[Pemetrexed-induced cutaneous sclerosis of the lower limbs]. / Œdèmes inflammatoires et scléreux des membres inférieurs sous pémétrexed.

BACKGROUND: Pemetrexed is an antifolate used to treat intrathoracic cancers. We report a rare case of cutaneous toxicity of pemetrexed with inflammatory cutaneous sclerosis of the lower limbs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 63-year-old man diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung was treated with pemetrexed. Fourteen months after undergoing this chemotherapy, he developed inflammatory and fibrotic edema of the lower limbs with functional consequences on knee bending. Cardiac, renal, hepatic, thrombotic and infectious causes were ruled out. Pemetrexed was suspended and partial remission was obtained using super-potent topical corticosteroids. With the approval of the oncologist, nivolumab was introduced as a follow-on therapy after pemetrexed. DISCUSSION: Often misdiagnosed by physicians, this form of toxicity due to pemetrexed is rare but classically described. To limit cutaneous side effects, dexamethasone may be proposed the day before, the same day as and the day after the infusion. Suspension of chemotherapy is not routine but depends on the risk-benefit ratio of the functional impact of the dermatosis and on the therapeutic alternatives available for the cancer.

[Hemorrhagic bullous dermatosis (HBD): A rare side-effect of heparins]. / Dermatose bulleuse hémorragique (DBH) : un effet indésirable rare des héparines.

BACKGROUND: Bullous haemorrhagic dermatosis (BHD) induced by heparin is a rare and benign side effect of which we report two cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case 1: an 81-year-old man presented haemorrhagic bullae on the limbs and trunk 7 days after starting enoxaparin. The laboratory haemostasis assessment was normal. A diagnosis was made of BHD induced by enoxaparin and the patient's treatment was switched to apixaban, resulting in a favourable outcome with resolution of the lesions within 15 days. Case 2: a 71-year-old woman hospitalised for pulmonary embolism was given tinzaparin. At two months of treatment, haemorrhagic bullae were observed on her forearms at distance from the injection sites. A diagnosis of BHD induced by tinzaparin was made. Treatment with tinzaparin was continued and the lesions resolved within 15 days. DISCUSSION: Heparin-induced BHD is a rare entity initially described in 2006. Ninety-five cases of heparin-induced BHD have been reported. It is characterized by multiple haemorrhagic bullae at a distance from the injection sites. Time to onset of lesions after heparin initiation ranges from 24h to 4 months. Laboratory assessment should be routinely performed to rule out any haemostasis disorders. Lesions subside within 15 days whether heparin is continued or withdrawn. CONCLUSION: Heparin-induced BHD is a rare but benign side effect of heparins. In the absence of recommendations, therapeutic management should be adapted to the individual situation.

[Primitive myxoid melanoma: An unusual histological aspect]. / Mélanome myxoïde primitif : une forme histologique inhabituelle.

BACKGROUND: Myxoid melanoma is a rare variant of melanoma that must be recognised. Herein we describe a new metastatic case. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 78-year-old woman consulted for a firm, pinkish nodule measuring 25mm and present for six months on her left leg. Analysis of the biopsy revealed achromic fusiform tumour cells separated by large myxoid plaques. Labeling of SOX10, HMB45 and PS100 was diffuse and of moderate to strong intensity. A diagnosis of myxoid melanoma was considered, with Breslow thickness of 9mm. Surgery was carried out with a 2-cm margin and confirmed the diagnosis. Dermatological follow-up at one year revealed metastatic spread to the ganglia, pleura, liver and bone. DISCUSSION: Few cases of primary myxoid melanoma have been described, and the condition is probably underdiagnosed. The classic clinical presentation of this condition consists of a solitary achromic nodule found chiefly on the limbs. The microscopic appearance is relatively non-specific. Immunohistochemical analysis may indicate melanocytic involvement: cells exhibit expression of SOX10, diffuse expression of protein S100, and less consistent and more variable expression of HMB45. The increasingly common use of anti-SOX10 is of value since it is expressed in the nucleus of melanocytes. Mastocytes and TGF-ß secretion appear to be involved in myxoid stroma production. In the absence of specific codification, management of myxoid melanoma is comparable to that of other types of melanoma. There is uncertainty about the prognosis, with the involvement of TGF-ß possibly indicating the aggressive potential of this type of tumour.

Severe scurvy: an underestimated disease.

Scurvy is one of the oldest diseases in human history. Nowadays, although scurvy tends to become a forgotten disease in developed country, rare cases still occur, especially in people undergoing extreme diet, old people or children with poor diet and patients with malabsorption. We describe three cases of scurvy. The first case is a patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease, the second one is in a context of anorexia nervosa and drug addiction, and the third case is in a context of social isolation. Early recognition of scurvy can be difficult because symptoms may appear nonspecific and can mimic more common conditions. In any patient with spontaneous hematoma and purpura, in the context of nutritional disorder, scurvy should be systematically considered. As this disease can lead to severe complications, such as bone pain, heart failure or gastrointestinal symptoms, nothing should delay vitamin C supplementation, which is a simple and rapidly effective treatment.