Efficacy of oral retinoids for keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacanthoma. This condition is difficult to diagnose because of its large size and expansive nature and may be diagnosed as a malignant tumor. There are various treatments such as surgery and oral retinoids; however, limited studies have verified their effectiveness. Here, we report a case of KCM on the anterior chest of a 50‐year‐old woman and evaluate the efficacy of oral retinoids. In this case, oral retinoids were highly effective for KCM treatment. A total of 55 cases of KCM, including 54 previously reported cases, were reviewed, and their clinical characteristics and treatment were examined. In this report, 14 of 16 patients were effectively treated with oral retinoids, resulting in a treatment rate of 87.5%. Furthermore, even low‐to‐medium doses were sufficient for treatment and prevention. KCM can be misdiagnosed as a malignant disease based on its clinical features. Due to its large size and expansive nature, a wide excision may be performed; however, because oral retinoids have a very high response rate, an accurate diagnosis will help avoid an unnecessary wide excision.     

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum after photodynamic therapy with good response to oral retinoids and topical 5‐fluorouracil

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacanthoma (KA), characterized by progressive peripheral growth, and usually devoid of deep invasion. Different systemic (oral retinoids) or topical treatments have been reported, but there is not a well‐defined therapeutic protocol. We report the case of a KCM developing after photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the right leg of a 64‐year‐old woman. It was treated successfully with oral acitretin combined with topical 5‐Fluorouracil + salicylic acid for 5 months. This is the first case of KCM developing after PDT and successfully treated with oral retinoid combined with topical treatment.     

Ineffectiveness of radiotherapy for the treatment of keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum: A case report

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacantoma (KA). Although KCM shares histological and clinical features with KA, KCM has no tendency of spontaneous regression, and presents with progressive peripheral expansion with a bank‐shaped outer wall and concurrent central healing. As such, early diagnosis and proper treatment of the patient are required. However, because of its rarity, previous reports are insufficient to evaluate which treatment should be selected. Here, we report a case of KCM that responded to radiotherapy, but relapsed 6 months later.     

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum arising from a scar after skin injury.

Among the variants of solitary keratoacanthoma, keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is characterized by the lack of a tendency toward spontaneous remission and by continuous centrifugal spread. We describe a case of KCM arising from the scar after an old skin injury. The lesion appeared on the dorsum of the right hand, grew peripherally for 30 months, and became a tumor with a multinodular margin and central atrophy. A biopsy specimen from the edge of the tumor showed features resembling typical solitary keratoacanthoma.     

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum arising in vitiligo: a case report

Keratoacanthoma centrifugam marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of the Keratoacanthoma (KA) form of squamous cell carcinoma with only 30 cases reported to date. We report a case of KCM arising in a long-standing vitiligo lesion chronically exposed to sunlight. Over years, the vitiligo lesions gradually evolved into sclerotic plaques and subsequently KCM developed in one of the plaques.     

Spontaneous resolution of keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum

Keratoacantnoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacantnoma, with > 40 cases reported world wide. Spontaneous resolution of KCM is very rare. To our knowledge, this is the first case of KCM with spontaneous resolution as documented by serial photographs.     

Multiple keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacanthoma characterized by a progressive peripheral growth with concomitant central healing. We report here a case of multiple KCM of the lower legs in a 48-year-old man. The lesions had progressively evolved over 3 years. They were multiple asymptomatic and confluent annular plaques of 5 to 20 cm, having papulo-nodular with hyperkeratotic and crusted borders and cicatricial center. Within the centers were numerous firm and pigmented minipapules of 1 to 2 mm. The typical clinical aspect, together with characteristic histological features confirmed the diagnosis of KCM. Herein we will highlight the clinical and histological features of KCM, as well as the different effective treatments. We will also briefly discuss KCM among the other types of keratoacanthomas.     

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum—A rare variant of keratoacanthoma: Case report and literature review

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacanthoma and is characterized by progressive peripheral growth with accompanying central healing. Here, we report a case of multiple KCM. A 53-year-old man presented with multiple erythematous papulonodules on both upper limbs and neck for >2 years. His skin lesions enlarged in an annular manner with central residual cribriform scarring that eventually formed confluent plaques (2–8 cm in diameter) with elevated hyperkeratotic borders. Skin biopsy of a developed matured nodule on the right forearm was consistent with that of classical keratoacanthoma. KCM was diagnosed on the basis of clinical and pathological presentation. Low-dose acitretin (0.7 mg/kg/day) was administered and the skin lesions improved significantly within 3 months after the treatment. In this case, we present the clinical and histological features of KCM and discuss the different effective treatment modalities.     

A case of Ferguson-Smith type multiple keratoacanthomas associated with keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum: response to oral acitretin

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare entity, usually classified as solitary keratoacanthoma (KA). The Ferguson-Smith type is the most common form of multiple KAs. Because development of multiple KAs and KCM in a single patient has rarely been reported, this association presents a therapeutic challenge. We report a 46-year-old man with Ferguson-Smith multiple KAs and KCM, who was successfully treated with acitretin.     

Conditioned medium from cultured human keratinocytes has growth stimulatory properties on different human cell types.

Evidence for growth-stimulatory properties of keratinocyte-conditioned medium (KCM) on human fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, and a mouse fibroblast cell line (3T3 cells) is presented. On human fibroblasts KCM caused an increase of over 400% in DNA synthesis as revealed by 3H-thymidine incorporation and autoradiography. The proliferative effect was comparable to that of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), but was not inhibited by PDGF antibodies and exceeded that of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Furthermore, KCM was found to stimulate smooth muscle cells, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells more potently than PDGF, EGF/TGF-alpha, and bFGF, respectively. KCM was also potent in stimulating thymidine incorporation in 3T3 cells, whereas EGF showed a twenty-fold weaker stimulatory effect. Because keratinocytes have been shown to secrete TGF-alpha, which binds to the EGF receptor, binding of factors in KCM to the EGF receptor was assayed. The displacement of radiolabeled EGF by KCM corresponded to a low concentration of EGF (0.5 ng/ml), implying that the growth-stimulatory effect of KCM was not mediated via activation of EGF receptors. Taken together, these results suggest the presence of hitherto unidentified growth-stimulatory factor(s), expressed and secreted by cultured human keratinocytes.     

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum: a rare atypical variant of keratoacanthoma

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is an extremely rare variant of keratoacanthoma (KA), with about 30 cases reported since it was first described in 1962. Clinically, KA is an exoendophytic lesion of 10-25 mm with a horn-filled crater that resolves spontaneously within 6 months. In contrast, KCM is characterized by a larger diameter continuous centrifugal spread, concurrent central atrophy and lack of spontaneous remission. Histologically, KCM is similar to KA, with a central keratin-filled crater, overhanging lips of epithelium, a sharp outline between the tumour nests and stroma, and lack of anaplasia and stroma desmoplasia. We describe a 63-year-old agricultural worker with a 9-month history of a multinodular tumour, 70-75 mm in size, on his right hand. The clinical diagnosis of KCM was confirmed by histological examination. Local radiotherapy proved effective, with no recurrence during a 4-year follow-up.     

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare distinct variant of keratoacanthoma. Based on three personal observations and a review of the literature, the authors describe the clinical and histological features of this neoplasm. Clinically KCM is characterized by the lack of a tendency for spontaneous remission and by continuous centrifugal spread. Histologically there is a subclinical, iceberg-like growth pattern. Like keratoacanthoma, KCM is a highly differentiated, biologically benign, non-metastasizing tumour. The treatment of choice is early excision of the tumour.     

Case of dystrophic calcinosis cutis in epidermal cyst arising from verrucous epidermal nevus

Dystrophic calcinosis cutis is diagnosed when calcium is deposited into previously damaged tissue by connective tissue disease, panniculitis, pseudoxanthoma elasticum or trauma. We report a case of dystrophic calcinosis cutis arising from the lesion of an epidermal cyst on the verrucous epidermal nevus. A 20‐year‐old woman presented with a polypoid pinkish tumor on a brownish, verrucous plaque. Histopathological findings of the pinkish tumor showed calcium deposits as amorphous, basophilic material lining the true epidermis in the upper dermis, which were compatible with dystrophic calcinosis cutis and the plaque was diagnosed as a verrucous epidermal nevus.     

Keratinocyte-releasable stratifin functions as a potent collagenase-stimulating factor in fibroblasts

Termination of wound healing requires a fine balance between collagen deposition and its hydrolysis. To dissect the underlying control mechanisms for this process, we established a keratinocyte/fibroblast co-culture system and subsequently demonstrated more than a 10-fold increase in collagenase expression in fibroblasts co-cultured with keratinocytes relative to that of control cells. This finding was further confirmed in fibroblasts grown in a keratinocyte/fibroblast collagen-GAG gel. The efficacy of keratinocyte-derived collagenase stimulatory factors on collagenase activity was evaluated, and the results showed that only conditioned medium derived from fibroblasts co-cultured with keratinocytes was able to break down markedly type I collagen to its one-quarter and three-quarter fragments of both alpha (alpha1 and alpha2) and beta (beta1.1 and beta1.2) chains. The results of a dose-response experiment showed that keratinocyte-conditioned medium (KCM) stimulates the expression of collagenase mRNA by dermal fibroblasts in a concentration-dependent fashion. In a similar experiment, the results of a time-response experiment revealed that KCM treatment increases the expression of collagenase mRNA in dermal fibroblasts as early as 6 h and reaches its maximum level within 24-48 h. Considering that this keratinocyte-releasable factor has a potent collagenase stimulatory effect on fibroblasts, which favors the resolution of accumulated type I and type III collagen found in fibrotic tissue, we referred to this protein as a keratinocyte-derived anti-fibrogenic factor (KDAF). In a series of chromatography experiments and a direct trypsin digestion of the proteins and subsequent peptide mapping, a keratinocyte-derived collagenase-stimulating factor turned out to be a releasable form of stratifin, also known as 14-3-3 sigma protein. To validate this finding, stratifin cDNA was cloned into a pGEX-6P-1 expressing vector and more than 50 mg of recombinant stratifin was generated and used to treat fibroblasts with various concentrations for 24 h. The results of northern analysis showed a remarkable dose-response increase in the expression of collagenase mRNA in stratifin-treated fibroblasts relative to that of the control. This finding was consistent with that obtained from collagenase activity assay. In conclusion, we identified a keratinocyte-releasable form of stratifin in KCM that mimics the collagenase stimulatory effect of KCM for dermal fibroblasts. This finding suggests that stratifin is likely to be, at least, one of the KDAFs found in KCM.     

Solitary cutaneous histiocytosis with granular cell changes: a morphological variant of reticulohistiocytoma?

We first report a case of granular cell histiocytosis occurring as a solitary polypoid lesion of the nipple in a 15‐year‐old girl. Histologically, the lesion was composed of a dermal population of medium‐ to large‐sized, short spindle‐ to round‐ to epithelioid‐shaped cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm containing numerous and small diastase‐resistant periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) positive granules. No associated inflammatory cells were observed. Immunohistochemical studies, revealing immunoreactivity exclusively to vimentin and CD68, were consistent with their histiocytic profile. Based on clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features, the diagnosis of ‘solitary cutaneous histiocytosis with granular cell changes’ was proposed. The absence of an inflammatory cell component, such as lymphocytes and leucocytes, along with no history of a previous trauma or medical treatment, suggest that the present lesion could fit into the morphological spectrum of the so‐called solitary epithelioid histiocytoma, also known as reticulohistiocytoma. Alternatively, the possibility of a histiocytic reaction to unknown stimuli cannot be completely ruled out. Nevertheless, awareness of solitary cutaneous histiocytosis with granular cell changes is useful to avoid confusion with other dermal tumors, especially ‘granular cell tumor’ and ‘dermal non‐neural granular cell tumor’. Caltabiano R, Magro G, Vecchio GM, Lanzafame S. Solitary cutaneous histiocytosis with granular cell changes: a morphological variant of reticulohistiocytoma?     

Post traumatic amelanotic subungual melanoma

Subungual melanomas are rare; a delay in the diagnosis is common and is associated with advanced stage. Part of the reason for a delay in presentation to the physician is that patients often attribute the lesion to trauma. Trauma may play a role in the pathogenesis or just draw attention to a skin tumor that may be more susceptible to injury. We report a case of subungual melanoma that was observed in an 86 year old man. The preceding trauma history and misleading clinical appearance delayed the diagnosis slightly. Biopsy of every nodular acral tumor is very important. A direct role of the trauma in the pathogenesis of melanoma remains unclear.     

The histopathologic spectrum of regression in atypical fibroxanthoma

Background: Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) with prominent fibrosis, sclerosis and hyalinization, and near‐total tumor regression is rare. Methods: Eight cases of AFX presenting with fibrosis were reviewed as to their tumor architecture, the degree and pattern of fibrosis and the associated inflammatory cell infiltrate. Results: Seven of eight cases had an exophytic architecture, with ulceration in one case. The degree of fibrosis ranged from 10% to 90%. Early fibrosis (2/8 cases) occurred as thickened sclerotic collagen bundles, either dispersed between the neoplastic cells or as septa imparting a multilobular appearance. Advanced fibrosis (6/8 cases) was associated with lamellar sclerosis, keloidal features, hyalinization and with near‐total tumor replacement. Prominent fibrosis rimming the periphery was present in all tumors. An associated lymphoid cell infiltrate with plasma cells and occasionally eosinophils was observed. Conclusions: Fibrosis with prominent sclerosis and hyalinization replacing the tumor is rare in AFX. Advanced fibrosis, in the absence of a history of prior trauma or surgery, may indicate spontaneous regression. These cases emphasize the importance of recognizing this subset of AFX in order to avoid misinterpretation, particularly in cases with few residual atypical cells. Stefanato CM, Robson A and Calonje JE. The histopathologic spectrum of regression in atypical fibroxanthoma.     

Child Abuse Masquerading as a Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Pediatric fasciitides are rare benign lesions that may clinically mimic a malignant sarcoma. Nodular fasciitis, the most common of these fasciitides, rarely occurs in children younger than 5 years of age. Often there is a history of preceding trauma. Herein, we report the case of a 5‐month‐old boy diagnosed with nodular fasciitis in the setting of nonaccidental trauma.     

Hemorrhage into a plexiform neurofibroma induced by trauma: a rare complication of von Recklinghausen's disease

A case of hemorrhage into a plexiform neurofibroma of a 53-year-old woman is described. Immediately after trauma to the plexiform neurofibroma on her scalp, she noticed severe headaches and sudden enlargement of the tumor. The tumor continued to enlarge slowly. Her headaches also continued until tumor excision. The specimen taken during surgery surrounded a round cavity about 7 cm in diameter containing coagulated blood. Numerous, old, perivascular hemorrhages around many dilated vessels with extremely thin walls were revealed by histological examination.     

Differentiated keratinocyte-releasable stratifin (14-3-3 sigma) stimulates MMP-1 expression in dermal fibroblasts

Through the use of a keratinocyte/fibroblast co-culture system, we have recently identified a potent keratinocyte-derived anti-fibrogenic factor (KDAF) for dermal fibroblasts. A sequential chromatography of the active fractions of keratinocyte-conditioned medium (KCM) and peptide mapping of the candidate proteins identified KDAF as being the keratinocyte-releasable 14-3-3 sigma (14-3-3sigma) protein, which is also known as stratifin. In this study, we hypothesize that differentiated, but not proliferating, keratinocytes are the primary source of releasable 14-3-3sigma in conditioned medium. To address this hypothesis, in a longitudinal study, keratinocyte differentiation was induced by growing these cells in a medium consisting of 50% keratinocyte serum-free medium (KSFM) and 50% Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium without any additives for up to 20 d. When KCM was collected every other day and added to fibroblasts, the level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 mRNA expression was markedly increased in fibroblasts receiving KCM and this increase was even greater in cells receiving conditioned media collected at later time points relative to that of controls. The results of a western blot analysis further showed a marked increase in the expression of 14-3-3sigma protein in keratinocytes grown in test medium from day 4 to day 10. This finding was consistent with the levels of 14-3-3sigma mRNA expression in differentiated keratinocytes. In contrast to a very high level of 14-3-3sigma mRNA expression seen in keratinocytes, fibroblasts that are highly responsive to14-3-3sigma were unable to express this factor. Interestingly, the level of 14-3-3sigma mRNA expression was markedly higher in keratinocytes co-cultured with fibroblasts relative to that of mono-cultured keratinocytes. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that keratinocytes express a high level of 14-3-3sigma at the levels of mRNA and protein. But the releasable form of 14-3-3sigma protein was only found in conditioned medium derived from differentiated keratinocytes. Further, our recently purified recombinant 14-3-3sigma protein mimics the collagenase stimulatory effect of KCM in dermal fibroblasts.