A Growing Mass under the Nail: Subungual Eccrine Poroma.

Eccrine poroma is a benign adnexal tumour, which originates from the acrosyringium of eccrine sweat glands. Eccrine poroma is an uncommon neoplasm, the typical clinical presentation of which is a solitary soft sessile reddish papule protruding from a cup-shaped shallow depression. Many challenges remain in the diagnosis of eccrine poroma because it does not always present with classical features and may mimic any other cutaneous benign and malignant lesions. Eccrine poromas may occur on any skin surface with sweat glands; on the other hand, the most common sites of involvement include the palms and soles, which are rich in eccrine sweat glands. Here, we present a case of subungual eccrine poroma, which is an extremely rare presentation of poromas. We also highlight dermoscopic features of eccrine poroma and review the available literature on the subject.

The Protective Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma Against Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity.

Cisplatin, a pharmacological agent widely used for treating many cancers, may cause serious side effects including ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy. The present study aimed to investigate whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) protects against cisplatin ototoxicity. Eight rats (16 ears) were divided into 2 groups: control group (4 rats, 8 ears) that received intratympanic saline and study group (4 rats, 8 ears) that received intratympanic PRP. Cisplatin (10 mg/day intraperitoneally) or vehicle was administered 2 times per day to the animals. Auditory brainstem responses were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively on day 4 and at week 3. The authors compared the morphological appearances of spiral ganglion cells and the organ of Corti and the density of spiral ganglion cells between treatment groups. The number of outer hair cells in the organ of Corti significantly decreased in the control group compared with that in the PRP group. Although no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups regarding ABR thresholds on day 4 (P = 0.083, a statistically significant difference was observed between groups at week 3 (P = 0.038). Our results suggest that PRP can prevent cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Effects of lisinopril treatment on the pathophysiology of PCOS and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 concentrations in rats.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition results in a significant reduction in plasma concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). What are the effects of lisinopril treatment on PAI-1 concentrations and the morphology and function of the ovaries in the letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model? DESIGN: This prospective randomized controlled animal study involved female Wistar albino rats. Twelve rats were assigned as controls (group I). In the study group (n = 48), letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) was administered for PCOS modelling for 9 weeks. After confirming disrupted oestrous cycles, the study group was randomized into two groups: group II (n = 24; letrozole only) and group III (n = 24; letrozole + lisinopril 15 mg/kg per day). After 12 weeks, each group was divided randomly into two. Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses was performed in subgroups designated A, and fertilization rates were studied in subgroups designated B. RESULTS: Lisinopril treatment reduced the weight and area of the ovaries, the number and wall thickness of cystic follicles, and serum concentrations of LH and testosterone, relative to group II (P < 0.001). Circulating PAI-1 concentrations were significantly different among three groups (7.7 ± 0.9 ng/ml, 9.8 ± 0.7 ng/ml and 8.6 ± 0.7 ng/ml for groups IA, IIA and IIIA; P < 0.001). Pregnancy rates were 100%, 0% and 16.7% in groups IB, IIB and IIIB. CONCLUSIONS: In the letrozole-induced rodent PCOS model, lisinopril modifies the action of letrozole, possibly by inhibition of systemic and ovarian production of PAI-1. The use of PAI-1 inhibitors deserves further investigation in understanding the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma in Turkey: Association with Hepatitis B Instead of Hepatitis C Virus as an Etiologic and Possible Prognostic Factor - A Multicenter Cohort Study

Objective: Chronic antigenic stimulation is frequently blamed in the pathogenesis of extranodal marginal zone lymphomas including splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). Chronic hepatitis C is frequently observed in SMZL patients in some geographical regions. However, these reports are largely from North America and Europe, and data from other countries are insufficient. In this multicenter study we aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of SMZL patients in Turkey, including viral hepatitis status and treatment details. Materials and Methods: Data were gathered from participating centers from different regions of Turkey using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 for Windows. Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs antibody, anti-HB core antigen antibody (anti-HBcAg), HB viral load, anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, HCV viral load results were analyzed. Results: One hundred and four patients were reported. Hepatitis C virus positivity was observed in only one patient. However, hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was observed in 11.2% and HBsAg and/or anti-HB core antigen antibody (anti-HBcAg) positivities were seen in 34.2% of the patients. The median age was 60 years (range=35-87). Median follow-up duration was 21.2 months (range=00.2-212; 23.2 months for surviving patients). Median overall survival was not reached. Estimated 3-year and 10-year survival rates were 84.8% and 68.9%, respectively. Older age, no splenectomy during follow-up, platelet count of <90x103/µL, lower albumin, higher lactate dehydrogenase, higher ß2-microglobulin, and HBsAg positivity were associated with increased risk of death. Only albumin remained significant in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: These results indicate that hepatitis B virus may be a possible risk factor for SMZL in our population. It may also be an indirect prognostic factor.

Coexistence of Adult Onset Eruptive Syringoma and Bilateral Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Eruptive syringoma is an unusual variant of syringoma, which usually presents before or during puberty. It typically occurs in large numbers as multiple yellow-brown-colored papules, which may show spontaneous regression. Because some authors have proposed that it could present as a reactive process of eccrine ducts to an inflammatory reaction caused by an unknown trigger, the exact pathomechanism is still unclear. There are also reports in the literature on the association of eruptive syringoma in Down syndrome, diabetes, milium, sarcoidosis, and psychiatric disorders. Some reports in the literature highlighted the association of eruptive syringomas and neoplasms. We describe here a case of adult-onset eruptive syringoma in a 53-year-old man and discuss the possibility of its association with renal cell carcinoma as a paraneoplastic phenomenon.

Sclerosing stromal tumour of the ovary in a postmenopausal woman presenting with virilization.

Sclerosing stromal tumours are rare benign ovarian neoplasms of the sex cord stromal that occur predominantly in the second and third decades of life. To date, fewer than 200 cases have been described in the literature and most patients have menstrual irregularities and pelvic pain. Sclerosing stromal tumours were reported in which the inactive tumours did not represent endocrine clinical symptoms; however, currently according to several reports, it is the active tumour that produce hormones. Only a few cases of virilizing sclerosing stromal tumours of the ovary have been described in the literature and in this report first describes sclerosing stromal tumour of the ovary in a postmenopausal woman presenting with virilization.

Bilateral malignant mixed serous adenocarcinoma and malignant transitional cell carcinoma of the ovaries: An extremely rare neoplasm.

Mixed epithelial ovarian carcinomas are extremely rare and comprise less than 4% of all malignant ovarian tumors. We report a 61-year-old postmenopausal woman with bilateral adnexal masses. In the postoperative histopathological evaluation, mixed epithelial carcinoma with areas of disseminated serous adenocarcinoma and less prevalent areas of malignant transitional cell carcinoma was observed. Up-to-date, there have been only two cases with mixed serous adenocarcinoma and malignant transitional cell carcinoma reported in the English literature, and our case is the first case with bilateral tumors.

Two cases of unilateral lichen planus following the lines of blaschko.

A 50-year-old man and 71-year-old woman presented to our clinic with unilateral, linear, erythematous, pruritic lesions along the lines of Blaschko. On the basis of clinical and histopathological findings, the lesions were diagnosed as lichen planus with a Blaschkoian distribution, which is a rare form of lichen planus. The patients were treated with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines.

Endoscopic endonasal treatment of a large clival giant cell tumor invading the cavernous sinus and temporal lobe.

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are extremely rare lesions, representing less than 5% of all bone tumors. They primarily occur in the long bones. However, a small percentage of these tumors occur in the pelvis, spine, or skull bones. These lesions are usually benign as well as locally aggressive and require complete removal. Nowadays, GCT and other skull base lesions can be treated using the extended endoscopic endonasal approach. We present a case report of a GCT located in the skull base, originating from the clivus and sphenoid bone, invading through the cavernous sinus, and treated using the fully endoscopic endonasal approach.

Erythema annulare centrifugum due to pegylated interferon-α-2a plus ribavirin combination therapy in a patient with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND: Pegylated interferon-α combined with ribavirin is the current standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. During interferon and ribavirin therapy, both local and generalized mucocutaneous adverse reactions have been reported. Erythema annulare centrifugum induced by this therapy regimen has not been reported previously. CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old woman was referred to our clinic for a 1-week history of slightly pruritic annular erythematous eruptions on the lower extremities and hands. The eruptions had first occurred on the hands 3 to 4 days after pegylated interferon-α-2a plus ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C virus infection. Histopathologic examination supported the diagnosis of erythema annulare centrifugum. The lesions completely regressed within 2 weeks after the cessation of treatment but recurred on similar localizations within 24 hours with the same therapy. It was thought that erythema annulare centrifugum was induced by pegylated interferon-α-2a plus ribavirin combination therapy. CONCLUSION: Erythema annulare centrifugum is considered an inflammatory skin disease with unknown etiology. It is thought to represent a hypersensitivity reaction to some triggering factors, including infections, immunologic disorders, malign neoplasms, foods, pregnancy, and drugs. We report the first case of erythema annulare centrifigum induced by pegylated interferon-α-2a plus ribavirin combination therapy.

Lichen nitidus with involvement of the palms.

A 14-year-old girl presented with hyperkeratotic, pitted, skin-colored papules on a slightly erythematous surface on her palms and erythematous and squamous papules around her ankles. She was clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with lichen nitidus, which is observed rarely on the palms.

The diagnostic value of non-invasive tests for the evaluation of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients.

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy, which is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), has certain limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of non-invasive markers of hepatic fibrosis as potential alternatives to liver biopsy. METHODS: The medical records of 221 patients with a diagnosis of CHB who underwent a liver biopsy were reviewed. Indirect indicators of fibrosis were calculated for each patient based on previously described formulas [Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), age-platelet index (API), cirrhosis discriminant score (CDS), AST-platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns index, FIB-4, Pohl score, AAR-platelet score (AARP), fibro-quotient (FibroQ), AST/platelet/Gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)/Alphafetoprotein (AFP) (APGA) index, Platelet/Age/Phosphatase (ALP)/AFP/AST (PAPAS) index, Lok's model, Goteborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI)]. Diagnostic adequacy of these indices was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the FIB-4, Forns, GUCI, APRI, PAPAS, APGA and FibroQ indices were 0.701, 0.680, 0.670, 0.670, 0.639, 0.638 and 0.588, respectively. The AAR, API, CDS and AARP indices, Pohl score and Lok's model were all deemed diagnostically inadequate. FIB-4 had the best diagnostic adequacy whereas AAR had the worst. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that out of the 13 indices evaluated, only FIB-4 index may be useful in estimating the extent of fibrosis in patients with CHB. There is a need for more comprehensive prospective studies to help determine the diagnostic value of non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis.