Tazarotene-Induced Gene 3 May Affect Inflammatory Angiogenesis in Psoriasis by Downregulating Placental Growth Factor Expression

No abstract available.

CD4-/CD56+/CD123+ Hematodermic Neoplasm Showing Early Liver Metastasis

Hematodermic neoplasm (HN) is a clinically aggressive neoplasm with a high incidence of cutaneous involvement and a risk of leukemic dissemination. In the recent WHO-EORTC classification, the term blastic natural killer cell lymphoma has been replaced with CD4+/CD56+ HN because of its derivation from a plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursor. Cases of HN that completely lack CD4 or CD56 expression, therefore represents a diagnostic problem. A 68-year-old Korean male was diagnosed with CD4-/CD56+ HN and treated with hyper-CVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone) at initial treatment, and then switched to high dose methotrexate/cytarabine. His disease relapsed and resulted in death from bone and brain disease 6 months after complete clinical remission, despite diagnostic workups, including a radioisotope liver scan and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy. Further cytogenetic studies such as comparative genomic hybridization could elucidate the genetic mechanisms in the development and progression of lymphomas. We report an unusual case of 'CD4-/CD56+/CD123+ HN' showing early liver metastasis.

Angiomatoid Spitz Nevus

Spitz nevus is a variant of melanocytic nevus which is histopathologically defined as large spindle and/or epithelioid cells. Angiomatoid Spitz nevus is a rare histologic variant of desmoplastic Spitz nevus characterized by prominent vasculature. We present a case of angiomatoid Spitz nevus, celluar type, that has not been reported before. We provide another example to show the remarkable diversity of Spitz nevus.

Therapeutic Effects of Tazarotene on Psoriasis and Its Potential Action Mechanism in Inflammatory Angiogenesis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is characterized by chronic recurrent erythematous skin plaques that exhibit epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cell accumulation and abnormalities of the papillary dermal vasculature. Psoriatic skin lesions show enlargement and increased tortuosity of cutaneous microvessels without formation of new vessel sprouts, that is, inflammatory angiogenesis. Placental growth factor (PlGF) and Tie-2 were reported to be up-regulated during inflammatory angiogenesis. Tazarotene is the first receptor-selective retinoid and its effects include normalizing keratinocyte differentiation, reducing keratinocyte proliferation and reducing inflammation. OBJECTIVE: Our study evaluated the clinical efficacy of topical tazarotene treatment and clarified histological changes and possible action mechanisms of this agent in respect of inflammatory angiogenesis. METHODS: We selected patients with symmetric psoriatic lesions and applied 0.1% tazarotene gel (Tazorac(R)) versus calcitriol 3 microgram/g gel (Silkis(R)) twice a day for 12 weeks with a right-left comparison. We grouped the patients with treatment modalities. Clinical efficacy, which was measured by the overall lesional assessment (OLA) scores, was assessed at each visit in 2 week' intervals until treatment closed. Skin biopsies were performed before the treatment started and again at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. Immunohistochemistry of PlGF, Tie-2 and factor-VIII was performed to elucidate the anti-angiogenetic effect of tazarotene. RESULTS: At the completion of 12 weeks of treatment, the OLA score of tazarotene-treated lesions was more reduced than that of calcitriol-treated lesions combined with phototherapy, it was more effective. Several histologic features such as epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration and vessel dilation/tortousity were improved with decreased PlGF and Tie-2 expressions. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that tazarotene is an effective topical agent for psoriasis by blocking inflammatory angiogenesis.

A Case of Pigmented Neurofibroma Associated with Giant Cafe-au-lait Patches / 대한피부과학회지

Pigmented neurofibroma is a rare cutaneous tumor accounting for less than 1% of all neurofibroma. It is characterized histologically by the coexistence of scattered melanin-laden cells and benign spindle cells with neural differentiation. The origin of these tumors are unknown, and they show a storifom pattern. In our case, the patient had giant cafe au lait patches on the left trunk which had been present since birth, freckles on both axilla, and two dark-red colored plaques which had appeared 2 years ago. Histologic examination revealed pigmented neurofibromas showing the melanin-laden, pigmented cells within the upper dermis and plexiform neurofibromas in the subcutaneous tissue. We describe a case of pigmented neurofbroma in a 13-year-old male patient.

A Case of Generalized Lichen Planus Treated with Topical Pimecrolimus / 대한피부과학회지

Lichen planus is a chronic papulosquamous disease chracterized by various clinical manifestations of the skin and mucous membrane. Although its etiology is not fully understood, lichen planus has been associated with viral infection, autoimmune disease, psychologic factors, and medications. Both antigen-specific and non-specific mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of lichen planus. The former includes antigen presentation by basal keratinocytes and antigen-specific keratinocyte killing by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, the latter includes mast cell degranulation and matrix metalloproteinase activation. A large variety of topical and systemic therapies are available for the treatment of lichen planus. Also, topical pimecrolimus (Elidel(R) 0.1% cream) may be used because of its inhibitory effect on activated T cells and mast cell degranulation. Recently, it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of oral and genital lichen planus. But, its effect in cutaneous lichen planus has not been reported to date. We report on the successful use of topical pimecrolimus in the management of a generalized lichen planus patient.

Histopathologic Gradings Correlate with Clinical Prognostic Factors and Therapeutic Effects in Patient with Alopecia Areata / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGRUND & OBJECTIVE: Prognosis of alopecia areata have been attributed to various factors; age of onset, duration before treatment, extent of hair loss, clinical type of alopecia areata, sex, nail changes or accompaniment of atopy. The study on prognostic factors has only been conducted from statistical data of patients and individualized medical conditions. The histopathologic findings of alopecia areata have been investigated by the minute pathologic changes associated with the hair growth cycle in the transverse section. Moreover, these findings were used mainly for diagnostic purpose, but clinical significance of histopathologic severity in prognosis has not been established to date. METHODS: A clinical study, including histopathological and clinical evaluation was conducted on 108 alopecia areata patients between July 1997 and August 2005 at the Department of Dermatology, Dong-A University Hospital. The evaluation criteria INCLUDED: sex, age, age at onset, duration before treatment, clinical types, extent of hair loss, nail changes, accompaniment of atopy, and scalp biopsy finding. The clinical types of alopecia areata were classified as follows; patchy, subtotalis, totalis, and universalis. The extent of hair loss before treatment was classified into 5 grades (S1~S5), according to the method designed by Olsen and Canfield. Clinical improvements after treatment were classified into 5 grades according to degree of regrowth and reduction of the alopecia areata area. Biopsy findings were classified into 4 grades (type I, II, III, and IV) according to classification by Uno and Orecchia. RESULTS: The mean age was 28.6 years, without any sex predominance. The severe histopathologic gradings were significantly associated with early age of onset (p=0.008), a long disease duration before treatment (p=0.003), a greater extent of hair loss (p=0.009), and poor response to treatment (p=0.036). The histopathologic gradings were not significantly associated with sex (p=0.657), clinical types of alopecia areata (p=0.529), nail changes (p=0.746), or accompaniment of atopy (p=0.924). CONCLUSION: Histopathologic gradings in alopecia areata, using vertical sections are significantly associated with prognostic factors such as age of onset, extent of hair loss, disease duration before treatment, as well as the response to treatment. Therefore we consider that the histopathologic grading system is recommendable as an independent prognostic factor in alopecia areata, in addition to the well-known clinical prognostic factors. They may also be used to predict the response to treatment.

A Case of Pseudocyst of the Auricle Treated by Incisional Biopsy / 대한피부과학회지

Pseudocyst of the auricle is an uncommon condition, which typically presents as an asymptomatic, noninflammatory swelling of the external ear. Most of the patients are usually young, healthy males without trauma. Histological examination is characterized by the intracartilaginous accumulation of serous fluid without an epithelial lining. The pathogenesis is unknown. Some theories about the release of lysosomal enzymes or inflammatory mediators and embryologic dysplasia of the auricle cartilage have been suggested. Treatment of pseudocyst of the auricle has usually involved a simple aspiration and compressive dressing, but this may often cause the fluid to reaccumulate. Treatment by surgical excision may result in a permanent deformity and scar of the auricle. Therefore, various treatments have been suggested. We report a case of pseudocyst of the auricle successfully treated by incisional biopsy only.

Treatment Outcome and Satisfaction after Micrographic Surgery Using Margin Strip Method / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) was known as an ideal treatment for non-melanocytic skin cancers. Recently, various modified MMS methods have been introduced. Margin strip method is a modified micrographic surgery technique that makes operation and reconstruction more easy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment results and patients' satisfaction of micrographic surgery using margin strip method. METHODS: We reviewed 72 cases of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and 36 cases of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) treated with micrographic surgery using margin strip method from January 2001 to December 2004. We analyzed them in aspects of the sex, age, duration, location, size and histological types of tumor. They were also evaluated in aspects of surgical margin, depth, stage, defect size and reconstruction methods. We also analyzed follow-up data concerning recurrence rate, complications and patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: SCCs were more common in older age groups, and BCCs were showing centrofacial distribution. Mean numbers of stage was 1.5 in BCC and 1.3 in SCC, and safety excised margins were 0.72 cm in BCC and 1.03 cm in SCC. Infiltrative type of BCC, the numbers of stage and size of safety excised margin were increased. The transposition and rotation flap were most commonly used in BCC and SCC, respectively. Patients' satisfaction were 8.06 in BCC and 7.76 in SCC. 6. Recurrence rate were 0% in BCC and 5.6% in SCC. CONCLUSION: Micrographic surgery using margin strip method may be a useful and satisfactory method for the treatment of non-melanocytic skin cancers.

A Case of Nicolau Syndrome Treated by Surgical Excision / 대한피부과학회지

Nicolau syndrome or embolia cutis medicamentosa is an acute necrotic condition of skin that follows intramuscular injection of drugs. A 36-year-old man developed a painful, purpuric and erythematous patch on his left buttock following an intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium. Histologically, the patch lesion displayed epidermal necrosis, dermal degeneration, and vascular thrombosis. We report a rare case of Nicolau syndrome following intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium. In our case, the patient was successfully treated by surgical excision with primary closure.

A Case of Calcifying Aponeurotic Fibroma with Gait Disturbance / 대한피부과학회지

Calvus, callus, plantar warts and piezogenic papules are well known to cause discomfort and disturbance of gait in ordinary physical and sports activities. Furthermore, calcifying aponeurotic fibroma, whose mass slowly grows on the palms and soles of children and young adults, leads to pain, disturbance of gait, and even to skeletal deformities. A 22-year-old woman noticed an elevated subcutaneous mass on the left plantar surface of her big toe, which was accompanied with pain, tenderness and gait disturbance. The histologic findings showed an ill-circumscribed fibroblastic proliferation with foci of calcification and chondroid differentiation. After total excision of the mass, the patient became free of the above symptoms and the lesion did not recur for 9 months.

Multiple Cutaneous Edema and Infiltration of Signet-ring Cells in the Lymphatics as an Initial Manifestation of Metastatic Gastric Adenocarcinoma / 대한피부과학회지

Signet-ring cells are cells in which the nucleus is crescentically compressed with a cellular border, so that the cell looks like a signet-ring. Many cutaneous signet-ring cell neoplasms originate from the stomach, lung and breast, and these appear to be the most common sites of origin. In skin, the appearance of signet-ring cells within a neoplasm can indicate metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach, lung and breast. Thus, the primary origin and other metastatic sites should be evaluated. A 44-year-old man presented with a six month history of cutaneous swelling on the left axillary and left supraclavicular area. Histopathologic findings of the axillary lesion showed signet-ring cells in the lymphatics. These clustered cells were PAS-positive, diastase-resistant, and stained with colloidal iron and CEA. During the work-up study to find the primary origin, we discovered advanced gastric cancer and multiple lymph node metastases.

A Case of Lentigo Maligna Melanoma Treated with Mohs Micrographic Surgery / 대한피부과학회지

Lentigo maligna melanoma and lentigo maligna are typically located on photo-exposed sites such as the head and neck, with the cheek being the most common site. Since lentigo maligna melanoma and lentigo maligna are found predominantly on such cosmetically-sensitive areas, it is critical to determine the exact histologic margin for maximal sparing of tissue and complete extirpation of the tumor. Since Mohs micrographic surgery has been recommended for tumors on cosmetically-sensitive locations where the tumor margin is indistinct, it appears to be a reasonable treatment modality for this type of tumor. We describe a case of lentigo maligna melanoma on the cheek, which was resected with Mohs micrographic surgery.

A Case of Primary Mucinous Carcinoma of the Skin / 대한피부과학회지

Primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin is a rare adnexal neoplasm with sweat gland differentiation. Mucinous carcinoma can occur in noncutaneous visceral sites and may metastasize in the skin. Thus it is important to exclude the possibility of a noncutaneous visceral primary tumor before diagnosing primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin. This tumor has a tendency for slow growth, local recurrence, and infrequent metastasis. To decrease local recurrence, Mohs micrographic surgery can be used to treat primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin. We describe a case of primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin which was resected by Mohs micrographic surgery.

A Case of Pigmented Clear Cell Acanthoma / 대한피부과학회지

Clear cell acanthoma is a rare, benign, epidermal tumor. These tumors usually present as solitary lesions, often localized on the lower legs of middle aged or elderly individuals. Pigmented clear cell acanthoma, a variant of clear cell acanthoma, presents as macroscopically visible brown to black-colored, flat or dome-shaped, sharply-dermacated papules or nodules. Histopathologic findings in these tumors reveal markedly epidermal hyperplasia, with exception of the cells in the basal layer. Also, most of the epithelium showed pallor and slight enlargement. With these pigmented type tumors, dermal melanophages are often noticeable on low-power magnification, plus increased melanocytes with melanin granules in the epidermis. A 41-year-old man presented with a 7-year history of a 1.2x0.8cm sized, black plaque on the right inner thigh. The histologic findings revealed the typical features of pigmented clear cell acanthoma.