Histopathological changes in epithelium of hair follicles and acrosyringium caused by measles in child

Abstract Some epidermal alterations in measles has been described, such as keratinocytes apoptotic, parakeratosis, giant-cell formation, intranuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions, dyskeratosis, spongiosis, and intracellular edema. The authors report for the first time in human a case of measles with the presence of multinucleated giant cells in the hair follicle and dyskeratosis in acrosyringium.

In vivo and ex vivo dermoscopy of lesions from implantation of human papillomavirus in tattoos: report of two cases

Abstract The number of individuals with tattoos has been increasing worldwide, alongside with reports of complications varying from reactions to the injected pigments to infections caused by agents inoculated in the pigmentation process. The diagnosis of such unwanted events can be obtained through complementary non-invasive methods, preserving the maximum of the tattoo design. The authors present two cases of patients with warts on tattooing, and correlate their clinical aspects to in vivo and ex vivo dermoscopy, and to the findings in the histopathological examination, aiming to determine patterns that aid the diagnosis of these lesions without performing biopsy.

Dermatoscopy of the Borst-Jadassohn phenomenon in hidroacanthoma simplex

Abstract The Borst-Jadassohn phenomenon is a morphological finding that consists of the presence of well-defined nests of cells located in the spiny stratum of an acanthotic epidermis. One of the neoplasms where this phenomenon is found is hidroacanthoma simplex. This neoplasm is considered the intraepidermal form of the eccrine poroma. Despite its benign nature, malignant transformations are reported. The present article reports a case of hidroacanthoma simplex and discusses the dermoscopy of this phenomenon.

Diagnostic approach of eosinophilic spongiosis

Abstract Eosinophilic spongiosis is a histological feature shared by some distinct inflammatory disorders, and is characterized by the presence of intraepidermal eosinophils associated with spongiosis. Most often, isolated eosinophilic spongiosis indicates the early stages of a subjacent autoimmune bullous dermatosis, such as the pemphigus group and bullous pemphigoid. Herein, the main causes of eosinophilic spongiosis are discussed, as well as the supplementary investigation needed to elucidate its etiology.

The role of intradermal proliferation of T-cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and joints, affecting 1-3% of the population. It is generally accepted that the pathogenesis of psoriasis involves accumulation of effector T-cells within lymph nodes and their subsequent migration into the skin through the blood system. Here we provide evidence that psoriatic plaque itself may serve as a source of inflammatory T-cells. OBJECTIVE: We examined the intradermal proliferation of T-cells and the number of effector/memory (CD45RO+) T-cells in the skin of psoriatic patients at different periods of the disease. METHODS: Skin samples were obtained from 41 patients with progressive psoriatic lesions; 18 of these patients also donated skin specimens during the remission of the disease. The control group consisted of 16 healthy subjects. Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect proliferating cells, CD3ε served as a T-cell marker, and CD45RA and CD45RO antibodies were utilized to discriminate between naive and effector/memory T-cells, respectively. RESULTS: Progressive psoriatic lesions demonstrated Ki67 staining both in keratinocytes and in the CD3ε+ cells of dermal infiltrate. Median count of CD45RO+ cells per microscopic field was 15 in healthy controls, 59 in patients in remission and 208 in progressive psoriatic plaques. The observed differences demonstrated high level of statistical significance. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Limited number of analyzed patients. CONCLUSION: Progressive phase of psoriasis is characterized by intradermal proliferation of T-cells. Spots of regressed psoriatic lesions contain high number of CD45RO+ cells, which are likely to render an immunological memory.

"String of pearls pattern": report of three cases of non clear-cell acanthoma

Abstract The coiled and dotted vessels in a serpiginous arrangement or "string of pearls" is considered a classical vascular pattern associated with clear cell acanthoma. We present three cases of epidermal tumors different from clear cell acanthoma that have the same "string of pearls" vascular pattern. Even though most authors keep considering the "string of pearls" vascular pattern an almost pathognomonic sign of clear-cell acanthoma, the cases presented here suggest that some other epidermal tumors can also show this pattern.

Vancomycin-associated linear IgA disease mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis

Abstract Linear IgA dermatosis is a rare subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease characterized by linear deposition of IgA along the basement membrane zone. In the last three decades, many different drugs have been associated with the drug-induced form of the disease, especially vancomycin. We report a case of vancomycin-induced linear IgA disease mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis. The aim of this work is to emphasize the need to include this differential diagnosis in cases of epidermal detachment and to review the literature on the subject and this specific clinical presentation.

Acquired perforating dermatosis in a patient with chronic renal failure

Abstract Perforating dermatoses are a group of skin diseases characterized by transepidermal elimination of dermal material. The disease is divided into two groups: the primary group and the secondary group. The classical or primary perforating dermatoses are subdivided into four types according to the eliminated dermal materials: Kyrle disease, perforating reactive collagenosis, elastosis perforans serpiginosa, and perforating folliculitis. The secondary form is known as acquired perforating dermatosis. The term was proposed in 1989 by Rapini to designate the perforating dermatoses affecting adult patients with systemic disease, regardless of the dermal materials eliminated. This report describes a case of the disease with elimination of collagen and elastic fibers in a patient with chronic renal failure.

Extensive bullous lichen sclerosus et atrophicus

Abstract Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is a chronic disease of unknown etiology characterized by atrophic and sclerotic plaques in both genital and extragenital regions. Extensive bullous lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (BLSA) is a severe variant of the disease with no widely accepted treatment. We present a 63-year-old woman with extensive extragenital, ivory-colored, atrophic plaques on her trunk and extremities and disseminated hemorrhagic bullae. The patient was unsuccessfully treated with standard topical corticosteroid therapy, doxycycline and chloroquine. According to the literature, there is little evidence of the efficacy of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of BLSA. We report a rare case of extensive BLSA that is unresponsive to these drugs.

Laptop computer induced erythema ab igne: a new presentation of an old disease

Abstract Erythema ab igne is a condition characterized by skin changes due to chronic exposure to moderate temperature. We describe a female patient with continuous use of a laptop computer on exposed legs for 6 months and consequent development of reticulated hyperpigmentation at the area. Histopathological examination revealed epidermal atrophy, collagen fragmentation, and vacuolar changes in the basal layer, among other signs. We consider this case to be a modern cause of erythema ab igne.

Coexistence of nail lichen planus and lichen planus pigmentosus

Abstract We describe a fifty-six-year old, Afro-descendent female patient showing dystrophy of her twenty nails and hyperchromic, asymptomatic macule on her face. Histopathological examination of the macule showed vacuolization of the basal layer, melanophages in the superficial dermis and lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate. Nail biopsy revealed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate. Lichen planus pigmentosus is an uncommon variety of lichen planus. It is characterized by typical hyperpigmented macules on the face and neck. Nail changes might be present in 10% of lichen planus cases, but no associations with lichen planus pigmentosus have been described. We report a case of lichen planus in twenty nails associated with lichen planus pigmentosus on the patient's face.

Rosacea fulminans: unusual clinical presentation of rosacea

Abstract Rosacea fulminans or pyoderma faciale is a rare cutaneous disorder that usually affects women usually between the ages of 15-46. The disease is characterized by sudden onset of papules, pustules, cysts, and painful coalescing nodules with red-cyanotic centrofacial erythema. Although its etiology remains unknown, hormonal, immunological, and vascular factors have been reported. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment should minimize unsightly scars. We report a case of a 33-year-old female patient treated with traditional doses of doxycycline, with improvement of the lesions and regression of the condition in two months.

Porokeratosis of Mibelli in an HIV-positive patient

Abstract Porokeratosis represents a group of disorders of epidermal keratinization that are characterized by one or more annular plaques surrounded by a histologically distinctive hyperkeratotic ridge-like border called the cornoid lamella. Many studies showed that organ transplantation and immunosuppression were associated in a significant number of cases. Furthermore, an association with squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma has been noted in all variants of porokeratosis. The rarity of this disorder and its atypical clinical presentation – a single lesion on the thumb of an HIV-positive male patient – motivated this report.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a multiple verrucous epidermal nevus

Abstract Verrucous epidermal nevi are hamartomatous lesions of the epidermis that, unlike other epidermal nevi (such as sebaceous nevus or nevus comedonicus), are rarely associated with malignant neoplasms. The majority of squamous cell carcinoma develop in linear or multiple epidermal nevus and rarely in solitary epidermal nevus. In general, the prognosis is favorable. We report a case of well-differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma arising from a multiple verrucous epidermal nevus. Although there is no consensus on prophylactic removal of epidermal nevus, its removal and biopsy should be considered if changes occur.

Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko - Case report

Abstract: Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a linear configuration is rare, particularly in children, demonstrating similar incidence in both genders, no photo-sensitivity and lower probability of progression to systemic disease. We describe the case of a 9-year-old girl who presented erythematous papules with central atrophy on the upper and lower right limbs, asymptomatic and following the lines of Blaschko, since age four. Histological examination showed atrophy of the epidermis with aggression from epidermal-dermal interface and periadnexal and perivascular lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate. Laboratory tests showed ANA in a titer of 1:320, in a dense and fine speckled pattern. Due to the rarity of presentation and location of the disease, this case is reported here.

Ectima gangrenoso secundario a Staphylococcus aureus / Ecthyma gangrenosum caused by Staphylococcus aureus

El ectima gangrenoso es una vasculitis necrosante poco frecuente, en la mayoría de los casos secundaria a sepsis por Pseudomonas aeruginosa en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Sin embargo, existen reportes de ectima gangrenoso secundarios a otras etiologías infecciosas. Presentamos un caso de ectima gangrenoso asociado a una infección por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina en una paciente sin los factores de riesgo clásicos de inmunosupresión que se describen en la literatura médica.

Ecthyma gangrenosum is an uncommon necrotizing vasculitis, in most cases secondary to sepsis by Pseudo-mona aeruginosa in immunocompromised patients. However, there have been several reports of ecthyma gangre-nosum caused by other infectious etiologies. We report an unusual case of ecthyma gangrenosum associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a patient without the classic immunological risk factors described in the literature.

Pitted keratolysis

Abstract Pitted keratolysis is a skin disorder that affects the stratum corneum of the plantar surface and is caused by Gram-positive bacteria. A 30-year-old male presented with small punched-out lesions on the plantar surface. A superficial shaving was carried out for scanning electron microscopy. Hypokeratosis was noted on the plantar skin and in the acrosyringium, where the normal elimination of corneocytes was not seen. At higher magnification (x 3,500) bacteria were easily found on the surface and the described transversal bacterial septation was observed.