ABSTRACT
Hyperinfection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis in iatrogenically immunosuppressed patients is becoming more frequently observed. Here, we review the relevant literature and present a recent case of hyperinfection syndrome of S stercoralis in a patient chronically treated with systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate for dermatomyositis. The patient was born in Guatemala but no history of Strongyloides infection was documented. Disseminated Strongyloides is often associated with the immunocompromised state and is commonly seen with cutaneous lesions, respiratory failure, and sepsis. In this patient, a protracted course of progressive muscle weakness and multiple hospital stays for respiratory distress led to acute respiratory failure, septic shock, and rapid physical decline. A few days preceding his death, the patient developed petechiae and multiple purpuric macules and patches over the abdomen and thighs. Histologic review of skin biopsy specimens demonstrated multiple intravascular and interstitial filariform larvae. Dermatologists should be aware of patient populations at risk for infection with S stercoralis and be able to make this diagnosis to initiate earlier treatment of hyperinfection and dissemination.
Subject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/adverse effects , Dermatomyositis/drug therapy , Immunocompromised Host , Strongyloides stercoralis/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/immunology , Adult , Animals , Biopsy , Dermatomyositis/immunology , Dermatomyositis/pathology , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Male , Strongyloidiasis/pathology , Superinfection/immunologyABSTRACT
Erythrokeratoderma variabilis, also known as Mendes da Costa syndrome, is a genodermatosis belonging to the group of diseases known as the erythrokeratodermias. Erythrokeratoderma variabilis is characterized by two distinctive manifestations: well-demarcated, variable, transient, figurate patches of erythema, and localized or generalized hyperkeratotic plaques. Treatments include topical retinoic acid, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid in petrolatum, but all have been reported to have limited, variable success rates. We report a child with erythrokeratoderma variabilis with no family history of this entity, successfully treated with topical tazarotene.
Subject(s)
Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Erythema/drug therapy , Hyperkeratosis, Epidermolytic/drug therapy , Nicotinic Acids/therapeutic use , Child, Preschool , Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Nicotinic Acids/administration & dosage , Recurrence , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Induction therapy with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), an oral vitamin A derivative, has been shown to improve the short and long-term outcome of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML). Common side effects include headache, fever, dry skin, and bone pain, and approximately 25% of treated patients experience ATRA syndrome, which includes fever, dyspnea, weight gain, pulmonary infiltrates, and pleural or pericardial effusions. Scrotal ulcerations due to ATRA are rare with 16 previously documented cases, most of whom were Asian. We report a Caucasian male with APML who developed scrotal ulceration during ATRA induction therapy and review the previously reported cases. Physicians and patients should be aware of this disturbing, but self-limited, dermatologic complication of ATRA.
