Spontaneous involution (regression) of a solitary cutaneous myofibroma in an adult patient

Myofibromas are unusual benign tumors most commonly seen in infant children. Clinical involution of the tumor often occurs within the first few years of life. Solitary cutaneous myofibroma is the synonymous adult counterpart of infantile myofibromatosis. Although solitary myofibromas have been reported in patients of all ages, only the infantile variant is believed to regress spontaneously. There are only a few case reports of adolescent and young adult patients with regressing solitary lesions that have been described in the literature to date. We report a 71‐year‐old male with spontaneous regression of solitary cutaneous myofibroma. The residual lesion was excised and to date has not recurred. This report describes the historical, clinical and histopathological features of adult myofibromas and a novel manifestation that may guide future clinical considerations when approaching solitary tumors with regressive features.     

Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands

Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands is a recently described disorder. It is still debatable if it constitutes a separate entity, a variant of Sweet syndrome or pyoderma gangrenosum or an overlap disorder of both. We report the clinical features, histopathological findings, and evolution of a 35-year-old patient with the diagnosis of neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands and distant lesions on the forehead.     

Correlation between the dermatoscopic and histopathological features of pigmented basal cell carcinoma

Background Dermatoscopy has a great value in the diagnosis of pigmented basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is a clinical variant of BCC. The precise definitions of histopathological correlates of dermatoscopic features observed in pigmented BCC have not been established yet. Objective The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between the dermatoscopic features of pigmented BCC and their histopathological counterparts to provide clear histopathological definitions of each dermatoscopic feature. Methods In this case series that comprised a methodological component, after the orientation of dermatoscopic features was determined by placing sutures in the lesions, the histopathological counterparts of each were examined and definitions were made accordingly. Results Although the most common histopathological subtype of BCC is the solid type, the most common histopathological subtype observed in the pigmented BCC lesions in the present study was the superficial multifocal type (72.5%). Blue‐whitish veil was observed in 57.5% (n = 23) of the lesions, a percentage higher than that reported in the literature. In addition to confirming the previously histopathologically defined dermatoscopic features of pigmented BCC, we identified three histopathologically undefined features of pigmented BCC that are spoke‐wheel areas, large blue‐grey ovoid nests and multiple blue‐grey globules. Conclusion Dermatoscopy facilitates prediction of the corresponding histopathological findings in pigmented BCC, based on specific dermatoscopic features.     

Pseudocystic pilomatricoma: A new variant and review of the literature

A classic pilomatricoma, which usually presents with an asymptomatic, solitary, firm, subcutaneous nodule in the head, neck, or extremities of the paediatric population, is easily diagnosed based on its characteristic clinical and histopathological features. However, its variants often pose particular diagnostic challenges to clinicians due to their rarity and diverse clinicopathological features. We present a new pseudocystic variant, manifesting as solid lesions floating in a fluid‐filled sac.     

Cutaneous metastasis: clinicopathological study of 72 patients from a tertiary care center in Lebanon

Background Cutaneous metastasis is the result of malignant cell spread from primary malignancy to the skin. This is not uncommon, and rates reported in the literature are as high as 10.4%. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies assessing the epidemiologic, clinical, and histopathological features of cutaneous metastasis in our region. Objective To assess the clinical and histopathological findings of all patients diagnosed with cutaneous metastasis at the American University of Beirut – Medical Center (AUB‐MC) and to compare our findings with those published in the literature. Methods Retrospective clinical and histopathologic evaluation of all cases diagnosed as cutaneous metastasis at AUB‐MC between 1992 and 2010. Results A total of 72 patients (50 females and 22 males) were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 55.2 years. The most common primary cancer was breast cancer in women and laryngeal cancer in men. The most common clinical presentation was a single nodule in 27% of cases followed by multiple nodules in 23%. Cutaneous metastasis lesions were asymptomatic in the majority. The chest was the most commonly affected site. On microscopy, the majority of metastatic cases were adenocarcinomas (74%). Conclusion This is, to our knowledge, the first study characterizing the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological features of cutaneous metastasis in the Lebanese population. The clinical and histopathological features observed were in concordance with the published literature, with minor differences.     

Sweet's syndrome: a spectrum of unusual clinical presentations and associations

BACKGROUND: Sweet's syndrome (SS) is the prototypic neutrophilic dermatosis. First described in 1964, the characterization of new clinical associations, unique histopathological findings and clinical variants have stimulated much interest and discussion recently. However, the prevalence of these unusual variants and clinical associations within a single cohort of patients, has not been described. OBJECTIVES: To describe and evaluate the prevalence of unusual clinical and histopathological features, as well as the clinical associations of SS seen in patients from the National Skin Centre, Singapore. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all consecutive cases of SS seen at our centre over a 5.5-year period (June 1999-December 2004). Data on associated systemic diseases was obtained from the medical records and matched with information from the National Cancer Registry, Singapore. Patients not actively followed up for more than 3 months were contacted for their updated health status. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were identified. Ten (27%) had non-idiopathic SS. These were associated with haematological disorders, connective tissue disorders, infections or a drug. Twenty-nine patients (78%) had at least one atypical clinical or histopathological feature. Atypical clinical features included bullous lesions, SS with hand involvement or neutrophilic dermatoses of the hands and the concomitant existence of subcutaneous SS with pyoderma gangrenosum. SS was the presenting feature in three patients with infections caused by atypical organisms, including Mycobacterium chelonae, Penicillium species and Salmonella type D. Unique histopathological variants included subcutaneous SS and lesions containing an admixture of mature and immature neutrophils. Subcutaneous neutrophilic inflammation seemed to be more common in patients with an underlying haematological disorder. This group of patients also had a lower mean haemoglobin level. CONCLUSIONS: Unusual clinical and histopathological variants of SS described in the literature are similarly encountered in our cohort of patients, with some features being more common than others. We highlight and discuss some unique clinical and histopathological observations seen in our patients with SS.     

Blastomycosis-like pyoderma.

Seven patients with blastomycosis-like pyoderma had skin lesions of four months' to six years' duration. The criteria for the diagnosis of blastomycosis-like pyoderma include the clinical presentation of large verrucous plaques with multiple pustules and elevated border, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with abscess histologically, and the growth of at least one pathogenic bacteria from the culture of a tissue-biopsy specimen. The differential diagnosis includes deep fungus infection (especially North American blastomycosis), bromoderma, pyoderma gangrenosum, mycobacterial infections, giant keratoacanthoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Generally, the patients had one or more conditions that could have affected their systemic or local immunologic competence to infection. We believe that the clinical and histologic features in these cases of blastomycosis-like pyoderma were produced by an unusual, exaggerated, vegetating-tissue reaction to a primary or secondary bacterial infection.     

Localised pityriasis rosea‐like eruption during radiotherapy. Report of 2 cases

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition that presents acutely with asymptomatic, scaly and oval plaques, usually in a well‐recognised distribution over the trunk. Two men developed ovoid, scaly and annular lesions limited to the radiotherapy field during treatment for pelvic malignancies and without a preceding herald patch. Other causes of the eruption were excluded on clinical and pathological grounds and the histopathological features were consistent with a pityriasis rosea‐like eruption. In both cases the lesions resolved spontaneously by 8 weeks. These are the first reported cases of a localised pityriasis rosea‐like eruption arising during radiotherapy.     

Rare association of pyoderma gangrenosum and palmoplantar pustulosis: A case report and review of the previous works

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory, ulcerative skin disease that mainly involves the lower extremities. It frequently occurs in association with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, myeloproliferative disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. Palmoplantar pustulosis is also an inflammatory dermatosis characterized by recurrent sterile pustules localized on the palms and soles. These two dermatoses are histologically characterized by neutrophilic infiltration into the lesional skin. Co‐occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum and palmoplantar pustulosis in a single patient is extremely rare. We report a case of pyoderma gangrenosum occurred in a patient with palmoplantar pustulosis, with a review of the previously reported cases. A 68‐year‐old Japanese woman with a 10‐year history of palmoplantar pustulosis developed a skin ulcer on the left lower leg. The ulcer was diagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum based on the clinical and histological findings, and rapidly improved in response to oral prednisolone. In addition to our case, five cases with palmoplantar pustulosis who developed pyoderma gangrenosum have been reported. These cases were thought to have some characteristics in common, such as marked female predominance, no association with inflammatory bowel disease and myeloproliferative disorders, and good response to less aggressive therapy. The co‐occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum and palmoplantar pustulosis in our case may have an etiological link, rather than being a coincidental complication.     

Pyoderma Vegetans

BACKGROUND: Pyoderma vegetans is a rare condition that is clinically characterized by large verrucous plaques with elevated borders and multiple pustules. The etiology of this disorder remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: We describe a 24-year-old woman with rapidly evolving pyoderma vegetans. Our patient had the unique additional findings of a highly elevated serum IgE level and a history of hidradenitis suppurativa. CONCLUSIONS: Pyoderma vegetans is diagnosed on clinical and histological criteria. Differentiation must be made from disorders such as pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet's syndrome, and deep fungal infections. We illustrate a case of pyoderma vegetans and review the literature on this rare disorder. Clinical and histological criteria for diagnosis are presented, as well as differentiation from some mimicking disorders.     

Superficial granulomatous pyoderma

INTRODUCTION: Superficial granulomatous pyoderma is a rare variant of pyoderma gangrenosum, which is often diagnosed at a late stage because of misleading clinical-histopathological features. We report a new case of this rare disease. CASE REPORT: A 67 year-old man presented with inflammatory lesions that had become ulcerated over the past 4 months despite prolonged antibiotic therapy. The histopathological aspect was initially suggestive of palisading granuloma annulare and subsequently a necrotizing granuloma compatible with a mycobacteriosis. The various supplementary examinations eliminated the possibility of an infectious or systemic disease. The lesions became painful and ulcerated. A second biopsy showed a neutrophilic dermatosis with dermal necrosis and a granuloma leading to the diagnosis of superficial granulomatous pyoderma. The lesions healed after 3 months of systemic corticosteroids at the dose of 1 mg/kg/day. DISCUSSION: The clinical features of superficial granulomatous pyoderma are similar to those of classical pyoderma gangrenosum. However, its histological profile is more superficial and is associated with dermal granulomas. The latter are unusual in neutrophilic dermatosis and would suggest an infectious disease. This explains the frequent diagnostic errors, with inappropriate anti-infectious treatments and notably unnecessary surgical exeresis.     

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis: clinical and histopathological study of 10 cases from Lebanon

Background Confluent and reticulate papillomatosis (CRP) is a rare disorder that has mostly been described in case reports and limited case series. Studies on this condition from our region are lacking. Objective/methods To describe the clinical and histopathological findings, as well as response to treatment of all patients diagnosed with CRP at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUB‐MC) between 1999 and 2009, and to compare our findings with those published in the literature. Results Confluent and reticulate papillomatosis was diagnosed in 10 patients (five men, five women). Mean age at diagnosis was 19 years. Duration of lesions ranged from few months to several years. Skin lesions mainly consisted of reticulated, pigmented macules, patches and plaques. The most common area of involvement was the chest in five cases. The rash was asymptomatic in eight patients. Skin biopsy specimens from all patients revealed hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis and variable acanthosis. Whereas follicular plugging was observed in nine cases, anastomosis of the rete ridges was noted in three. Periodic acid Schiff stains highlighted yeast forms in six cases. Conclusion The clinical and histopathological features of the CRP patients in our study are generally comparable to those published in the literature, with minor differences. Clinically, one case had an atypical clinical presentation, and microscopically follicular plugging was seen in the majority of cases. Yeast‐like spores were seen in six cases further supporting a role of Malassezia furfur in the pathogenesis of CRP.     

Blastomycosis-like pyoderma: successful treatment with low-dose acitretin

Blastomycosis-like pyoderma typically presents as verrucous plaque(s) with a purulent discharge through multiple sinuses. Two patients with blastomycosis-like pyoderma developing on significantly sun-damaged skin are presented: an 84-year-old man with multiple painful nodules and plaques, and a 92-year-old woman with a solitary plaque on the left calf. Histopathology showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with dermal foci of suppuration. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from a biopsy specimen in the first patient, whereas the latter patient had Prevotella and Corynebacterium species. Investigations for fungi and mycobacteria yielded negative results. These microbiological findings further supported the clinicopathological diagnosis. Both patients failed to respond to oral doxycycline despite the in vitro susceptibility of the organisms. Treatment with low-dose oral acitretin was successful in both patients after 3-4 months.     

An unusual clinical presentation of lupus erythematosus tumidus localized on the thigh

A 44‐year‐old woman with seronegative polyarthritis presented with a 2‐year history of a solitary, bluish‐red, oedematous, nonscaly, annular and partially reticulated macule on her right thigh. Histopathological findings revealed perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis. Alcian blue and colloidal iron stains highlighted mucinous deposit in the upper and mid dermis. Direct immunofluorescence showed a linear deposit of IgG and C3 along the basement membrane zone. Antinuclear antibody was positive at a titre of 1 : 80, with homogenous and speckled patterns. Except for its unusual localization and lack of photosensitivity, our case had the clinical and histopathological features of lupus erythematosus tumidus. These characteristics were also reminiscent of reticular erythematous mucinosis and erythema annulare centrifugum, both of which are considered to be associated with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg daily led to improvement of the skin lesion. The unusual clinical presentation of our case emphasizes the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations of CLE.     

Erysipelas‐like erythema of familial Mediterranean fever syndrome: a case report with emphasis on histopathologic diagnostic clues

We report histopathological findings in a case of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) syndrome with an erysipelas‐like erythema (ELE). ELE is the only pathognomic cutaneous manifestation of FMF. ELE is characterized by well‐demarcated, tender, erythematous and infiltrated plaques recurring on the same site and resolving spontaneously within 48–72 h. FMF is a monogenic autoinflammatory syndrome highlighted by recurrent fever associated with polyserositis involving mainly the peritoneum, synovium and pleura. FMF results from a mutation of the MEFV gene, which encodes for pyrin, leading to Il‐1β activation and promoting neutrophil migration into the dermis. Histopathological findings in our case showed a sparse superficial perivascular and interstitial lymphocytic infiltrate admixed with some neutrophils, no eosinophils and mild papillary dermal edema. Venules and lymphatics were dilated, though no vasculitis was identified. Neutrophils are the most common cutaneous marker of autoinflammation, and cutaneous manifestations of monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes are represented by the spectrum of aseptic neutrophilic dermatoses. Neutrophils in the presence of recurrent fever and in the correct clinical context of recurrent erysipelas in the same site are a diagnostic clue for FMF.     

Lymphoplasmacytic Plaque in Children: A Demonstrative Case of an Emerging Clinicopathologic Entity

Lymphoplasmacytic plaque in children is a rare but increasingly reported clinicopathologic entity characterized by extratruncal erythematous solitary plaques, most often in children and Caucasian girls, that are thought to be a reactive or pseudolymphomatous process. We report a demonstrative case of lymphoplasmacytic plaque in a 3‐year‐old girl and discuss the clinical and pathologic experience with this entity.     

内脏恶性肿瘤皮肤转移50例临床病理分析

目的 分析内脏恶性肿瘤皮肤转移的临床表现与组织病理学特征,提高其诊断水平。方法 回顾性分析上海市皮肤病医院2012年1月至2018年6月诊治的50例内脏恶性肿瘤皮肤转移患者的皮损特征、肿瘤来源、组织学特征和免疫组化特征等。结果 50例患者中男24例,女26例,平均年龄67.0岁（28 ~ 93岁）,从发现皮肤转移癌到就诊平均4.4个月（2周至13个月）。内脏恶性肿瘤皮肤转移最常见的部位依次为胸部（16例）、下肢（7例）、头颈部（5例）、背部（5例）、腹部（4例）、外生殖器（4例）、上肢（3例）, 6例同时或先后在多个不同部位出现转移灶。皮损形态以单发的肿块最多见（35例,70%）,其他还有多发丘疹结节（13例,26%）、浸润性斑块（1例,2%）和非浸润性红斑（1例,2%）。原发肿瘤以乳腺癌（11例,22%）、肺癌（9例,18%）和胃癌（6例,12%）最常见,组织学类型以腺癌（32例,64%）、鳞状细胞癌（8例,16%）最常见。结论 内脏恶性肿瘤皮肤转移好发于老年人,以胸部常见,多表现为单发的肿块,乳腺癌、肺癌、胃癌为最常见的原发肿瘤,组织学类型以腺癌、鳞状细胞癌为主。     

Bromoderma mimicking pyoderma gangrenosum caused by commercial sedatives

Bromoderma is a rare skin disorder caused by bromide intake. It presents as single or multiple papillomatous nodules or plaques, and ulcers studded with small pustules on the face or limbs. The clinical features of bromoderma are similar to those of pyoderma gangrenosum. A 41‐year‐old Japanese woman was diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum 11 years prior to presentation. Pyoderma had repeatedly appeared over her entire body despite treatment. She also frequently complained of syncopal episodes. She was admitted to our hospital after loss of consciousness and an episode of generalized convulsion. Laboratory tests revealed a negative serum anion gap and hyperchloremia. Her serum bromide level was significantly elevated, suggesting bromide intoxication. The patient had a 10‐year history of high serum bromide levels. After the intake of bromide‐containing sedatives was stopped, there was no recurrence of pyoderma in the absence of treatment. In conclusion, this case was diagnosed as bromoderma with commercial sedative‐induced bromide intoxication. Although the US Food and Drug Administration have banned the use of bromides, over‐the‐counter (OTC) treatments containing bromides are still used in Japan and other countries. Long‐term use of OTC medicines containing bromvalerylurea may result in the development of bromoderma. If unclarified neurological or psychiatric symptoms are associated with pyoderma, we propose measurement of the patient's serum chloride concentration. Determination of hyperchloremia is helpful for the diagnosis of chronic intoxication with bromides.     

Mucinous eccrine naevus: case report and review of the literature

Mucinous eccrine naevus (MEN) is an extremely rare variant of eccrine naevus. There are only nine reported cases in the English literature. We report a 3‐month‐old boy with a congenital lesion on the lower back, and review the other cases in the literature. In most cases, MEN presents before puberty. The commonest presentation is a unilateral, solitary, brownish nodule without hyperhidrosis occurring on the legs. The diagnosis of this condition is confirmed by the characteristic histopathological features. Treatment options may be considered if symptomatic.     

Lymphomatoid papulosis: an update and review

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a benign chronic often relapsing skin condition that belongs to the CD30-positive cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders. LyP typically presents as crops of lesions with a tendency to self-resolve, and morphology can range from solitary to agminated or diffuse papules and plaques to nodules or tumours. The clinical–histological spectrum can range from borderline cases to overlap with primary cutaneous anaplastic cell lymphoma (pcALCL). Histology and immunophenotype commonly show overlap with other CD30-positive disorders and sometimes may be identical to pcALCL, making its diagnosis more difficult. Patients with LyP have an increased risk of developing a second neoplasm such as mycosis fungoides, pcALCL and/or Hodgkin lymphoma. Clinical correlation allows its proper classification and diagnosis, which is fundamental for treatment and prognosis. This review focuses on the clinical appearance, histopathological features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and management of LyP.