Amblyomma testudinarium tick bite: one case of engorged adult and a case of extraordinary number of larval tick infestation

This paper reports two recent cases of tick bite due to Amblyomma testudinarium. The first case was an 86-year-old farmer infested with a fully engorged adult tick attached on his inguinal region. The second case was a 57-year-old male infested with an extraordinarily large number of larval ticks (> 100 larvae). The ticks were identified as A. testudinarium based on morphological characteristics. To our knowledge, the latter case is the eleventh case of larval tick bites among all tick species and the fourth case with larval A. testudinarium in Japan.     

Dietary carotenodermias

Four cases of carotenodermia are presented, secondary to marked ingestion of carotenoid-rich vegetables. The first case was a 34 year old woman who presented with yellow palms and soles while on Weight Watchers diet. Loss of weight was accompanied by irregular menses. The second case was a 21 year old woman with orange palms and soles probably due to lycopenemia by tomatoes rich regimen. The third case is a 52 year old woman with the same type of diet as in case 1, associated with high cholesterol level. The fourth case is a 1.5 year old boy with a high intake of commercially available meals ("petits pots"). All the patients were free of disease usually associated with high level of carotenemia. Irregular menses or amenorrhea may be observed in such cases, either due to the rapid weight of loss, or as a manifestation of psychiatric disorder, and anorexia nervosa is possibly encountered. The toxicity of carotenoids is unproven and others substances ingested with high content vegetables diets are possible answerables.     

糠秕孢子菌致面鼻部皮肤粘膜感染1例报告

目的：本文报告1例糠秕子菌引起面鼻部皮肤粘膜感染患者。该患者病期1年,皮损主要表现在鼻腔粘膜与面部,经真菌镜检,培养及组织病理学证实为糠秕孢子菌引起面鼻部皮肤粘膜感染。用斯皮仁诺治疗后痊愈。     

Sweet Syndrome Associated with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

A case of Sweet syndrome in a patient with an acute myelomonocytic leukemia is reported. It is an unusual case simulating a facial erysipela. This case illustrates the difficulty in differentiating infection from Sweet syndrome in an immunocompromised patient. The negative cultures, ineffective antibiotics, and histopathologic examination results allowed the onset of corticosteroid therapy. The phagocytic function of the neutrophils studied by chemoluminescence was normal in the patient. The physiopathology of Sweet syndrome is discussed, in particular the role of cytokines in the accumulation of granulocytes.     

Anesthetic challenges in ventilating patients with tracheal diverticulum: Case reports and review of literature

The spectrum of disorders involving the tracheobronchial tree is diverse and tracheal diverticulum is an extremely rare entity accounting for 1%-2% of cases. Tracheal diverticulum is mainly asymptomatic and discovered incidentally either on radiological examination or at autopsy. We hereby report two cases of tracheal diverticulum with hoarseness in one case and dysphagia in the second case, where intubation was difficult in both cases. However, laryngeal mask airway was inserted successfully in case one and endotracheal intubation using a smaller size intubation tube in case two.     

Two girls with necrobiosis lipoidica and type I diabetes mellitus with transfollicular elimination in one girl

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare disorder that usually appears in the lower extremities and it is often related with diabetes mellitus (DM). There are few reported cases of NL in children. Transfollicular elimination of necrotic material has been described in adult patients with NL diabeticorum. Here we describe two new cases of NL in two girls with type I diabetes mellitus (DM). One of the cases is the first case, to our knowledge, of transfollicular elimination in a girl. The other case is the second case reported of lesions on the arms in a child with DM.     

Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas

The clinical and pathological features and treatment of two patients with multiple eccrine hidrocystomas are presented. The first case is characterized by multiple pearly papules with a bluish hue located in the periorbital region and the bridge of the nose. The second case is characterized by multiple, skin-coloured papules located in the periorbital area, forehead, chin and nose. Both were exacerbated by a hot and humid environment. Histopathologically, both demonstrated a unilocular cyst located in the dermis, with a 2-3-layer wall composed of cuboidal epithelium that was non-keratinizing. Treatment with topical atropine sulphate 1% in aqueous solution three times a day was instituted in the first case; however, this was poorly tolerated because of blurred vision and nausea. The lesions were subsequently hyfrecated with a good response. The second case was treated with topical atropine sulphate 1% in aqueous solution three times a day with a good response.     

Cutaneous manifestations in renal failure patients: a case series

Cutaneous involvement in renal disease is due to a host of factors ranging from metabolic disturbances to immunosuppressive drugs. Herein we report a series of six cases of renal failure with varied cutaneous manifestations ranging from infections to neoplasms due to prolonged immunosuppression. Our first case had cutaneous cryptococcosis where skin lesions gave a clue to the diagnosis of altered sensorium and underlying meningitis. The second case initially presented with florid warts and was treated successfully but later presented with an explosive recurrence of skin lesions due to malignant transformation. Our third case had basal cell carcinoma over the presternal region that was successfully treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. Our fourth case had diabetic nephropathy that presented with septicemia and purpura fulminans. The last case had cutaneous manifestations of drug therapy because of heparin infusion. To conclude, cutaneous manifestations in patients with renal failure are varied and a high degree of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to effectively combat mortality and morbidity.     

Multiple familial cutaneous leiomyoma

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous leiomyoma is a benign tumor, the discovery of which may suggest a hereditary form. We report a family in which 5 generations developed cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas. The originality of this report lies in the large number of generations developing the disease and the association with chronic myeloid leukemia. OBSERVATIONS: We have studied 16 members of a family with cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas spanning five generations. Eight members of the family (6 women and 2 men) presented with cutaneous leiomyomas. All 6 women also had uterine myomas with complications (menometrorrhagia, miscarriage, premature delivery and hysterectomy). Pathological association was also confirmed: polycythemia (1 case), papillary renal carcinoma (1 case) and chronic myeloid leukemia (1 case). DISCUSSION: Piloleiomyoma can develop sporadically or can be transmitted genetically. To our knowledge, we report the fifth case of a family of more than 2 generations presenting with piloleiomyoma. By studying the family tree, we were able to confirm the dominant autosomal nature of the mode of transmission found by other authors. The association of piloleiomyoma and uterine myoma is classified as Reed's syndrome. In such cases, the uterine myoma requires particularly careful monitoring since it is associated with significant risk of gynecological complications (menometrorrhagia, miscarriage, premature delivery and postpartum hemorrhage). Moreover, in our observations we describe diseases associated with piloleiomyoma: polycythemia (1 case), papillary renal carcinoma (1 case), but also the association of piloleiomyoma with chronic myeloid leukemia (1 case). A previous report described the same genetic deletion in uterine myoma as in chronic myeloid leukemia, which gives further weight to this association.     

A rare case of large, unusual, and mutilating verruca vulgaris with cutaneous horns treated with plastic surgery

Cutaneous horn is a morphologic designation for a protuberant mass of keratin produced by unusual cohesiveness of keratinized material. We report a rare case of large, unusual, and mutilating verruca vulgaris with cutaneous horns in a 39-year-old male peasant. To our knowledge, this is the first case of the underlying phalangeal bones being largely demolished, resulting in serious mutilation. The patient was successfully treated with plastic surgery. Of note in this case is the bone absorption of the terminal phalanges and loss of hand function.     

Cutis verticis gyrata: three cases with different aetiologies that demonstrate the classification system

Cutis verticis gyrata describes a scalp condition where there are convoluted folds and deep furrows that resemble the surface of the cerebral cortex. We report three cases of cutis verticis gyrata that demonstrate the current classification structure. The first case is the most commonly described primary non-essential acquired form, appearing in the scalp of an 11-year-old girl with mental retardation. The second case is the primary non-essential congenital form, presenting at birth in a baby with Noonan's syndrome. An association between cutis verticis gyrata and Noonan's syndrome has been rarely described. The third case illustrates secondary cutis verticis gyrata, occurring in a 27-year-old man with discoid eczema.     

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis following diclofenac therapy in a patient with parapsoriasis

A case of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis in a 70-year old man with a long standing digitate parapsoriasis is reported. Multiple asymptomatic cutaneous hyperpigmented papules with a central adherent keratotic plug developed simultaneously with widespread purpuric eruption following a single i.m. diclofenac injection. Histologic examination of a keratotic lesion revealed an epidermal crater with centrally degenerated collagen and elastic fibre extrusion. This case is interesting for the lack of pruritus, the transepithelial elimination of both collagen and elastic fibres and the association with parapsoriasis. The etiologic role of diclofenac is discussed. The term acquired perforating dermatosis may be more suitable for this case.     

Dermatomyositis in association with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

We report a case of dermatomyositis occurring in association with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The case illustrates the importance of a thorough search for neoplasms in elderly patients with dermatomyositis and is a reminder that bladder cancer may be a rare cause of dermatomyositis. The case also shows that successful treatment of an underlying tumour may lead to resolution of paraneoplastic dermatomyositis, and relapse of cutaneous and muscle symptoms and signs may indicate recurrence of tumour.     

Case study methodology in tissue viability. Part 1: Methodological considerations

Case studies are often presented in relation to tissue viability problems. Within hierarchies of evidence, case studies are sometimes seen to be on a par with expert opinion. This paper examines the case study as a research method and seeks to determine its value in tissue viability research. The term 'case study' denotes a general strategy for research where several methods of data collection are used to provide an in-depth analysis of an individual, group or institution. Three types of case study are used in research: intrinsic, instrumental and collective. All case studies utilize data triangulation within their design, that is, the use of a variety of sources of data within a study. It is one of the major strengths of the case study method. Data sources include documentary data sources, observation and interviews. As in any research, validity and reliability are important in case study methodology; in particular, construct validity, internal validity and external validity. Case studies are potentially vulnerable to observer error and observer bias. Examples are given of potential case studies in tissue viability and their strengths and weaknesses. If undertaken prospectively, with clearly defined multiple sources of data collection and a documented chain of evidence, case studies can add breadth to our knowledge and experience of caring for patients with tissue viability problems.     

Methotrexate-induced acral erythema with bullous reaction

Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema (CIAE), a toxic reaction to a number of different chomotherapeutic agents, causes a symmetrical, painful erythema of both the palms and soles which is self-limiting. The association of this syndrome with methotrexate is unusual; only nine cases have been reported in the literature. We describe the tenth case of this syndrome associated with methotrexate, which is also the third case of the bullous variant of methotrexate-induced acral erythema. Our case is unusual in that the acral erythema was present only on the soles of the feet and in that it was associated with the presence of diffuse maculopapular lesions over the legs and trunk.     

Galli-Galli disease: A case report with review of the literature

Galli-Galli disease is a rare variant of the genodermatosis Dowling-Degos disease with the histologic finding of acantholysis. We present the case of a patient who presented with reticulated pigmentary changes in the flexures as well as a pruritic papular eruption and histologic features consistent with Galli-Galli disease. A literature search revealed 3 previous case reports of Galli-Galli disease. These case reports were reviewed and summarized, and the clinical and histologic presentations were compared with those of our patient. In addition, another case report of patients with similar clinical manifestations was found and is presented herein. The differential diagnosis of Galli-Galli disease includes classic Dowling-Degos disease, transient acantholytic dermatosis, Darier's disease, and epidermolysis bullosa with mottled pigmentation. Galli-Galli disease is best considered a subtype of Dowling-Degos disease with clinical and histologic features similar to transient acantholytic dermatosis.     

Solitary cylindroma with malignant transformation

A 59-year-old woman presented with a history of rapidly progressive recurrent tumor of 6.5 cm diameter of the scalp. Histopathological examination revealed a case of malignant cylindroma. There has been no recurrence or metastases and the patient is disease free at the end of 15 months postoperatively. Malignant transformation occurs less often in solitary form of cylindroma, but once transformed, tumors behave aggressively with extensive local infiltrative growth or metastases. The case is reported to document a rare case of malignant cylindroma arising in a patient with solitary cylindroma on the parieto-temporal region.     

Pachyonychia Congenita Type 1: Case Report and Review of the Literature

The case of an 8-year-old boy is hereby reported, who presented with nail dystrophy, subungual hyperkeratosis, oral leukokeratosis, and numerous follicular papules all over the body. The features were consistent with a diagnosis of pachyonychia congenita type 1. The case is being reported for its rarity. We also discuss in a nutshell, the literature till date.     

Yellow nail syndrome

The case of a patient with yellow nail syndrome (YNS), an infiltrating duct carcinoma of the breast, and giant cell interstitial pneumonitis (GIP) is presented. YNS has not been previously described in association with GIP. There was improvement of the yellow fingernails following surgery and chemotherapy for the breast cancer. The possible pathogenesis of the yellow nails in this case and its management are presented. A wide variety of conditions are associated with YNS, which has been reported to respond to various treatment modalities. The most likely cause in our case is impaired lymphatic drainage. However, treatments that do not affect lymphatic drainage also have been reported to be successful.     

Giant folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma of the upper extremity

BACKGROUND: Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma (FSCH) is a rare cutaneous hamartoma consisting of dilated folliculosebaceous units invested in mesenchymal elements. These lesions have a striking predilection for the central face and scalp of adults. The vast majority of lesions present as 0.5-1.5-cm papules or exophytic nodules. A single case of giant FSCH has been reported on the upper back. METHODS: A 32-year-old woman presented with a (15 cm in greatest dimension) plaque-like, multinodular lesion on her left upper arm for several years. The lesion was clinically suspected to be a nevus sebaceus. RESULTS: The skin excision showed numerous dermal and subcutaneous dilated follicular structures with peripherally radiating sebaceous lobules, hair follicles, and surrounding mesenchymal elements consistent with FSCH. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the second case of giant FSCH. Our case is unique for its larger size, more plaque-like growth, and location on an extremity when compared to the seminal case of giant FSCH.