Field-based PCR for rapid diagnosis of cutaneous anthrax in the deployed setting using the joint biological agent identification and diagnostic system.

Anthrax is occasionally encountered by U.S. military physicians in the deployed setting, where limited resources make it difficult to obtain laboratory confirmation. We present a case of cutaneous anthrax diagnosed using a ruggedized polymerase chain reaction device in austere combat conditions.

Mycobacterium marinum infection: a case report and review of the literature.

Mycobacterium marinum is a nontuberculous mycobacteria that is often acquired via contact with contaminated salt or fresh water. We present a case of a 67-year-old man who developed several solitary nontender nodules on his hands and forearm after working on the underside of his boat. In addition, we provide a review of the literature and discuss how this infection is acquired, the underlying pathogenesis, the cutaneous and histologic findings, the differential diagnosis, the diagnostic methods, and the various treatment options.

Classic and atypical Spitz nevi: review of the literature.

Both classic and atypical Spitz nevi are uncommon melanocytic lesions usually presenting in children and adolescents. The classic Spitz nevus typically is benign and has characteristic clinical and histologic features. In contrast, the atypical Spitz nevus has an unknown clinical prognosis, and its clinical and histologic traits are loosely defined. Melanoma can have similar features to both classic and atypical Spitz nevi and must be ruled out in all cases. We review the literature on classic and atypical Spitz nevi, advances in differentiating both types of nevi from melanoma, and treatment options.

Granulomatous periorificial dermatitis.

Granulomatous periorificial dermatitis (GPD) is a distinct facial eruption in prepubertal children that should be distinguished from granulomatous rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and cutaneous sarcoidosis. We describe a case of GPD and review the key distinguishing features of this condition.

Superficial acral fibromyxoma of the index finger.

We describe a patient with a superficial acral fibromyxoma, the first such case in the dermatology literature, and review its clinical and histopathologic characteristics.

Numerous asymptomatic facial papules and multiple pulmonary cysts: a case of Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is a rare genodermatosis with cutaneous and systemic findings. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with BHDS who presented with numerous facial papules and the more recently associated finding of pulmonary cysts. We review recent genetic discoveries and the cutaneous and systemic findings associated with this rare syndrome.

Lichen planus confined to a radiation therapy site.

We report the case of a 58-year-old man with lichen planus localized to a radiation site. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of radiation-induced lichen planus in the English-language literature.