Erythema multiforme-like drug reaction to sorafenib.

The authors present a case of erythema multiforme-like drug reaction to the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib. While considered targeted therapy, multikinase inhibitors have been demonstrated to have various cutaneous effects. It is important to distinguish allergic reactions from adverse side effects as the latter may permit cautious re-challenge with medications that can potentially prolong survival in patients with advanced or metastatic disease.

Hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus.

Hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus is a distinct form of chronic cutaneous (discoid) lupus, which is characterized by hyperkeratotic plaques that typically are observed over the face, arms, and upper trunk. We present the case of a 43-year-old man with verrucous plaques that were distributed symmetrically over the face, who initially was treated with oral antibiotics and topical glucocorticoids for acne vulgaris. A biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus. The clinical and histopathologic features of this clinical variant are reviewed.

Poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides.

Poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides is a rare form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that is characterized clinically by localized or diffuse patches, which consist of telangiectases, mottled hyper- and hypopigmentation, and atrophy. The immunophenotype of neoplastic cells is similar to that observed in classic mycosis fungoides. Therapeutic options used in poikilodermatous and classic mycosis fungoides include both skin-directed and systemic treatments. We present a case of poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides in a 53-year-old woman, who initially presented with erythroderma and who has failed multiple treatment modalities.

Generalized discoid lupus erythematosus.

A 79-year-old woman presented with a four-year history of generalized, erythematous, indurated plaques on the malar areas, back, and extremities. The lesions had been recalcitrant in the past to topical glucocorticoid therapy. A skin biopsy specimen was diagnostic of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). A minority of patients with DLE progress to develop systemic lupus erythematosus although generalized DLE is more frequently associated with systemic involvement than is limited disease. Standard therapy of cutaneous lupus includes broad spectrum sunscreens, topical and intralesional glucocorticoids, and antimalarial agents.

Erythema elevatum diutinum.

A 64-year-old woman presented with a one-and-one-half year history of an enlarging, red-brown, firm plaque on the left thigh, with numerous, scattered, indurated, hyperpigmented patches on the lower extremities. Histopathologic examination of the largest plaque confirmed the diagnosis of erythema elevatum diutinum, which is a rare form of leukocytoclastic vasculitis that is associated with many disease entities, which include human immunodeficiency virus infection, malignant conditions, hematologic abnormalities, chronic infection, and autoimmune and connective-tissue disorders. The treatment of choice is dapsone; however, several other treatment modalities have been reported to be of benefit.

Clear cell papulosis.

A 2-year-old boy presented with multiple, hypopigmented, flat-topped papules in the pubic region and on the abdomen in a distribution pattern that followed the milk lines. The lesions had first appeared at age three months and increased in number over time. Histopathologic examination showed large clear cells within the lower epidermis, which stained positively with periodic acid-Schiff. These findings were diagnostic of clear cell papulosis, a rare condition that primarily affects young children. We review the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings that link clear cell papulosis to clear cells of Toker and extramammary Paget disease.