A case of multiple epithelioid angiomatous nodules.

Cutaneous epithelioid angiomatous nodule (CEAN) is a distinct type of epithelioid vascular tumor that is usually solitary. Herein we present a 31-year-old man with multiple, rapidly growing nodules on the scalp.

Endogenous ochronosis with a fatal outcome.

BACKGROUND: Endogenous ochronosis (EO) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder where there is incomplete oxidation of tyrosine and phenylalanine due to a lack of the enzyme homogentisic acid oxidase. OBJECTIVE: We report a singular observation of EO with a fatal outcome. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 46-year-old man born to consanguineous parents with a medical history of recurrent renal colic and chronic nonspecific arthropathy. On clinical examination, slate blue pigmentation was seen on the cheeks, forehead, and nose, as well as blue-gray patches on all fingernails and bluish discoloration of the gums. Familial investigation revealed that his sister had similar pigmentation on the ears, hands, and fingernails. Histologic examination of a biopsy specimen from a pigmented lesion showed a dermal deposit of an acellular, eosinophilic material without cell reaction. Based on the clinical and histopathologic data, combined with the family medical history, our patient was considered to have EO with mucocutaneous, articular, and renal involvement. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was late because our patient died a few months later of terminal renal failure. CONCLUSION: Skin signs are the hallmarks of EO and must alert the clinician to look for involvement of vital organs.

[Kaposi's sarcoma: epidemiological, clinical, anatomopathological and therapeutic features in 75 patients]. / La maladie de Kaposi: Caractéristiques épidémio-cliniques, anatomopathologiques et thérapeutiques à propos de 75 cas.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a mutifocal angiogenic process characterized by cellular and vascular proliferation. AIM: To identify the epidemio-clinical, histological and therapeutic features of KS. METHODS: Retrospective study of 75 cases of KS at the dermatology department of Rabta hospital in Tunis during a period of 25 years (1982-2007). RESULTS: Three epidemio-clinical forms of KS were observed in our study: the classic KS (70 cases), the AIDS-related KS (4 cases) and the iatrogenic KS (1 case). The mean age of our patients at diagnosis was 69.16 years with a sex ratio of 2.33. Elective site of cutaneous lesions in the classic KS was the limbs (87.1%). The cephalic part was concerned in 17.1% of cases. Mucosal involvement was found in 28.5% of patients. Extra dermatological localizations of KS were observed in 32.9%. CONCLUSION: Our study identified some epidemio-clinical features of the classic KS especially the high frequency of mucosal and cephalic involvement as well as extra dermatological localizations. Thus further exploration is required even without alarm signs.

Simvastatin-induced dermatomyositis in a 50-year-old man.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare inflammatory autoimmune disease for which an iatrogenic origin has been described in a few cases. The authors report a case of DM occurring after simvastatin intake. A 50-year-old male sought medical attention for a photodistributed rash and considerable muscular weakness present for 3 months. One year earlier, simvastatin had been introduced. Serum creatine kinase levels were elevated. Histological examination of a muscle biopsy was consistent with a diagnosis of DM. Investigation for neoplasia and associated autoimmune disease proved negative. All clinical and laboratory abnormalities diminished corticosteroid therapy (1 mg/kg/day). Case reports have suggested that lipid-lowering drugs, especially statins, could induce or reveal chronic muscle diseases. In statins myopathy, reduction of coenzyme Q has been discussed as a key mechanism. Our case of DM in a patient receiving simvastatin adds to the previous reported cases in the literature and highlights the potential role of statins as triggers of immune systemic diseases.