Experience With Bexarotene to Treat Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: A Study of the Spanish Working Group of Cutaneous Lymphomas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bexarotene has been approved to treat advanced stage cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) since 1999. However, very few data have been published on its long-term safety and efficacy profile. The aim of this study is to determine the tolerability to bexarotene and outcomes by collecting the 2nd largest case series to date on its long-term use vs CTCL. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a multicenter retrospective review of 216 patients with mycosis fungoides (174), or Sézary syndrome (42) on a 10-year course of bexarotene alone or in combination with other therapies at 19 tertiary referral teaching hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 133 men (62%) and 83 women (38%) were included, with a mean age of 63.5 year (27-95). A total of 45% were on bexarotene monotherapy for the entire study period, 22% started on bexarotene but eventually received an additional therapy, 13% were on another treatment but eventually received bexarotene while the remaining 20% received a combination therapy since the beginning. The median course of treatment was 20.78 months (1-114); and the overall response rate, 70.3%. Complete and partial response rates were achieved in 26% and 45% of the patients, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated, being the most common toxicities hypertriglyceridemia (79%), hypercholesterolemia (71%), and hypothyroidism (52%). No treatment-related grade 5 adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms bexarotene is a safe and effective therapy for the long-term treatment of CTCL.

Experience With Bexarotene to Treat Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: A Study of the Spanish Working Group of Cutaneous Lymphomas. / [Artículo traducido] Experiencia con bexaroteno en linfoma cutáneo de células T: un estudio del Grupo Español de Linfomas Cutáneos (GELC).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bexarotene has been approved to treat advanced stage cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) since 1999. However, very few data have been published on its long-term safety and efficacy profile. The aim of this study is to determine the tolerability to bexarotene and outcomes by collecting the 2nd largest case series to date on its long-term use vs CTCL. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a multicenter retrospective review of 216 patients with mycosis fungoides (174), or Sézary syndrome (42) on a 10-year course of bexarotene alone or in combination with other therapies at 19 tertiary referral teaching hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 133 men (62%) and 83 women (38%) were included, with a mean age of 63.5 year (27-95). A total of 45% were on bexarotene monotherapy for the entire study period, 22% started on bexarotene but eventually received an additional therapy, 13% were on another treatment but eventually received bexarotene while the remaining 20% received a combination therapy since the beginning. The median course of treatment was 20.78 months (1-114); and the overall response rate, 70.3%. Complete and partial response rates were achieved in 26% and 45% of the patients, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated, being the most common toxicities hypertriglyceridemia (79%), hypercholesterolemia (71%), and hypothyroidism (52%). No treatment-related grade 5 adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms bexarotene is a safe and effective therapy for the long-term treatment of CTCL.

Blistering and aggressive paniculite cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is characterized by atypical T-cells expressing the α/ß T-cell receptor in the subcutaneous fat. Although it is usually indolent, some cases can show an aggressive course. It is usually a disease of the middle-aged, but can rarely affect children. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 12-year-old male, previously healthy, who presented a dermatosis disseminated to the four segments consisting of vesicles, blisters, erythematous and hematonecrotic plaques, atrophic scars, associated with edema. The biopsy confirmed limited cutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma with extensive epidermal necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: We report the case of a SPTCL in a child. Although rare in this age group, the diagnosis should be considered in children who present similar conditions and who do not respond to treatment. Diagnosis is made on clinical suspicion and confirmed by histology. We discuss the challenges in its management and how timely diagnosis influences patient survival.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El linfoma de células T tipo paniculitis subcutánea (LCCTP) se caracteriza por la presencia de linfocitos T atípicos que expresan el receptor de células T α/ß en el tejido celular subcutáneo. Aunque generalmente es indolente, algunos casos presentan un curso agresivo. Es mayormente una enfermedad de la mediana edad, rara vez afecta a los niños. CASO CLÍNICO: Se describe el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 12 años de edad, previamente sano que presentó una dermatosis diseminada a los cuatro segmentos constituida por vesículas, ampollas, placas eritematocostrosas y hematonecróticas, además de atróficas, asociadas con edema. La biopsia confirmó linfoma cutáneo de células T paniculítico con extensa necrosis epidérmica. CONCLUSIONES: Reportamos el caso de un LCCTP en un paciente pediátrico. Aunque es raro en este grupo de edad, se debe considerar en los niños que presentan cuadros similares y que no responden a tratamiento. El diagnóstico se realiza por sospecha clínica y se confirma por histología. Se discuten los desafíos en su manejo y cómo el diagnóstico oportuno influye en la sobrevida del paciente.

[Papular mycosis fungoides in elderly: Report of two cases]. / Micosis fungoide papular en el anciano: a propósito de 2 casos.

Papular mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon clinical variant of early MF without prognostic implications that follows an indolent course over years. It is characterized by the presence of multiple, small, pruritic, flat-topped, erythematous papules, often presenting as a nonspecific papular eruption which makes early diagnosis difficult. We describe two cases of elderly patients with papular MF, a probably underdiagnosed entity, which causes a significant deterioration in quality of life of patients who may benefit from specific treatments such as phototherapy.

Linfoma cutáneo de células T paniculítico, ampolloso y agresivo / Blistering and aggressive paniculite cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Resumen Introducción: El linfoma de células T tipo paniculitis subcutánea (LCCTP) se caracteriza por la presencia de linfocitos T atípicos que expresan el receptor de células T α/β en el tejido celular subcutáneo. Aunque generalmente es indolente, algunos casos presentan un curso agresivo. Es mayormente una enfermedad de la mediana edad, rara vez afecta a los niños. Caso clínico: Se describe el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 12 años de edad, previamente sano que presentó una dermatosis diseminada a los cuatro segmentos constituida por vesículas, ampollas, placas eritematocostrosas y hematonecróticas, además de atróficas, asociadas con edema. La biopsia confirmó linfoma cutáneo de células T paniculítico con extensa necrosis epidérmica. Conclusiones: Reportamos el caso de un LCCTP en un paciente pediátrico. Aunque es raro en este grupo de edad, se debe considerar en los niños que presentan cuadros similares y que no responden a tratamiento. El diagnóstico se realiza por sospecha clínica y se confirma por histología. Se discuten los desafíos en su manejo y cómo el diagnóstico oportuno influye en la sobrevida del paciente.

Abstract Background: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is characterized by atypical T-cells expressing the α/β T-cell receptor in the subcutaneous fat. Although it is usually indolent, some cases can show an aggressive course. It is usually a disease of the middle-aged, but can rarely affect children. Case report: We describe the case of a 12-year-old male, previously healthy, who presented a dermatosis disseminated to the four segments consisting of vesicles, blisters, erythematous and hematonecrotic plaques, atrophic scars, associated with edema. The biopsy confirmed limited cutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma with extensive epidermal necrosis. Conclusions: We report the case of a SPTCL in a child. Although rare in this age group, the diagnosis should be considered in children who present similar conditions and who do not respond to treatment. Diagnosis is made on clinical suspicion and confirmed by histology. We discuss the challenges in its management and how timely diagnosis influences patient survival.

[Thyroid and lipidic dysfunction associated with bexarotene in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma]. / Disfunción tiroidea y lipídica asociada a bexaroteno en el linfoma cutáneo de células T.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bexarotene is a synthetic selective X receptor rexinoide approved for the systemic treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. During treatment is very frequent the occurrence of hypothyroidism and severe mixed hyperlipidemia, both are reversibles and dose-dependent adverse events. Increase of triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol level (up to even higher levels have been associated with pancreatitis in some cases) is widely described (as is the case with other retinoids) but decrease in HDL-cholesterol is poored know. We review our experience with the use of bexarotene. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a serie of 3 clinical report of patients treated with bexarotene in whose, in addition to these well-known adverse event, a serious lowering of HDL-cholesterol was observed. RESULTS: The 3 patients studied had metabolic complications like central hypothyroidism and severe mixed hyperlipidemia; with special emphasis on the sharp fall (mean decrease>83%) in the HDL-cholesterol level. Cholesterol lowering medication and substitutive hormonal replacement with levotiroxine resulted in an improvement of the biochimical parameters without reaching the correct goals. CONCLUSIONS: Bexarotene produce as predictable side effects severe mixed hyperlipidemia with marked decrease in HDL-cholesterol levels and central hypothyroidism, being the both reversible and dose-dependent. A reflection on the possible aetiological mechanisms and implications of this phenomenon are included.

Síndrome de Sézary. Etiopatogenia, epidemiología, clínica, diagnóstico y pronóstico / Sézary syndrome Pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and prognosis

El síndrome de Sézary (SS) es una rara y agresiva variante leucémica del linfoma cutáneo de células T, de pronóstico ominoso. Se caracteriza por presentar la tríada eritrodermia, linfadenopatías y linfocitos T neoplásicos circulantes. El diagnóstico está dado por la clínica, el estudio histopatológico, la citometría de flujo y el reordenamiento genético del receptor del linfocito T. En esta revisión se analizan la presentación clínica, la histopatología, el diagnóstico y el pronóstico de este síndrome. (AU)

Sézary syndrome (SS) is a rare and aggressive leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with poor prognosis. Is characterized by a triad of erythroderma, lymphadenopathy and circulating neoplastic T cells. Diagnosis is made by clinical features, histopathology, flow cytometry and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements. In this review we will analyze clinical presentation, histopathology, diagnosis and prognosis of SS. (AU)

Micosis fungoide y VIH ¡Es posible esta excepcional relación! / Mycosis fungoides and HIV.This exceptional relationship is possible! Case report

RESUMEN Las enfermedades cutáneas en pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y/o síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA) son comunes y altamente incapacitantes; sin embargo, la micosis fungoide (MF) es una complicación inusual en pacientes con VIH, por tal motivo no ha sido completamente dilucidado su etiopatogénesis ni su forma de presentación o manifestaciones clínicas en pacientes con esta patología. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de VIH y MF atendida en la unidad de Dermatología del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe. Medellín - Colombia.

ABSTRACT Cutaneous diseases in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common, becoming highly disabling entities in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); however, mycosis fungoides (MF) is a complication of low occurrence in patients with HIV, so it has not been clearly elucidated its presentation or manifestations in patients with this pathology. In this report we present the case of a patient with a diagnosis of HIV and MF treated at the Dermatology Unit of the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, in Medellín, Colombia.

Pitiriasis rubra pilaris tratada con lámpara excímero / Pityriasis rubra pilaris treated with excimer lamp

Resumen La pitiriasis rubra pilaris, es una dermatosis inflamatoria papuloescamosa e hiperqueratósica de origen desconocido y de progresión crónica, la cual puede evolucionar incluso a eritrodermia. El presente caso trata de un paciente de 27 años portador del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana, diagnosticado con pitiriasis rubra pilaris tipo IV, inicialmente tratado con corticosteroide tópico y fototerapia, por cuatro meses. Sin embargo, presentó reactivación de las lesiones, por lo que se recurrió a la aplicación de lámpara excímero, utilizada en otras patologías dermatológicas, mas no de uso habitual en la pitiriasis rubra pilaris.

Abstract Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris is an inflammatory papulosquamous and hyperkeratic dermatosis of unknown cause and chronic progression which can envolve even into erythroderma. This case deals with a 27-year old male patient carrier of VIH who was diagnosed with PRP type IV. Initially, it was treated with topical corticosteroid and phototherapy for four months. However, it showed reactivation of the injuries; therefore, excimer lamp was employed, which is used in other dermatologic pathologies but it is not a regular treatment for PRP type IV.

Primary multifocal anaplastic large cell lymphoma with eyelid involvement: a case report / Linfoma anaplásico de grandes células primário multifocal com envolvimento de pálpebra: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Ocular adnexal involvement in CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders is rare. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman with a relapsing primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma on her eyelid. A systemic extension study excluded extracutaneous involvement. Systemic chemotherapy resulted in an optimal response, with complete regression of the cutaneous lesions. There has been no recurrence during the 2 years of follow-up.

RESUMO O acometimento ocular adicional nos distúrbios linfoproliferativos CD30+ é raro. Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 73 anos com linfoma de grandes células anaplásicas primárias recidivantes em sua pálpebra. A avaliação sistêmica excluiu envolvimento extracutâneo. A quimioterapia sistémica resultou em uma resposta ótima, com regressão completa das lesões cutáneas. Não houve recidiva durante 2 anos de acompanhamento.

Micosis fungoide en vulva: Presentación de un caso / Vulvar mycosis fungoides: A case report

Mycosis fungoides is a malignant neoplasm originating in T lymphocytes. It usually starts with the appearance of flat spots, called "patch stage". As time goes by, lesions infiltrate surrounding tissue and plaques appear ("plaque stage"). We present the case of a 50-year-old female patient wiht clinical and histological findings of vulvar mycosis fungoides in patch stage.

La micosis fungoide es una neoplasia maligna originada en los linfocitos T. Usualmente inicia con la aparición de manchas planas o estadio de mancha. Con el correr de los años, las lesiones van siendo infiltrantes, apareciendo las placas o estadio de placas. Presentamos a un paciente de sexo femenino de 50 años con hallazgos clínicos e histopatológicos de micosis fungoide en estadio eritematoso o manchas a nivel de vulva.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma / Leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto

Summary Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a malignancy of mature CD4+ T-cells caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Twenty million people are believed to be infected throughout the world, mostly in Japan, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, particularly in Brazil and Peru. ATL affects about 5% of infected individuals and is classified in the following clinical forms: acute, lymphoma, primary cutaneous tumoral, chronic (favorable and unfavorable), and smoldering (leukemic and non-leukemic). Although it is considered an aggressive disease, there are cases with a long progression. We emphasize the importance of clinical classification as an indispensable element for evaluating prognosis and appropriate therapeutic approach. Since several cases have been published in Brazil and this disease is still poorly known, we decided to make a review paper for dissemination of clinical, hematological and pathological aspects, diagnosis, and therapy. The best way to reduce the occurrence of ATL would be halting the transmission of the virus through breastfeeding.

Resumo A leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto (LLcTA) é uma neoplasia de células T maduras CD4+ causada pelo vírus linfotrópico para células T humanas tipo 1 (HTLV-1). Acredita-se que existem cerca de 20 milhões de pessoas infectadas em todo o mundo, principalmente no Japão, na África, no Caribe e na América do Sul, particularmen te no Brasil e no Peru. A LLcTA acomete cerca de 5% dos indivíduos infectados e classifica-se nas seguintes formas clínicas: aguda, linfomatosa, tumoral primária de pele, crônica (favorável e desfavorável) e indolente (leucêmica e não leucêmica). Embora seja considerada uma doença agressiva, há casos com longa evolução. Salientamos a importância da classificação clínica como elemento im prescindível para avaliação do prognóstico e conduta terapêutica adequada. Como já foram publicados vários casos no Brasil e essa doença ainda é pouco conhecida, decidimos fazer um trabalho de revisão para divulgar os seus aspectos clínicos, hematológicos, anatomopatológi cos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos. O melhor meio de redu zir a ocorrência de LLcTA seria sustando a transmissão vertical do vírus pela amamentação.

Hanseníase virchowiana difusa e o diagnóstico diferencial com outras doenças sistêmicas / Lepromatous leprosy and the differential diagnosis with other systemic diseases

A Hanseníase é uma doença causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae, com manifestações cutâneas acompanhadas de perda da sensibilidade e envolvimento de sistema nervoso periférico, podendo acometer vísceras e mucosas. O Brasil ocupa o 2° lugar no ranking de prevalência da doença. A classificação própria da hanseníase evidencia sua complexidade clínica e polimorfismo; e possibilita intersecções com patologias como o linfoma não Hodgkin. Este é uma neoplasia maligna de linfonodos, e pode manifestar-se primariamente na pele. Paciente masculino, 51 anos. Procurou o serviço com queixa de “pele rachada”, lesões em boca e língua, e emagrecimento. Ao exame físico, presença de placas em palato, formações esbranquiçadas em dorso de língua e infiltração em lóbulo de orelha. Identificaram-se ainda, alterações sensitivas em extremidades, rash cutâneo eritemato-descamativo generalizado, tumoração em cotovelo, e lesões eritemato-infiltradas com exulcerações em membros inferiores. As hipóteses diagnósticas foram: hanseníase, leishmaniose cutâneo-mucosa, SIDA, Sífilis secundária e linfoma não Hodgkin. Durante a investigação, obtiveram-se resultados negativos para todas as sorologias, exceto a pesquisa de BAAR e biópsia sugerindo Hanseníase Virchowiana. Iniciou-se tratamento poliquimioterápico e houve remissão completa das lesões. Na hanseníase virchowiana, notam-se lesões sólidas papulosas, nodulares, ou em placas com características variáveis. Além disso, é possível encontrar espessamento de pavilhão auricular, madarose e obstrução nasal. Lesões em cavidade oral, também são descritas nestes casos. Os linfomas não Hodgkin de apresentação cutânea primária, podem se assemelhar a formas difusas de Hanseníase virchowiana, pois são neoplasias linforreticulares que se manifestam durante a história natural da doença em tecidos extranodais, dentre eles, a pele.

Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, with skin manifestations accompanied by loss of sensation and involvement of the peripheral nervous system that can also affect mucous membranes and viscera. Brazil ranks 2nd in the ranking of disease prevalence. The classification of leprosy itself shows its clinical polymorphism; and allows intersections with diseases such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is a malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes, and may manifest primarily inthe skin. A 51 years-old male patient came to us complaining of “chapped skin”, lesions in the mouth and the tongue and weight loss. On physical examination there was the presence of plaques on the palate, whitish formations on back of tongue and ear lobe infiltration. We identified sensory changes, widespread erythematous rash, a tumor in the elbow, and infiltrated erythematous lesions with exulcerations in lower limbs. The diagnostic hypotheses were: mucocutaneous leishmaniosis, AIDS, secondary syphilis, leprosy and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During the investigation, all serological test were negative, however, acid fast bacilli staining and biopsy suggested lepromatous leprosy. After multidrugtherapy treatment there was complete resolution of the lesions. In lepromatous leprosy solid nodular, papular lesions or plaques with variable characteristics may be noticed. Additionally, thickening of the pinna, madarosis and nasal obstruction can be found. Lesions in the oral cavity are also described in cases of lepromatous leprosy. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas with primary cutaneous presentation, may resemble indeterminate forms of leprosy, since they are characterized as lymphoreticular neoplasms that arise during the natural history of the disease, in extranodal tissues, including the skin.

Linfoma de células cutáneas de células T, tipo micosis fungoide folicular: reporte de un caso / Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma type mycosis fungoides follicular: case report

La Micosis Fungoide (MF) es el linfoma cutáneo más común de células T. Tiene un comportamiento indolente, llevando a algunos a utilizar el término de linfoma cutáneo de células T (LLCT) como sinónimo de la MF. Se caracteriza por una erupción cutánea crónica, generalizada, y clínicamente por la evolución de los parches en placas y tumores. A continuación se presentará un caso clínico que tras un diagnóstico de liquen plano refractario a tratamiento, se diagnostica micosis fungoide folicular.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is recognized as the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It has an indolent behavior, leading some to use the term cutaneous T-cell lymphoma as synonymous of MF. It is characterized by chronic, widespread rash, and clinically by the evolution of patches in plaques and tumors. We describe our experience with a case that after a diagnosis of lichen planus refractory to treatment, we diagnosed follicular mycosis fungoides.

Case for diagnosis / Caso para diagnostico

Ketron-Goodman disease was formerly considered a disseminated type of pagetoid reticulosis. However, according to the new classification consensus, it should be regarded as aggressive epidermotropic CD8 T-cutaneous lymphoma, cutaneous gamma/delta T-lymphoma, or tumor-stage mycosis fungoides, depending on the clinical-histological picture. This case highlights a rare and challenging presentation of Ketron-Goodman disease with an indolent presentation and evolution and good response to a low-grade treatment regimen, not fitting well into the new classification criteria.

A doença de Ketron-Goodman foi inicialmente considerada uma forma disseminada de reticulose pagetóide. Mas, de acordo com o atual sistema de classificação e dependendo do quadro clínico-patológico deve ser antes vista como um linfoma T CD8 agressivo epidermotrópico, linfoma T gama/delta ou micose fungóide, estadio tumoral. Pretendemos realçar esta doença rara que pode suscitar dúvidas no diagnóstico. Neste caso, a apresentação e evolução foram indolentes com boa resposta a um tratamento pouco agressivo, não se enquadrando bem nas novas propostas de classificação da doença.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in mycosis fungoides / Transplante alogenico de celulas-tronco hematopoieticas em micose fungoide

Mycosis Fungoides is typically an indolent disease in early stages. However, approximately 30% of patients have advanced staged disease at presentation and 20% will develop it at some time. These patients have a poorer prognosis with a median survival of 2-4 years. The only curative option for mycosis fungoides may be hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We report the case of a patient with mycosis fungoides in an advanced stage (IIB), refractory to treatment options. She underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The patient remains in complete remission nineteen months after allo-HSCT. Allogeneic transplantation can alter the natural history of mycosis fungoides and should be considered in patients who have refractory disease or short-lived responses with standard therapies.

Micose Fungoide é tipicamente uma doença indolente em estágios iniciais. No entanto, aproximadamente 30% dos pacientes têm doença avançada na apresentação e 20% irão desenvolvê-la em algum momento. Esses pacientes têm um pior prognóstico com uma sobrevida média de dois a quatro anos. A única possibilidade de cura é o transplante alogênico de células-tronco hematopoiéticas. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente com micose fungoide em estágio avançado (IIB), refratária às opções terapêuticas e que foi submetida a um transplante alogênico de células-tronco hematopoiéticas. A paciente permanece em remissão completa 19 meses após o procedimento. O transplante alogênico é capaz de mudar a história natural da micose fungoide e deve ser considerado em pacientes com doença avançada e refratária aos tratamentos disponíveis.

Non Hodgkin T cell lymphoma: an atypical clinical presentation / Linfoma não Hodgkin de células T citotóxico: uma apresentação clínica atípica

Cytotoxic lymphomas comprise a spectrum of peripheral T-cell lymphomas that can have a initial or late cutaneous presentation. We describe a 46-year-old man from Cape Verde, with a dermatosis involving his face and trunk, consisting of monomorphic papules with a smooth surface and both motor and sensory polyneuropathy.The hypothesis of leprosy was supported by the clinical and initial hystopathological findings and the patient was referred to our hospital with suspected Hansen's disease. In the new skin and lymph node biopsies a lymphocyte population was identified whose immunohystochemistry study allowed the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma with expression of cytotoxic markers. The patient was started on chemotherapy with initial remission of the skin lesions but, subsequently, progression of systemic disease.

Os linfomas citotóxicos compreendem um espectro de linfomas de células T periféricos e linfomas Natural Killer que podem ter expressão cutânea primária ou secundária. Descrevemos o caso de um homem com 46 anos de idade, natural de Cabo Verde,com dermatose envolvendo a face e tronco constituída por pápulas monomorfas superfície lisa e polineuropatia sensitivo motora.A hipótese de Hanseníase foi colocada suportada por achados histopatológicos sugestivos sendo o doente referenciado à consulta de Doença de Hansen do nosso hospital. Em biopsia de pele e de gânglio identificou-se proliferação linfocitária cujo estudo imunohistoquímico permitiu o diagnóstico de linfoma T com expressão de marcadores citotóxicos. Iniciou quimioterapia verificando-se inicialmente remissão parcial das lesões cutâneas mas posteriormente a progressão da doença sistémica.

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides: a review of its clinical features and pathophysiology / Micose fungoide hipocromiante: uma revisao de seus aspectos clinicos e fisiopatologicos

Several distinct clinical forms of mycosis fungoides have been described. Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides should be regarded as a subtype of mycosis fungoides, insofar as it presents some peculiar characteristics that contrast with the clinical features of the classical form. Most patients with hypopigmented mycosis fungoides are younger than patients typically diagnosed with classical mycosis fungoides. In addition to typical dark-skinned individuals impairment, hypopigmented mycosis fungoides has also been described in Asian patients. The prognosis for hypopigmented mycosis fungoides is much better than for classical mycosis fungoides: hypopigmented mycosis fungoides is diagnosed when there are only patches of affected skin, and lesions usually will not progress beyond terminal stages, although they can persist for many years. Diagnosis should involve clinicopathologic correlation: skin biopsy analysis often reveals intense epidermotropism, characterized by haloed, large, and atypical CD8+ lymphocytes with convoluted nuclei, in contrast to mild to moderate dermal lymphocytic infiltrate. These CD8+ cells, which participate in T helper 1-mediated immune responses, prevent evolution to mycosis fungoides plaques and tumors and could be considered the main cause of the inhibition of melanogenesis. Therefore, hypopigmentation could be considered a marker of good prognosis for mycosis fungoides.

Ultimamente diferentes formas clínicas da micose fungoide têm sido descritas. A micose fungoide hipocromiante pode ser considerada um subtipo da micose fungoide, apresentando algumas características peculiares que contrastam com os achados da forma clássica da micose fungoide. A maioria dos pacientes com micose fungoide hipocromiante são mais jovens que aqueles acometidos pela micose fungoide clássica. Esta variante é descrita principalmente em indivíduos melanodérmicos (afroamericanos e asiáticos). O prognóstico é melhor que o observado para a forma clássica: ao diagnóstico, os pacientes apresentam somente "patches", que tendem a perdurar por longos períodos, sem evolução para estágios mais avançados. O diagnóstico é feito através da correlação clinicopatológica: biópsia da lesão cutânea frequentemente revela intenso epidermotropismo, caracterizado por linfócitos CD8+ atípicos, grandes, com halo e núcleo convoluto, contrastando com o infiltrado dérmico leve a moderado. Estas células CD8+, que participam do perfil de resposta T helper-1, impediriam a evolução da doença para o desenvolvimento de placas infiltradas e tumores, além de determinar a inibição da melanogênese nas lesões hipocrômicas. Portanto, a hipocromia poderia ser considerada um marcador de bom prognóstico na micose fungoide.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma - case report / Linfoma cutaneo primario de grandes celulas anaplasicas - relato de caso

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is part of the spectrum of CD30+ lymphoproliferative cutaneous processes, characterized by single or multifocal nodules that ulcerate, are autoregressive and recurrent. Extracutaneous dissemination may occur, especially to regional lymph nodes. Histology shows a diffuse, non-epidermotropic infiltrate , anaplastic large lymphoid cells of immunohistochemistry CD30+, CD4+, EMA-/+, ALK-, CD15- and TIA1-/+. Prognosis is good and does not depend on lymphatic invasion. Radiotherapy, removal of the lesion and/or low-dose methotrexate are the treatments of choice. The present study reports the case of a 57-year-old-woman presenting Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma with multifocal lesions. The pacient evolved with pulmonary involvement 7 years later. She showed a good response to the treatment with low-dose methotrexate prescribed weekly.

Linfoma cutâneo primário de grandes células T anaplásicas faz parte do espectro de processos linfoproliferativos cutâneos CD30+ e caracteriza-se por nódulos únicos ou multifocais, ulcerados, autorregressivos e recidivantes. Pode haver disseminação extracutânea, principalmente para linfonodos regionais. O histológico mostra infiltrado difuso, não-epidermotrópico, grandes células linfóides anaplásicas de imunohistoquímica CD30+, CD4+, EMA-/+, ALK-, CD15- e TIA1-/+. O prognóstico é bom e independe da invasão ganglionar. Radioterapia, retirada da lesão e/ou metotrexato em baixas doses são os tratamentos de escolha. Este estudo relata o caso de uma mulher, 57 anos, com Linfoma cutâneo primário de grandes células T com lesões multifocais e que, após 7 anos, evoluiu com acometimento pulmonar. Apresentou boa resposta ao tratamento com metotrexato em baixas doses semanais.

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical review and update / Micose fungóide e síndrome de Sézary: revisão e atualização clínica, histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica

This paper reviews the diagnostic and classificatory concepts of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome in light of the latest normative publications. It describes the great variability of the clinical expression of mycosis fungoides in its early stages as well as the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects that help with diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria required for characterizing Sézary syndrome and the staging system used for both mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are described.

O artigo revisa os conceitos diagnósticos e de classificação da micose fungóide e da síndrome de Sézary a luz das publicações normativas mais recentes. Descreve a grande variabilidade de expressão clinica da micose fungóide em seus estágios iniciais assim como os aspectos histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos auxiliares ao diagnóstico. São descritos os critérios de diagnósticos exigidos para que se caracterize a síndrome de Sézary e o sistema de estadiamento, utilizado para ambas, micose fungóide e síndrome de Sézary.