Classic Kaposi's sarcoma treated with topical rapamycin.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disorder caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Current research efforts have focused on the study of the relative role of KSHV-encoded genes in Kaposi's sarcomagenesis in order to identify novel mechanism-based therapies for patients suffering from this tumor. Although several viral genes have potential for KS pathogenesis, compelling data point to the KSHV-encoded G protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR) as a leading candidate viral gene for the initiation of KS. Interestingly, the oncogenic potential of vGPCR seems to correlate with its capacity to activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Rapamycin, the prototypical inhibitor of the mTOR signaling pathway, has recently emerged as an effective treatment for KS when administered orally. In this case report, we present an immunocompetent patient with KS lesions treated with topical rapamycin achieving clinical and histologic healing after 16 weeks of treatment. The topical application of rapamycin could be a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of KS.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia: a multicenter review of 355 patients.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, there are no large multicenter studies concerning frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) that could give clues about its pathogenesis and best treatment. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the epidemiology, comorbidities, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic choices in a large series of patients with FFA. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included patients given the diagnosis of FFA. Clinical severity was classified based on the recession of the frontotemporal hairline. RESULTS: In all, 355 patients (343 women [49 premenopausal] and 12 men) with a mean age of 61 years (range 23-86) were included. Early menopause was detected in 49 patients (14%), whereas 46 (13%) had undergone hysterectomy. Severe FFA was observed in 131 patients (37%). Independent factors associated with severe FFA after multivariate analysis were: eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement. Eyebrow loss as the initial clinical presentation was associated with mild forms. Antiandrogens such as finasteride and dutasteride were used in 111 patients (31%), with improvement in 52 (47%) and stabilization in 59 (53%). LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design is a limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement were associated with severe FFA. Antiandrogens were the most useful treatment.

Necrobiosis lipoidica.

BACKGROUND: Necrobiosis lipoidica presents with a distinctive appearance making it an important clinical diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of necrobiosis lipoidica in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and to discuss differential diagnoses and management. DISCUSSION: Necrobiosis lipoidica is most commonly found on the shins, presenting as a well-defined plaque. Management is challenging and options are discussed. Avoiding ulceration is a key concern.

Congenital plaque-like glomangioma treated successfully with dual wavelength pulsed-dye and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser.

Glomovenous malformations are disseminated variants of cutaneous glomus tumors. These malformations are subdivided into regional or localized, disseminated, and congenital plaque-like forms. The congenital plaque-like form is the rarest variant. Most treatment modalities have been disappointing in the treatment of large glomangiomas, leading to high recurrence rates. We report a case of a 34-year-old man with a congenital plaque-like glomangioma on his left arm and forearm treated successfully with sequential pulsed-dye neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser.

Successful treatment of venous malformation located on glans penis with dual-wavelength 595- and 1064-nm laser system.

The management of venous malformation (VM) located on genitalia is complex and challenging. Surgical excision and sclerotherapy are the first-lines therapeutic options, but in certain areas such as the genitalia can be too aggressive. We present a case of VM on the glans penis treated successfully with dual wavelength 595 and 1064 nm laser system.

Congenital smooth muscle hamartoma on the face treated using vascular laser.

A congenital smooth muscle hamartoma is a rare, benign proliferation of smooth muscle bundles in the dermis that is usually diagnosed in the neonatal period or infancy. Surgical excision is the first-line therapeutic option, but in certain areas such as the face, surgery may be too aggressive, and different treatments should be considered. We present the case of a congenital smooth muscle hamartoma on the face treated using pulsed dye laser with good response.

Patchy hair loss on the pubis--a case study.

A female, aged 17 years and with a history of anorexia nervosa, presented with a 3 month history of a large, irregular area of hair loss over the pubis. Physical examination revealed scattered short hairs of varying length, follicular hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation throughout the area of alopecia (Figure 1a). A magnified view revealed decreased hair density, broken hairs with different shaft lengths, short vellous hairs and signs of recent haemorrhage (Figure 1b). The remainder of the hairs appeared normal, and her nails did not show any pathological changes. The hair-pull test was negative. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination and fungal culture were negative. Biochemical studies, abdominal X-ray and ultrasonography were normal.

Spiky keratotic projections on the palms and fingers. Spiny keratoderma.

Spiny keratoderma is an infrequent dermatosis consisting of multiple projections located on the palms and soles, with the distinct histopathology feature of a parakeratotic column above a hypogranular epidermis. This entity has been reported under several different names, such as punctate porokeratotic keratoderma, punctate keratoderma, palmar filiform hyperkeratosis, and spiny keratoderma of the palms and soles. Most of the cases described are acquired, although there are also familial cases. Since this disease has been under-diagnosed and under-reported, it is important for dermatologists to keep spiny keratoderma of the palms and soles in mind. We present a familial case of spiny keratoderma and review the literature.

Lesions on tattooed skin--a case study.

CASE STUDY: A man, 33 years of age, presented complaining of asymptomatic lumps on the tattooed skin of his right upper arm. The lumps appeared spontaneously 5 months after getting the tattoo. He had no significant past medical or surgical history. On examination, several 3­4 mm shiny, umbilicated papules were seen on the tattooed skin (Figure 1).Tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and syphilis were negative and full blood examination was normal.

Resistant itchy lesions in a young man.

Case study A man, 18 years of age, presented with a 6-month history of a widespread itchy rash, more intense at night, which had appeared 1 month after returning from a holiday to the Dominican Republic. The rash initially appeared as white patches affecting the fingers. The patient reported unprotected heterosexual intercourse while on holiday. There was no previous or family history of atopic dermatitis, however, the patient's sister had recently begun to experience similar symptoms. Clinical examination revealed scattered excoriated papules over the trunk (Figure 1), limbs and hands (Figure 2). Intensely itchy nodules were observed on the scrotum (Figure 3). A prolonged course of oral antihistamine in addition to topical corticosteroids did not improve the symptoms. 

Multiple penile lesions - a case study.

CASE STUDY: A man, 34 years of age, presented with a 4 day history of painless ulcerative lesions on his penis.

Skin rash associated with limb weakness.

Case study A man, 77 years of age, presented with haematemesis, abdominal pain and increasing limb weakness. He also had a skin rash on his chest and face.

Letter: Neutrophilic eccrine hidroadenitis with atypical findings.

Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis (NEH) was originally described as a distinctive dermatosis occurring in patients undergoing chemotherapy, especially associated with the use of cytarabine in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). This disorder is characterized by a neutrophilic infiltrate around the eccrine glands and coils and is associated with necrosis. However, atypical findings in the histology have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, leukocytoclastic vasculitis has not been described in association with NEH. We hypothesize that a toxic effect of cytarabine may damage the vessel wall to some extent, causing a vasculitic phenomenon.

Perforating dermatosis in a patient receiving azathioprine.

Azathioprine (AZA) is an imidazole derivative of mercaptopurine. It antagonizes purine metabolism, and it may inhibit synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The 6-thioguanine nucleotides appear to mediate the majority of AZAs immunosuppressive and toxic effects. While cutaneous adverse side-effects are not uncommon, perforating dermatosis has not been reported in association to AZA. We speculate that immunological disorders induced by AZA in susceptible individuals could be related to perforating dermatosis.

Lesión cutánea ampollosa en la mano de una adolescente / Bullous cutaneous lesion on the hand of an adolescent

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