Neurenteric cyst. A case report.

In this report we discussed the case of a male infant with a large neurenteric cyst causing respiratory distress. In addition he had Th6-7 hemivertebrae. In the evaluation of the patient, X-ray and computed tomography were used. The cyst did not communicate with spinal column and intestinal tract; it was excised via a right posterolateral thoracotomy. The patient was discharged in good condition.

Congenital splenic cyst--a report of two cases.

We report on two girls with large epidermoid splenic cysts. They presented with abdominal pain, fever, and non-bilious vomiting. In both cases the cyst was diagnosed by means of computer tomography and ultrasonography. One of the patients was successfully treated with partial splenectomy. In the other case percutaneous drainage was initially carried out, but this treatment was insufficient. Splenectomy was then performed.

Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum: oral isotretinoin treatment combined with cryotherapy.

A 30-year-old man presented with numerous papules, nodules and inflamed cysts. The lesions were located all over the body, including the scalp, except the palms and soles. His mother and one sister had had similar but less extensive lesions. Histopathology of the biopsy specimens obtained from the anterior chest wall, axillae and the back region was consistent with steatocystoma multiplex (SM). A diagnosis of steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum was made. The inflamed lesions were treated with oral isotretinoin (1 mg/kg per daily) for 6 months. At the same time, cryotherapy was used for non-suppurating lesions smaller than 2 cm. When the patient was evaluated 6 months later, cosmetic results were good. No new lesions have appeared in the subsequent 12-month follow up.

Lichen amyloidosis, ankylosing spondylitis and autoimmune thyroiditis: coincidence or association?

Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is characterized by the deposition of amyloid in a previously apparently normal skin with the absence of other systemic or cutaneous disorder. Although ankylosing spondylitis may be associated with secondary systemic amyloidosis, no reports have been found showing the association of this disease with PLCA. In addition, the association of PLCA with autoimmune thyroiditis has not been previously reported. We report a concomitant occurrence of lichen amyloidosis, ankylosing spondylitis and autoimmune thyroiditis in a caucasian woman.

Fat-plug and paper-patch myringoplasty in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the recovery rate in paper-patch and fat-plug myringoplasty in rats. METHOD: Small and large perforations were inflicted on the tympanic membranes of 60 rats. Fat-plug and paper-patch myringoplasties were performed to different groups and another group was left for spontaneous healing. RESULTS: We found that for small perforations, the recovery rate was 94.7% in fat-plug myringoplasty, 94.4% in paper-patch myringoplasty, and 66.6% in control group. The recovery rates in large perforations were 52.9%, 56.2%, and 26.6%, respectively. On the other hand, in larger perforations, paper-patch or fat-plug myringoplasty have not been found effective. CONCLUSION: We believe that due to significant operational advantages, fat-plug or paper-patch myringoplasty can be suggested for the reconstruction of small and dry perforations of the tympanic membrane.

Progressive facial hemiatrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome).

A 48-year-old white woman presented with a 2-year history of progressive facial hemiatrophy involving the right side of the chin and tongue, associated with mastigatory spasm. Neurological examination showed no abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and electrophysiological investigations were normal. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy specimen from the chin revealed atrophy of the subcutaneous fat with homogenization of dermal collagen fibres. Phenytoin 100 mg t.d.s. relieved the mastigatory spasm.

Stasis dermatitis of the hand associated with an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula.

Stasis dermatitis is a cutaneous finding associated with chronic venous failure resulting in venous stasis. Arteriovenous fistula in the hand may cause a chronic venous stasis. We report a case of stasis dermatitis of the hand associated with an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula. Stasis dermatitis should be considered as a potential complication of iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula.

Coexistence of morphea and psoriasis responding to acitretin treatment.

A large number of dermatoses associated with either morphea and psoriasis have been reported. However, to the best of our knowledge there is only one report in the literature about coexistence of morphea and psoriasis. Here we report a case of morphea and psoriasis that improved with acitretin treatment. The concomitant occurrence of these two dermatoses may be explained by immunological factors or trauma. We think that the improvement of the morphea lesions may be due to an immunomodulatory effect of the drug or a decrease in collagen production by dermal fibroblasts due to retinoic acid.