Disseminated cutaneous histoplasmosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: report of 23 cases

Disseminated cutaneous histoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We report a series of 23 cases (21 men, two women; median age 29 years) with disseminated cutaneous histoplasmosis seen at two hospital centres. Most of the patients (21/23) were classified as stage C3. The most common dermatological findings were papules, crusting plaques, nodules and ulcers, mainly located on the face and chest. Of the 23 cases, 15 (65%) had pulmonary involvement. Amphotericin B and itraconazole were the main drugs used for treatment. Treatment response was variable: four of the patients were cured, six improved and remain stable, nine patients died, and four patients were lost to follow-up.     

Comparative study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and non-HIV-infected patients in French Guiana

BACKGROUND: Few data are available on cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by dermotropic species in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. OBJECTIVES: To describe nine cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in HIV+ patients and to compare their clinical features and their response to treatment with those of HIV- patients with the forms of leishmaniasis commonly found in French Guiana. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out between July 1994 and December 2000 in French Guiana. We compared the following variables in nine HIV-infected patients with leishmaniasis and 27 matched controls: clinical type of leishmaniasis, number of lesions, presence of lymphangitis and adenopathy, the rate of recovery after treatment, and recurrence or reinfection. RESULTS: Eight of the HIV-infected patients had localized cutaneous leishmaniasis and one had mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. All of the controls had localized cutaneous leishmaniasis. Leishmania guyanensis was the only species isolated from HIV-infected subjects. HIV-Leishmania coinfected patients had a higher rate of recurrence or reinfection (P < 0.02) and a lower rate of recovery after one treatment cycle with pentamidine (P < 0.02) than did HIV- subjects. The CD4+ lymphocyte counts exceeded 200 mm(-3) in all HIV+ patients at the time of the diagnosis with leishmaniasis. CONCLUSIONS: In French Guiana, cutaneous leishmaniasis in moderately immunosuppressed HIV-infected subjects (> 200 CD4+ T cells mm(-3)) is characterized by a higher rate of recurrence or reinfection and is more difficult to treat than that in HIV- subjects.     

Dermoscopic study of cutaneous malignant melanoma: descriptive analysis of 45 cases

IntroductionDermoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy is a novel in vivo technique that can be used for the diagnosis of pigmented cutaneous lesions. The aim of this study was to analyze the dermoscopic patterns observed in a consecutive series of primary cutaneous melanomas.Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in which clinical, histological, and dermoscopic characteristics were analyzed in 45 primary melanomas.ResultsTwo thirds of the series were thin melanomas and 50 % were in situ melanomas. According to the ABCD rule, there was clinical suspicion of melanoma in 72 % of the lesions. Specific dermoscopic patterns were observed in 93 %. A multicomponent pattern was the most commonly observed (71 %). A nonspecific pattern was observed in 7% of lesions. The most noteworthy local findings were irregular pigmented patches (80 %), irregular dots and globules (68 % and 62 %), atypical pigmented network (57 %), blue-gray veil (42 %), and radial streaming and pseudopods (20 %). In addition, hypopigmented areas (86 %), regression structures (80 %), and vascular abnormalities (73 %) were also often seen. Acral lesions presented patterns characteristic of these sites.ConclusionAnalysis of dermoscopic patterns aids early definitive diagnosis of melanoma and is particularly useful in the case of clinically indolent lesions. Dermoscopic findings provide information complementary to that obtained by conventional histology.     

Perforin and granzyme B expression in oral and cutaneous lichen planus - a comparative study

Background: Although cutaneous and oral lichen planus (LP) share similar histopathological features, oral LP often follows a recalcitrant course while LP skin lesions tend to be self‐limiting. Apoptosis, mediated by cytotoxic T‐cells in LP, may be triggered by the release of molecules such as perforin and granzyme B. As variation in clinical behavior can reflect differences in LP immune expression, we studied the role of those cytotoxic molecules in oral and cutaneous LP. Methods: We analyzed 16 cases of cutaneous LP and 29 of oral LP. The sections were studied on hematoxylin and eosin, CD4, CD8, perforin and granzyme B staining. Results: The mean number of immunostained cells expressing each cytotoxic molecule was significantly higher in oral LP than in cutaneous LP. A higher number of single necrotic keratinocytes (apoptotic bodies) was found in oral LP lesions when compared to cutaneous LP. Only in oral LP lesions, a higher number of CD4‐positive cells was found in active lesions when compared to regressive lesions. Conclusions: Our results confirm increased expression of granzyme B and perforin in oral LP lesions as compared to cutaneous LP. The increased expression suggests a relationship with the clinical behavior of the disease. Lage D, Pimentel VN, Soares TCB, Souza EM, Metze K, Cintra ML. Perforin and granzyme B expression in oral and cutaneous lichen planus – a comparative study.     

Intralesional sodium stibogluconate alone or its combination with either intramuscular sodium stibogluconate or oral ketoconazole in the treatment of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis: a comparative study

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disease caused by leishmania species. Intralesional sodium stibogluconate (SSG) has been considered the first line therapy for localized cutaneous leishmaniasis. There is still a need for more effective and less time‐consuming therapeutic methods for this condition. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate if the combination of intramuscular (IM) SSG or oral ketoconazole with intralesional (IL) SSG would be more effective than the intralesional SSG given alone in the treatment of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis. Patients and methods Thirty patients with confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group (10 patients with 12 lesions) was treated with intralesional SSG alone. The second group (10 patients with 15 lesions) was treated with the combination of intralesional SSG + intramuscular SSG. The third group (10 patients with 13 lesions) was treated with the combination of intralesional SSG and oral ketoconazole. A follow‐up was performed every 4 weeks for a treatment period of 12 weeks, then monthly for a period of 6 months after the end of the treatment. Results Complete cure occurred in 58.3% of lesions in group 1, while 93.3% and 92.3% of lesions were cured in group 2 and 3 respectively. The difference between group 1 and the other groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Combined intramuscular SSG or oral ketoconazole with intralesional SSG is more effective than intralesional SSG alone for the treatment of CL. Oral ketoconazole is much easier and safer therapy than intramuscular SSG in combination with intralesional SSG in the treatment of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis.     

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma: a clinical, histological, phenotypic and genotypic study of 21 cases

The clinical, histological, phenotypic and genotypic features of 21 primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs) have been investigated. The patients were 13 men and eight women aged 34-91 years (median 67) at diagnosis. Eighteen patients had localized disease, and three had multiple skin lesions at diagnosis. Twelve patients developed cutaneous or extracutaneous recurrences, and five died from malignant lymphoma 7-84 months (median 36) after diagnosis. Histological examination showed features of marginal zone/mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphoma in 12 cases. Three of these had transformed to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in relapse biopsies. The remaining cases were seven primary DLBCLs and two cases tentatively classified as follicle centre cell (FCC) lymphoma. The neoplastic B cells showed similar phenotypes and genotypes in most cases (CD20+, CD79+, CD5-, CD10-, cyclin D1-, bcl-2+, bcl-x-, bax-, t(14;18)-negative). p53 protein was expressed in five cases, and four harboured mis-sense or loss-of-function mutations in the p53 gene. Deletion or promoter region hypermethylation of the p16INK4a gene was detected in two patients with DLBCL. The level of retinoblastoma protein expression and the proliferative fraction were significantly higher in DLBCL (> 50%) than in MALT- or FCC-type lymphomas (< 10%). Features associated with an unfavourable prognosis were the presence of multiple skin lesions at diagnosis, transformation from MALT-type lymphoma to DLBCL, and possibly p16INK4a aberrations. It is concluded that most CBCLs are dissimilar from FCC lymphomas and seem to be more closely related to marginal zone/MALT-type lymphomas. It is also suggested that there are fundamental differences between DLBCL and other histological categories of CBCL, indicating that cutaneous DLBCL is a separate entity with an increased growth potential and genetic features similar to DLBCL originating in other anatomical sites.     

Immunoglobulins coat microorganisms of skin surface: a comparative immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of cutaneous and oral microbial symbionts

Only recently have human sweat glands been demonstrated to secrete immunoglobulins (Ig), paralleling Ig secretion in mucosal epithelia. It is well established that Ig protect mucosal membranes against infections by binding to surface structures of microorganisms. In view of these findings immunohistochemical studies were performed to determine if microbes on the skin surface are coated by Ig as proposed for mucosal bacteria and fungi. Smear preparations from the skin and oral cavity rich in micro-organisms were subjected to immunoperoxidase staining using anti-secretory component (SC), -IgA, -IgM, -IgG antibodies. An immunogold labeling technique of microbial suspensions of sweat and saliva was adapted to correlate the results on an ultrastructural level. Negative controls included unsuccessful staining for IgA in preparations obtained from an IgA-deficient patient as well as nonreactivity of subcultured microorganisms for all Ig classes or SC. Smear preparations from both the oral cavity and skin surface exhibited labeling of bacterial or fungal elements with anti-IgA, -IgM, -IgG, and -SC antibodies. Skin bacteria revealed a lower number of reactive microbes as compared to saliva. Staining intensity for the different Ig classes exhibited intra- and interindividual variations. Immunoelectronmicroscopically, Ig and SC could be detected either directly along the cell wall of coccal, coryneform, and fungal elements or on floccular and fimbrial material adhering to the bacterial surface. It is concluded that secretory Ig of the skin cover surface structures of microorganisms and thus modify their adhesional and/or infectious properties, resembling humoral surface immunity on mucous membranes.     

Primary cutaneous lymphomas: a study of 37 cases

Background A retrospective clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical study was performed in 37 cases of isolated primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL) (22 B and 15 T phenotype). Patients with epidermotrophic infiltrate (mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome) were excluded. Methods Patients with PCL were selected according to strict criteria: isolated cutaneous involvement for at least 6 months and a negative exhaustive study of possible spread. Lesions were either limited to a single cutaneous region or were disseminated, involving at least two nonadjacent regions. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically, and an immunohistochemical study was performed. Results On the basis of the new Willemze classification for prognostic criteria, this study showed similarities between lymphomas of B and T phenotype in clinical features, therapeutic response, course, and overall prognosis. The clinical lesion was usually an erythematous nodule associated, or not, with an infiltrated layer and generally limited to a single cutaneous region. PCLs were highly sensitive to nonaggressive treatment, showing complete or more than 50% partial remission in all cases. Conclusions The overall prognosis for these lymphomas was good, even for disseminated cutaneous forms. Patient survival at 48 months was 78% for T and 89% for B phenotype. In the latter group, the prognosis was comparable for CD30+ and CD30- T lymphomas; however, the course of PCL involved frequent cutaneous relapses, particularly with the disseminated forms, raising the problem of adjuvant treatment after complete remission was obtained. Extracutaneous involvement was rare, but always indicative of poor prognosis.     

皮肤淋巴腺瘤二例组织学及免疫组化研究

2例均为发生于面部的单发结节,光滑,粉红色,缓慢增大.组织病理:真皮中不规则的上皮细胞小叶,边缘由基底样细胞呈栅栏状排列,团块中心由透明细胞构成,小叶中及间质中可见大量的小淋巴细胞浸润.免疫组化:淋巴细胞以CD3阳性为主,少量的CD20阳性细胞,上皮团块及周围间质中较多的S-100+CD1a+树突细胞,细胞角蛋白7、细胞角蛋白20、癌胚抗原均为阴性,1例团块中央少量细胞上皮膜抗原和CD30表达.根据组织病理和免疫组化结果,明确为皮肤淋巴腺瘤,其主要的浸润细胞是CD3阳性淋巴细胞.     

皮肤淋巴腺瘤二例组织学及免疫组化研究

2例均为发生于面部的单发结节,光滑,粉红色,缓慢增大.组织病理:真皮中不规则的上皮细胞小叶,边缘由基底样细胞呈栅栏状排列,团块中心由透明细胞构成,小叶中及间质中可见大量的小淋巴细胞浸润.免疫组化:淋巴细胞以CD3阳性为主,少量的CD20阳性细胞,上皮团块及周围间质中较多的S-100+CD1a+树突细胞,细胞角蛋白7、细胞角蛋白20、癌胚抗原均为阴性,1例团块中央少量细胞上皮膜抗原和CD30表达.根据组织病理和免疫组化结果,明确为皮肤淋巴腺瘤,其主要的浸润细胞是CD3阳性淋巴细胞.     

皮肤淋巴腺瘤二例组织学及免疫组化研究

2例均为发生于面部的单发结节,光滑,粉红色,缓慢增大.组织病理:真皮中不规则的上皮细胞小叶,边缘由基底样细胞呈栅栏状排列,团块中心由透明细胞构成,小叶中及间质中可见大量的小淋巴细胞浸润.免疫组化:淋巴细胞以CD3阳性为主,少量的CD20阳性细胞,上皮团块及周围间质中较多的S-100+CD1a+树突细胞,细胞角蛋白7、细胞角蛋白20、癌胚抗原均为阴性,1例团块中央少量细胞上皮膜抗原和CD30表达.根据组织病理和免疫组化结果,明确为皮肤淋巴腺瘤,其主要的浸润细胞是CD3阳性淋巴细胞.     

皮肤淋巴腺瘤二例组织学及免疫组化研究

2例均为发生于面部的单发结节,光滑,粉红色,缓慢增大.组织病理:真皮中不规则的上皮细胞小叶,边缘由基底样细胞呈栅栏状排列,团块中心由透明细胞构成,小叶中及间质中可见大量的小淋巴细胞浸润.免疫组化:淋巴细胞以CD3阳性为主,少量的CD20阳性细胞,上皮团块及周围间质中较多的S-100+CD1a+树突细胞,细胞角蛋白7、细胞角蛋白20、癌胚抗原均为阴性,1例团块中央少量细胞上皮膜抗原和CD30表达.根据组织病理和免疫组化结果,明确为皮肤淋巴腺瘤,其主要的浸润细胞是CD3阳性淋巴细胞.     

皮肤淋巴腺瘤二例组织学及免疫组化研究

2例均为发生于面部的单发结节,光滑,粉红色,缓慢增大.组织病理:真皮中不规则的上皮细胞小叶,边缘由基底样细胞呈栅栏状排列,团块中心由透明细胞构成,小叶中及间质中可见大量的小淋巴细胞浸润.免疫组化:淋巴细胞以CD3阳性为主,少量的CD20阳性细胞,上皮团块及周围间质中较多的S-100+CD1a+树突细胞,细胞角蛋白7、细胞角蛋白20、癌胚抗原均为阴性,1例团块中央少量细胞上皮膜抗原和CD30表达.根据组织病理和免疫组化结果,明确为皮肤淋巴腺瘤,其主要的浸润细胞是CD3阳性淋巴细胞.     

皮肤淋巴腺瘤二例组织学及免疫组化研究

2例均为发生于面部的单发结节,光滑,粉红色,缓慢增大.组织病理:真皮中不规则的上皮细胞小叶,边缘由基底样细胞呈栅栏状排列,团块中心由透明细胞构成,小叶中及间质中可见大量的小淋巴细胞浸润.免疫组化:淋巴细胞以CD3阳性为主,少量的CD20阳性细胞,上皮团块及周围间质中较多的S-100+CD1a+树突细胞,细胞角蛋白7、细胞角蛋白20、癌胚抗原均为阴性,1例团块中央少量细胞上皮膜抗原和CD30表达.根据组织病理和免疫组化结果,明确为皮肤淋巴腺瘤,其主要的浸润细胞是CD3阳性淋巴细胞.     

皮肤淋巴腺瘤二例组织学及免疫组化研究

2例均为发生于面部的单发结节,光滑,粉红色,缓慢增大.组织病理:真皮中不规则的上皮细胞小叶,边缘由基底样细胞呈栅栏状排列,团块中心由透明细胞构成,小叶中及间质中可见大量的小淋巴细胞浸润.免疫组化:淋巴细胞以CD3阳性为主,少量的CD20阳性细胞,上皮团块及周围间质中较多的S-100+CD1a+树突细胞,细胞角蛋白7、细胞角蛋白20、癌胚抗原均为阴性,1例团块中央少量细胞上皮膜抗原和CD30表达.根据组织病理和免疫组化结果,明确为皮肤淋巴腺瘤,其主要的浸润细胞是CD3阳性淋巴细胞.     

皮肤淋巴腺瘤二例组织学及免疫组化研究

2例均为发生于面部的单发结节,光滑,粉红色,缓慢增大.组织病理:真皮中不规则的上皮细胞小叶,边缘由基底样细胞呈栅栏状排列,团块中心由透明细胞构成,小叶中及间质中可见大量的小淋巴细胞浸润.免疫组化:淋巴细胞以CD3阳性为主,少量的CD20阳性细胞,上皮团块及周围间质中较多的S-100+CD1a+树突细胞,细胞角蛋白7、细胞角蛋白20、癌胚抗原均为阴性,1例团块中央少量细胞上皮膜抗原和CD30表达.根据组织病理和免疫组化结果,明确为皮肤淋巴腺瘤,其主要的浸润细胞是CD3阳性淋巴细胞.