Kaposi's sarcoma in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris mimicking exacerbation of pemphigus.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare multifocal angiogenic tumor often seen in immunocompromised setting such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or organ transplantation recipients. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare blistering disorder with mucocutaneous involvement for which immunosuppressive therapy has long been the core of treatment. Iatrogenic form of KS has been reported infrequently in pemphigus patients as a result of long-term immunosuppressive therapy. CASE: We describe a 39-year-old male patient with confirmed diagnosis of PV who developed KS after receiving immunosuppressive agents for his pemphigus. KS was initially localized to the oral cavity with features mimicking exacerbation of his pemphigus. CONCLUSION: This interesting case of KS suggests that dermatologists visiting patients with pemphigus with discomfort in the oral cavity should have a high degree of awareness and consider other differential diagnoses along with merely an exacerbation of PV.

Remission of Prurigo Pigmentosa after Breaking Ketogenic Diet and Resuming Regular Diet.

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is a rare skin disorder presenting as erythematous urticarial papules on the chest and leaving reticulated pigmentation. Although the etiology of PP is unknown, conditions associated with ketosis such as diabetes mellitus, ketogenic diet (KD), and anorexia nervosa are implicated. Herein, we report a 21-year-old woman who developed PP after adhering to a KD and responded to resuming a regular diet.

An Unusual TEN-Like Presentation of Juvenile Bullous Pemphigoid: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired autoimmune bullous disorder rarely seen in the pediatric population. It usually presents as large and tense bullae, predominantly distributed in the acral areas. Herein, we describe a case of childhood BP with an atypical presentation mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This case shows us that juvenile BP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of TEN in children, particularly if there are unusual features and an intractable course.

Coexistence of Neonatal Lupus Erythematous and Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Neonatal lupus erythematous (NLE) is a rare condition presented by lupus dermatitis shortly after birth or later following sun exposure. Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is also an uncommon congenital condition characterized by extensive capillary malformation and ophthalmic and/or neurologic involvement. Here, we describe the first case of coexistence of NLE and SWS which posed a significant diagnostic challenge to clinicians.

The comparison between modified kligman formulation versus kligman formulation and intense pulsed light in the treatment of the post-burn hyperpigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common problem occurs following many dermatologic diseases and medical interventions. Different modalities including topical agents, lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) are suggested for treatment of the post-burn PIH. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of IPL plus modified Kligman cream (MODIFIED KLIGMAN CREAM) versus MODIFIED KLIGMAN CREAM alone in the treatment of the post-burn PIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, non-blinded clinical trial. A total of 53 patches of post-burn PIP in 14 patients were randomized to receive either two sessions of IPL plus modified Kligman formula or kligman formula for 2 months. The patients were recommended to apply MODIFIED KLIGMAN CREAM cream for 12 h at night. RESULTS: According to our results, the patients in the MODIFIED KLIGMAN CREAM + IPL group had higher satisfaction as compared with MODIFIED KLIGMAN CREAM alone (P = 0.000) (Mann-Whitney test). In addition, according to physician evaluation, the patients in the MODIFIED KLIGMAN CREAM + IPL group had higher satisfaction as compared with MODIFIED KLIGMAN CREAM alone (P = 0.000) (Mann-Whitney test). No side effects except a little irritation, erythema and exfoliation due to MODIFIED KLIGMAN CREAM cream were seen in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed the better efficacy and faster response of the IPL plus modified Kligman formula versus modified Kligman formula in the treatment of the post-burn PIH. To better determine the efficacy of IPL in treatment of the post-burn PIP, more extensive studies as randomized, double-blinded clinical trial are recommended.

Adverse cutaneous drug reactions: Eight year assessment in hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDRs) are the most commonly reported adverse drug events. The causative drugs and clinical patterns of ACDRs are different in various populations. This study was conducted to identify the clinical patterns, causative drugs and reasons for drug administration in patients hospitalized due to ACDR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out in a referral university hospital, Isfahan, Iran. The medical records of all patients who were hospitalized in the Dermatology Department due to ACDRs were reviewed covering an 8-year period between December 2006 and August 2013. RESULTS: A total number of 282 patients with the mean age of 29.48 ± 21.18 years were hospitalized in this time period, of which 61% were females. The most common clinical patterns regarding the final diagnosis were Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) (32%), exanthematous drug eruptions (24.5%) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (11%). Anticonvulsants were the most frequently implicated drug group (51.8%) followed by antibiotics (33.7%) and analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (5.7%). The most common cause of drug administration was seizure (30%) and then upper respiratory tract infections (12%). The frequency distribution of clinical types of reactions was different between age groups (P < 0.001). The severe types (SJS, TEN, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and overlap syndrome) were more frequent in the patients aged ≤50 years old (55.2%) compare to those aged ≤50 years (28%) (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The main causative drugs of ACDRs were anticonvulsants and antibiotics. However, the sever types of reactions were more prevalent.

Comparison of the fractional CO2 laser and the combined use of a pulsed dye laser with fractional CO2 laser in striae alba treatment.

BACKGROUND: No ideal treatment has been established for Striae distensae (SD), particularly in the late phase (Striae Alba (SA)). Various types of lasers have been recently proposed as treatment options for SD. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of a fractional CO2 laser as well as a combination of fractional CO2 laser and Pulsed dye Laser (PDL) in the treatment of SA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight SA lesions in three female patients were included. Lesions on each half of the body were randomly enrolled in each group. Group 1 (n = 44) were treated by Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing and group 2 (n = 44) by a combination of PDL and Fractional CO2 laser, alternately. Digital Photographs were taken and the surface area of each lesion was measured digitally (using the PictZar Digital Planimetry Software) at the baseline and four weeks after treatment. The clinical improvement was assessed by comparison of the pre- and post-treatment photos and the participants' views about their degree of improvement, using a 10-point verbal analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The mean surface area decreased significantly in both groups after treatment. The mean difference between the pre- and post-treatment surface area was 0.62 ± 053 for group 2 and 0.41 ± 0.43 for group 1 (P-value = 0.03). Mean VAS and dermatologist assessed improvement scale in group 2 (6.68 ± 0.77 and 2.2 ± 0.76 respectively) were significantly higher than those in group 1 (5.45 ± 0.90 and 1.8±0.72 respectively, P-value <0.001 and 0.04 respectively). CONCLUSION: The combination of PDL and fractional CO2 laser was more effective than fractional CO2 laser alone and could be suggested as a clinical option in the treatment of SA.

Repetitive delay in diagnosis of ventricular septal defect.

OBJECTIVE: Although ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease, it is usually diagnosed late. The presentation of the disease is variable; sometimes it is so quiet and silent that might even improve and heal spontaneously, and in some certain cases if the appropriate, on time and early treatment is not done, this would lead to irreparable complications and mortality even in the early life period. This study reviews the diagnostic process, treatment and follow-up of the patients. It is hoped that the results of the present study be used to improve the patients' condition. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study done on 145 patients with VSD during 54 months in Isfahan. The disease was identified through color Doppler echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization and angiography if necessary. The required data were collected at the time of definite diagnosis. FINDINGS: Mean age at initial and definite diagnosis of the disease was 17 months and 44 months, respectively. Heart murmur led to initial diagnosis in 85% of the cases. In 27.5% VSD was associated with other cardiac anomalies. Pulmonary artery hypertension existed in 16.5% of the cases. Fifty nine surgeries were performed on 40 patients. CONCLUSION: In routine physical examination of the infants, the probability of heart disease should be considered; conducting echocardiogram in suspected cases would lead to early diagnosis and eventually timely treatment. Appropriate follow-up of the patients will provide optimal care and treatment at proper time.