ABSTRACT
Background@#Acral melanoma occurs on glabrous skin or the nail apparatus and is distinct from ultraviolet-related melanoma due to differing genetic alteration patterns. Although the pathogenesis of acral melanoma is not well understood, mechanical stress is thought to induce acral melanoma. The incidence of gene mutation and promoter methylation has been reported in tumors from acral melanoma; however, an association between genetic/epigenetic alterations and mechanical stress in acral melanoma remains unclear. @*Objective@#To investigate the relationship between clinical/genetic factors and mechanical stress in acral melanoma. @*Methods@#A retrospective review of 52 patients diagnosed with acral melanoma was performed. We reviewed the clinical characteristics of patients, tumor status, and tumor location. Mutations in BRAF, NRAS, and the TERT promoter, along with KIT amplification and PTEN promoter methylation were analyzed in the tumors. @*Results@#The heel (34/52, 65.4%) was the most common anatomical tumor site. Mutations in BRAF (6/48, 12.5%), NRAS (6/49, 12.2%), and the TERT promoter (4/33, 12.1%), along with KIT,/i> amplification (3/37, 8.1%) and PTEN promoter hypermethylation (12/48, 25.0%) were ob-served in the tumors. On the forefoot, heel, and hallux, PTEN promoter hypermethylation was significantly associated with Breslow thickness (p=0.001) and ulceration rate (p= 0.042). On the midfoot and lesser toes, there was no significant difference in Breslow thickness or ulceration rate regardless of PTEN promoter hypermethylation (p＞0.05). @*Conclusion@#PTEN promoter hypermethylation is associated with Breslow thickness and tumor ulceration on the forefoot, heel, and hallux in acral melanoma in Korean patients.
ABSTRACT
Pustulotic arthro-osteitis (PAO) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by inflammatory osteitis of the sternoclavicular joint and palmoplantar pustulosis. Here, we report a case of PAO that was successfully treated with a TNF-α inhibitor. A 45-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of pustular eruption on the palms and soles. Physical examination showed multiple erythematous papulopustules on the palms, back, and left shin, accompanied by sternoclavicular joint swelling and tenderness. Skin biopsy showed intraepidermal pustules filled with neutrophils on the palm. Bone scintigraphy revealed increased uptake in the bilateral sternoclavicular and other axial joints. Based on these findings, we made the diagnosis of PAO. Even after 6-month treatment of oral steroids and cyclosporine, skin manifestations insufficiently improved, so etanercept therapy was started. Complete clearance of skin lesions and joint pain were achieved after 3 months of etanercept therapy.