Malignant syphilis in a patient with acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Abstract Malignant syphilis is an uncommon variant of syphilis, most often (but not always) found in immunosuppressed individuals. This report describes the case of a 57-year-old man, infected with the acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with a generalized picture of erythematous-squamous papules that rapidly progressed to painful and ulcerated plaques and nodules, some covered with a black rupioid crust. The analytical study performed revealed positive VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) and RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin). The skin biopsy was nonspecific; however, the immunohistochemical analysis disclosed the presence of spirochetes. The patient was then treated with benzathine penicillin G 2.4 MU once a week IM for three weeks, with progressive resolution of the lesions. Considering its rarity, this atypical form of syphilis that needs to be known to better recognize its clinical presentation and provide more prompt treatment to patients.

Case for diagnosis. Multinucleated cell angiohistiocytoma

Abstract: Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma is a rare idiopathic benign fibrohistiocytic and vascular proliferation usually presenting as multiple asymptomatic papules, red to violaceous in colour, primarily located on the extremities of middle-aged females. This entity is probably underdiagnosed due to the lack of recognition by clinicians and pathologists. We describe a patient with a multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma of the face, a less frequent localization, in order to increase awareness of this entity and elucidate its clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry features.

Ashy dermatosis with involvement of mucous membranes

Abstract: Ashy dermatosis is a rare condition, of unknown aetiology, in which mucous membranes are typically spared. The authors report the case of a 57-year-old female with a history of asymptomatic gray-bluish macules located on the trunk and oral mucosa. There were no relief changes on examination. Skin biopsies from the oral mucosa and trunk were performed and both were compatible with ashy dermatosis. The patient started treatment with oral clofazimine but due to the absence of clinical improvement the drug was discontinued three months later. This case report illustrates an atypical case of ashy dermatosis owing to the involvement of mucous membranes, which is rarely described in the literature.