflammation or pruritus. Molluscum is the great mimicker in pediatric dermatology; the morphology of the lesions and overlying rash can make molluscum look polymorphous and similar to other skin illnesses. This article addresses the issue of transmission, course of disease, comorbidities, and therapeutic options, including the gold standard-nonintervention. The decision to intervene is a joint decision among children, parents/guardians, and the practitioner. The first priority should be reduction of symptoms, followed by reduction of spread and then disease remission.

Successful treatment of recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum in a stem cell transplant patient with Candida immunotherapy.

Solid organ and stem cell transplant recipients have an increased risk of developing cutaneous infections, which often are refractory to conventional treatment (Euvrard et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2001, 44, 932-939). Molluscum contagiosum, a common self-limited disease primarily affecting children, can be more severe and unresponsive to therapy in transplant patients (Gardner & Ormond, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2006, 31, 452-453). Candida immunotherapy has been widely used for the treatment of warts, and recently its application has been expanded to include treatment of symptomatic molluscum in pediatric patients (Enns & Evans, Pediatric Dermatology, 2011, 28, 254-258; Maronn et al., Pediatric Dermatology, 2008, 25, 189-192). However, to our knowledge there have been no reports in the literature of its utility in the setting of adult transplant or immunocompromised patients. Herein, we report a case of successful treatment of refractory molluscum contagiosum in a stem cell transplant patient with Candida immunotherapy.

Mucocutaneous manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children in relation to the degree of immunosuppression.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children is becoming a common occurrence. Worldwide, limited studies have been done on the mucocutaneous manifestations in HIV-positive children. The aim of our study was to analyze the spectrum of mucocutaneous manifestations of pediatric HIV infection and correlate to degree of immunosuppression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-five children under 18 years with HIV, who presented to the departments of dermatology and pediatrics, were examined for mucocutaneous manifestations. Patients were classified into four groups of immunodeficiency such as normal, mild, advanced, and severe, based on NACO guidelines of immunosuppression. The most recent CD4 count (within 6 months of study period) was considered. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five patients were examined, and skin manifestations were seen in 100 (61%) of them.The highest incidence of mucocutaneous manifestations was in 6-10 age group. Papular pruritic eruptions (PPE) (16%) was the most common condition, with highest prevalence in severe CD4 category (38%). Molluscum contagiosum (MC) (10%) was the most common infectious condition, with highest prevalence in advanced CD4 category (14%). Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) caused by nevirapine were seen in three children. The percentage of skin manifestations was highest in the advanced (107%) and severe (100%) CD4 category. There was no significant difference in manifestations between those who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and those not. CONCLUSION: The percentage of skin manifestations increased with degree of CD4 depletion. PPE was found to be the hallmark of severe immunosuppression. However, opportunistic infections did not correlate with severity of immunodeficiency.

Molluscum contagiosum virus infection can trigger atopic dermatitis disease onset or flare.

Predisposition to cutaneous viral infections is known to be a minor criterion of Hanifin and Rajka's diagnostic standard of atopic dermatitis (AD); however, the causal relationship between molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) infection and AD onset or aggravation has not been widely explored. The objective of this study was to identify pediatric patients with AD onset or flare triggered by MCV infection as well as to characterize the setting under which MCV may trigger AD onset or flares in children. Fifty children with prior or current MCV infection presenting sequentially to an outpatient pediatric dermatology practice over a 1-month period were evaluated. Results indicated that children who contract MCV infection may be targets for skin care interventions to prevent and/or control AD.

[Eyelid Tumors: Clinical Aspects of Ophthalmic Pathology]. / Lidtumoren: Klinische Aspekte der Ophthalmopathologie.

BACKGROUND: Lid tumors show a heterogenous clinical spectrum. Tumors which display some criteria of malignancy may histologically be diagnosed as inflammatory lesions without any neoplastic component. In contrast, malignant tumors can induce changes on the lid margin mimicking inflammatory changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS/RESULTS: Certain examples of lid tumors are shown to illustrate potential pitfalls as well as clinical unequivocal cases. The clinical appearance of the lesions is correlated with the histologic findings. CONCLUSION: Lid tumors can develop from different structures of the eyelid and, therefore, show a wide spectrum of clinical findings. If a malignant process is suspected or the clinical diagnosis cannot be unequivocally determined, a biopsy (incisional vs. excisional) is necessary followed by histologic evaluation. Furthermore, inadequately treated benign lesions, such as an incomplete excised nevus or a molluscum contagiosum, can lead to serious problems.