Erythema multiforme due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in two children

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important and highly relevant cause of bullous erythema multiforme, isolated mucositis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in children. In this article, we present two children with respiratory Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and associated cutaneous findings within the spectrum of erythema multiforme. We review the literature associating these three entities with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and discuss controversies regarding the classification of erythema multiforme, as well as update reported infectious causes of the bullous form. Many understand the erythema multiforme spectrum to include bullous erythema multiforme, mucositis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in the order of increasing severity. We feel that this relationship should be reconsidered to help better understand the prognosis and outcomes. It is our opinion that bullous erythema multiforme is a separate, yet related condition that can occur in the context of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. With many similarities to mucositis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, bullous erythema multiforme can be considered part of a spectrum of disease that includes Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Unlike mucositis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, bullous erythema multiforme caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has low morbidity for the child. Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated mucositis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome seem to occur along a spectrum with separate prognosis and potential pathogenesis compared with bullous erythema multiforme. Making the distinction between these conditions is valuable for predicting the child's prognosis. Patients who develop symptoms consistent with these conditions should be appropriately evaluated for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and closely monitored.     

Pustular vasculitis of the hands

A case of pustular vasculitis of the hands with evidence of systemic involvement is described. A 64-year-old woman presented with a 2-day history of large, tense bullae arranged symmetrically over the dorsum of the three radial digits and extending on to the radial aspect of the dorsum of each hand. The bullae caused some discomfort and prevented normal use of her hands. There was no response to antibiotic therapy initiated prior to referral to hospital. Initial investigations revealed a raised white cell count with a neutrophilia, a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a raised C-reactive protein. Abnormalities of liver function were detected. Aspirates from the bullae and blood cultures were sterile. The histology of debrided tissue demonstrated a florid neutrophilic dermal infiltrate with many blood vessels associated with prominent fibrin. A diagnosis of pustular vasculitis of the hands was made. The bullae were surgically debrided and treatment with oral corticosteroids was started. Two days after commencement of oral prednisolone, a crusted pustule appeared on her upper cutaneous lip. There was rapid resolution of both the vasculitis of the hands and the pustule on her upper lip following an increase in the dose of oral prednisolone. The patient was discharged on the seventeenth day following admission.     

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and mucositis - part of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome spectrum

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae may induce mucosal inflammation, referred to as M. pneumoniae-associated mucositis (MPAM). There is no generally accepted definition of MPAM, since there may be mucosal lesions only, or mucosal and minimal skin lesions. Patients and Methods: We conducted a literature review of MPAM, paying particular attention to pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatment decisions, and prognosis. Results: We identified 32 cases of MPAM (median age 13.5 years), whereof 23 patients were otherwise healthy children and young adolescents (72%). M. pneumoniae infection was associated with fever and respiratory symptoms in all calls; it was confirmed by serology (n = 30) and/or PCR (n = 9). Oral lesions were present in all cases, followed by ocular (97%) and uro-genital lesions (78%). Despite the syndrome's name postulating the absence of cutaneous involvement, minimal skin lesions occurred in 31%. Treatment regimens included systemic antibiotics (100%) and systemic anti-inflammatory treatment with corticosteroids (31%) or immunoglobulins (9%). Macrolides were given in 81%, with failure, relapse, and/or worsening in one-third of patients. No patient suffered long-term sequelae. Conclusion: MPAM is a distinct extra-pulmonary manifestation falling into the continuum of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This entity may be due to inflammatory mechanisms suggesting that systemic anti-inflammatory treatment is even more important than antimicrobials.     

Unusual Presentation of Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis by Alternaria alternate

The Alternaria species are dematiaceous fungi. Human infection due to dematiaceous fungi is uncommon. Most reported cases of alternariosis have occurred in patients with immunodeficiency. The majority of cases were solid-organ transplantation recipients. Cutaneous alternariosis lesions are usually asymptomatic solitary nodules, plaques of ulcers or subcutaneous cysts. Here we report a case of a 77-year-old female who presented with hemorrhagic skin necrosis in right arm that had developed from hemorrhagic bullae. Her prior medical history included iatrogenic Cushing''s syndrome, hypertension, interstitial lung disease and congestive heart failure. Following administration of itraconazole, her lesions improved.     

A case of nodal marginal zone lymphoma with hypersensitivity to mosquito bites as initial symptom

Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) refers to skin reactions such as bullae and necrosis, which occurs after being bitten by mosquitoes and can present with multiple systemic reactions such as fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly simultaneously or subsequently. A 48‐year‐old male patient presented with recurrent erythema, nodules, papules, vesicles and bullae over upper body and bilateral limbs with itching over the sites of mosquito bite for more than 1 year with low‐grade fever and superficial lymph nodes enlargement. The patient's symptoms failed to improve from conventional anti allergic treatment although skin biopsy showed changes of HMB reaction. Subsequently, the lymph node was biopsied and was reported to be nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL), and then the patient was eventually diagnosed with nodal marginal zone lymphoma with HMB. To date only one case of nodal marginal zone lymphoma with HMB has been reported from Korea, and this is the first case to be reported in China.     

COVID-19-related oral mucosa lesions among confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients: a systematic review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which manifests as a flu-like respiratory infection affecting multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, skin, and mucosa. In this review, we investigated the literature on specific manifestations of COVID-19 in the oral mucosa. An online literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Medline was conducted to retrieve relevant studies on confirmed COVID-19 patients with oral mucosa findings published between December 31, 2019, and April 07, 2021. After an independent review by two authors, 39 articles considering 59 laboratory-confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the final analysis. The most common finding, reported in 29 patients (43.9%), was Kawasaki-like syndrome. In addition, oral ulcers including aphthous, hemorrhagic, and necrotic ulcers were reported in 24 patients (36.3%). Other lesions reported included pustules, macules, bullae, maculopapular enanthema, and erythema multiforme-like lesions. Concomitant skin lesions were present in 60.6% of patients. Fever was reported in 86.2% of patients. Forty-eight patients (76.1%) were hospitalized. Loss of taste and smell was present in 30.8% of the patients. A comprehensive understanding of the dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19 can improve and facilitate patient management and referrals.     

Concurrent infection due to Shewanella putrefaciens and Mycobacterium marinum acquired at the beach

Infection with marine bacteria is uncommon. A patient with systemic lupus erthematosus who developed concurrent infection with shewanella putrefaciens and Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) is described. After bathing leg ulcers in sea water, severe cellulites of the left leg with necrotic areas and extensive bullae developed. Infection due to S. putrefaciens was confirmed and a long course of hospitalization, oral ciprofloxacin and skin grafting was required. During hospitalization, oral ciprofloxacin and skin grafting was required. During hospitalization subcutaneous nodules developed on the other leg. Biopsy revealed acid-fast bacilli and culture grew M. marinum . These lesions responded to rifampicin and cotrimoxazole. Patients with leg ulcers, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or receiving immunosuppressive drugs may acquire unusual infections after salt water exposure.     

肺炎支原体诱导的皮疹和黏膜炎8例临床特征及预后分析

【摘要】 目的 分析肺炎支原体诱导的皮疹和黏膜炎（MIRM）的临床特征及预后。方法 调阅中山大学附属第一医院2004年11月至2021年5月出院诊断为多形红斑/重症多形红斑或Stevens-Johnson综合征患者的资料,以MIRM诊断标准筛选出其中的MIRM患者,且排除了其他病因,分析其临床表现、实验室和辅助检查、治疗和预后。结果 8例符合MIRM诊断,其中男4例,女4例,发病年龄4 ~ 30（15.63 ± 9.16）岁。8例均有发热,其中5例有咳嗽、咽痛等上呼吸道前驱症状。所有患者均有口腔黏膜损害,其中5例有口唇血痂;7例有眼损害,表现为结膜充血及分泌物增多。所有患者均有皮损,表现为靶形损害5例、水疱4例。所有患者血清学肺炎支原体IgM均阳性。1例反复出现干咳等上呼吸道感染,每次发作与肺炎支原体感染密切相关,取外周血行全外显子测序显示,NLRC4和IRGM杂合突变。3例患者行皮损组织病理检查,符合多形红斑。7例系统使用糖皮质激素治疗,6例静脉注射免疫球蛋白,5例阿奇霉素,5例使用阿昔洛韦或伐昔洛韦或利巴韦林。平均随访2.9年,3例痊愈,1例失明,1例反复出现干咳和口腔溃疡及四肢皮疹,余3例分别出现眼睑板腺功能障碍、泪点狭窄及角膜上皮损害等眼部损害。结论 MIRM好发于儿童及年轻成人,多有发热、咽痛、咳嗽等前驱症状,黏膜损害明显,部分有皮肤靶形损害。多数患者单次发病后痊愈,个别反复发作者可能与自身炎症相关基因和感染相关基因突变有关。     

Nodular vasculitis associated with propylthiouracil therapy.

Cutaneous vasculitis is a rare complication of propylthiouracil therapy. We describe a patient who presented with lower extremity subcutaneous nodules, hemorrhagic bullae, and necrotic ulcers during treatment with this agent. Examination of a skin biopsy specimen revealed nodular vasculitis. This type of vasculitis has not been described in association with propylthiouracil therapy before. Nodular vasculitis not associated with the drug is characterized by a chronic protracted course, whereas in the patient reported the lesions rapidly regressed when use of the drug was discontinued.     

儿童获得性大疱性表皮松解症一例

报道1例儿童获得性大疱性表皮松解症.患者女,12岁,因全身反复水疱、大疱和糜烂面3个月入院.患者弱智,父母非近亲结婚,无家族史.入院时表现全身大片糜烂面,包括手足、膝关节周围和股臀部,同时躯干、四肢正常或水肿性红斑基础上紧张性水疱、大疱.治疗过程中突然发生躯干、四肢大量紧张性水疱.组织病理提示,表皮下水疱,免疫荧光结果见表皮基底膜带IgG和C3线状沉积,盐裂后沉积限于真皮侧.ELISA检测BP180和BP230阴性.采用大剂量糖皮质激素联合四环素口服取得满意疗效.

Abstract：

A case of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) in childhood is reported. A 12-year-old girl was hospitalized for a 3-month history of recurrent blisters, bullae and erosions on the trunk and limbs. The girl had mental retardation but no family history of similar disorders. The marriage between her parents was not consanguineous. Physical examination on admission revealed large erosions with moderate oozing on the hands and feet, around the knees and on the buttock and thighs. There were scattered tense blisters and bullae arising in normal skin or edematous erythema on the trunk and limbs. During the treatment course the patient suddenly developed a number of tense blisters over the whole integument on the trunk and limbs. Skin biopsy showed subepidermal bullae with moderate perivascular infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) revealed linear IgG and C3 deposition along the basal membrane zone, which was on the dermal side of salt-split skin on indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). ELISA detected no serum antiBP180 or -BP230 antibodies in the patient. A diagnosis of EBA was made. The patient was successfully controlled by intravenous steroids combined with oral tetracycline.     

Disseminated gonococcemia

A 26-year-old woman presented with a high-grade fever and chills of 2 days' duration. She complained of associated joint pain, especially in the wrists and knees. One day before admission, tender skin lesions began to develop on the fingers, and subsequently spread to the more proximal extremities. The patient recalled having a sore throat and a nonproductive cough before the onset of the fever and eruption. The past medical history was significant for Gardnerella vaginitis and several urinary tract infections. The patient was taking oral contraceptive pills; her most recent menstruation was 3 weeks before admission. She reported having sexual intercourse with her boyfriend 2 weeks before admission. The patient's temperature was 40 degrees C. Dermatologic examination revealed a 6-mm, hemorrhagic pustule on an ill-defined pink base, overlying the volar aspect of the left second proximal interphalangeal joint (Fig. 1a). Scattered on the upper and lower extremities were occasional round, ill-defined pink macules with central pinpoint vesiculation (Fig. 1b). A skin biopsy of the digit revealed a dense neutrophilic infiltrate with leukocytoclasis and marked fibrin deposition in the superficial and deep dermal vessels (Fig. 2a). Gram stains demonstrated the presence of Gram-negative diplococci (Fig. 2b). Laboratory findings included leukocytosis (leukocyte count of 20 x 109/L, with 81% neutrophils). Analysis of an endocervical specimen by polymerase chain reaction was positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and negative for Chlamydia trachomatis. Throat and blood cultures grew N. gonorrhoeae. Specimen cultures obtained by skin biopsy yielded no growth. Results of serologic analysis for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis, syphilis, and pregnancy were negative. Beginning on admission, intravenous ceftriaxone, 2 g, was administered every 24 h for 6 days, followed by oral cefixime, 400 mg twice daily for 4 days. Oral azithromycin, 1 g, was administered to treat possible coinfection with C. trachomatis. By treatment day 4, the patient was afebrile, with the resolution of leukocytosis and symptomatic improvement of arthralgias.     

Paraneoplastic pemphigus resembling linear IgA bullous dermatosis

A 69-year-old Chinese man presented in 2001 with a blistering eruption over the upper and lower limbs associated with oral ulceration for 1 month. He had stage IIIA follicular small cell cleaved non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed 5 years previously, and had received several lines of palliative chemotherapy, including two courses of chlorambucil, six cycles of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP), and two four-cycle courses of rituximab, with disease stabilization at the time of presentation. Examination revealed erythematous, annular plaques with raised, urticarial borders studded with tense bullae and vesicles over the thighs. Some lesions were arciform and annular, with vesicles arranged in a ring at the border (Fig. 1). There was involvement of the feet with desquamation at the tips of the toes (Fig. 2). Severe erosions with hemorrhagic crusts on the lips, tongue, and buccal mucosa were seen. Herpes simplex virus serology was negative. A biopsy specimen from a vesicle on the left thigh showed suprabasal acantholysis (Fig. 3), some apoptotic keratinocytes (Fig. 4), satellite cell necrosis in the epidermis, and a superficial perivascular infiltrate of lymphocytes and eosinophils. Direct immunofluorescence showed intercellular immunoglobulin G (IgG) and C3 within the epidermis and along the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence on monkey esophagus was positive for anti-intercellular antibody at a titre of 1/160 and positive on rat bladder at a titre of 1/80. A presumptive diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus was made. This was later confirmed by the presence of antibodies against envoplakin (210 kDa), periplakin (190 kDa), and desmoglein 1 on immunoprecipitation studies. He was started on prednisolone 60 mg/day (1 mg/kg/day), with complete resolution of skin lesions within 1 week, but persistence of oral ulcers. Cyclophosphamide was added at a low dose of 1 mg/kg/day as he had baseline leukopenia. Cyclosporine was later added to a maximum of 4 mg/kg/day with only mild improvement of the oral lesions. He declined rituximab therapy. He died 2 months later from fulminant pneumonia.     

重症多形红斑型药疹合并急性胰腺炎继发巨细胞病毒感染一例

报告1例牛黄解毒片所致重症多形红斑药疹合并急性胰腺炎及上消化道出血并继发巨细胞病毒感染。患者女,20岁。因口、眼、外阴黏膜糜烂、疼痛,伴发热4天,皮肤科检查：全身散在分布黄豆大小水肿性红斑,部分呈靶形,中央水疱或紫癜,眼结膜、口唇、口腔、外阴广泛性充血、糜烂、渗出,被覆白色膜样物质和黄色脓性分泌物。入院诊断重症多形红斑,入院后出现急性胰腺炎、上消化道出血,经及时救治后好转但出现不明原因持续发热,根据血常规、巨细胞病毒血清学结果诊断为巨细胞病毒感染,给予更昔洛韦治疗2周后痊愈。     

免疫抑制治疗患者罹患皮肤非结核分枝杆菌感染二例

患者1，皮肤多处结节、溃疡伴发热1个月余，皮损组织病理提示感染性肉芽肿，分子生物学检查为嗜血分枝杆菌感染，予环丙沙星、克拉霉素、异烟肼治疗1年后治愈，该患者2016年诊断为系统性红斑狼疮、Ⅵ型狼疮性肾炎，予腹膜透析、糖皮质激素及免疫抑制剂长期治疗。患者2，双下肢溃疡伴疼痛3个月，皮损组织病理提示感染性肉芽肿，分子生物学检查为鸟分枝杆菌感染，未治疗。3个月后复诊，病情加重，予乙胺丁醇、克拉霉素、利福平治疗，目前正在随访中。该患者7年前因“慢性肾衰竭”行同种异体肾移植术，术后规律服用他克莫司胶囊、吗替麦考酚酯片、糖皮质激素。对于长期应用免疫抑制剂和糖皮质激素的患者出现皮肤结节、脓肿和溃疡时，应考虑到皮肤NTM感染的可能。     

Oral squamous cell carcinoma during long-term treatment with hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea (HU) is commonly used for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukaemia, polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia. Patients receiving HU present a number of side-effects including skin/mucosa changes and tumours. Mucocutaneous abnormalities include xerosis, ichthyosiform lesions, dark brown pigmentation of skin folds and nails, malleolar ulcers, oral mucositis and oral ulcers. Cutaneous squamous/basal cell carcinomas have also often been reported following long-term administration of HU. HU-induced carcinogenesis is due to both the mutagenic potential of this agent and to an impairment of DNA repair mechanisms after damage by external factors such as ultraviolet radiation. Oral cancer following long-term treatment with HU has been reported only once, in a patient with concomitant multiple skin tumours. We present the unique case of a patient with polycythemia vera who developed oral cancer after 15 years of HU therapy.     

Synchronous pyoderma gangrenosum and inflammatory bowel disease, healing after total proctocolectomy

We present a female patient observed with painful violaceous plaques with central bullae and pustules on the lower limbs, rapidly transformed into ulcers, associated with bloody diarrhea, recurrent oral erosions and hyperthermia in the previous 3 months. Cutaneous biopsy was consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum, and intestinal diagnostic procedures revealed a non-classifiable inflammatory bowel disease with high x-ANCA titers. Soon after admission the patient was submitted to total proctocolectomy following colonic perforation. Complete ulcer healing occurred three months after surgery, without recurrence. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare dermatosis frequently associated with inflammatory bowel disease. This case is particularly interesting for the synchronic clinical presentation of cutaneous and intestinal diseases, but also for the prompt regression of the former after total proctocolectomy.     

Genital Ulcers as an Unusual Sign of Periodic Fever,Aphthous Stomatitis,Pharyngotonsillitis, Cervical Adenopathy Syndrome: A Novel Symptom?

Abstract: Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngotonsillitis, cervical adenopathy (PFAPA) syndrome, which is characterized by periodic episodes of high fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis, is of unknown etiology and manifests usually before 5 years of age. A patient with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngotonsillitis, cervical adenopathy syndrome simultaneously presenting with genital ulcers has not been reported previously. We describe a 12‐year‐old Chinese girl with a 2‐year history of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngotonsillitis, cervical adenopathy syndrome who exhibited vulvar ulcers accompanying an episode of febrile periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngotonsillitis, and cervical adenopathy. Although during a 1‐year follow‐up this girl did not manifest typical symptoms/signs of Behçet’s disease except recurrent oral aphthae and genital ulcers, it is possible that periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngotonsillitis, cervical adenopathy syndrome and Behçet’s disease could have overlapping manifestations. Furthermore, this report would add to the evidence of a wide variation in the clinical symptomatology of PFAPA syndrome.     

Hemorrhagic bullae associated with Morganella morganii septicemia

To our knowledge this is the first case of hemorrhagic bullae caused by Morganella morganii septicemia. The presence of organisms in the bullae, demonstrated by Gram strain and culture, and the acral location of the bullae suggest that the skin lesions were due directly to blood-borne infection. Multiple factors predisposed this patient to gram-negative bacteremia, including lymphoma, chemotherapy, neutropenia, systemic steroids, multiple hospitalizations, and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.     

Correspondence

A 27-year-old woman, with unremarkable previous medical history, underwent a bilateral mammoplasty reduction. Four days afterwards, the surgical wound developed ulcers with pustulous, undermined borders. The patient's general status worsened and high fever (40 °C) developed. Local pain was absent. Initial diagnosis was wound infection, even though bacteriologic cultures were negative, and therapy consisted of oral antibiotics together with surgical debridement. Ten days after the mammoplasty, the ulcers had increased dramatically in size affecting most of the lower half of the breasts. The areolas were spared, and the lesions were strikingly symmetrical ( Fig. 1 ). The ulcers had a necrotic, hemorrhagic base with fibrin deposition, and pustulous borders. Perilesional edema and inflammation were noted. The patient did not reveal clinical manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease or other illnesses in addition to the skin lesions. At this time, the patient was sent to our department and a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) was considered. The advancing edge of one ulcer was biopsied and, although histopathologic examination was unspecific, it was consistent with PG. Routine laboratory tests revealed a moderate leukocytosis (14,000/μL, 65% neutrophils), and an acute phase reaction with thrombocytosis (727,000/μL), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (84 mm/h), and increased levels of α-1 and α-2 globulins. Bacteriologic cultures were negative. Rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies were also negative. Therapy was started with the local application of gauze impregnated with gentamicine ointment, and oral cyclosporine (5 mg/kg/day) and methylprednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day). Twenty four hours after the onset of therapy, the fever had disappeared. In the first month, the perilesional edema and pustulation resolved, central areas of re-epithelization were noted, and previously abnormal laboratory tests returned to normal limits. At the end of the second month, the ulcers had completely healed, with residual scarring ( Fig. 2 ).

Figure 1 Open in figure viewer PowerPoint PG ulceration involving most of the lower half of both breasts. Note the sparing of areolas     

DRESS syndrome caused by efalizumab

We report a case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) to efalizumab. A 52-year-old man developed a widespread papulovesicular rash after 4 weeks of treatment with efalizumab (1.0 mg/kg/week) for treatment-resistant severe psoriasis. Histology revealed a subepidermal blister with eosinophil-rich inflammatory cell infiltrate. Subsequently, the patient developed high peripheral eosinophilia, abnormal liver function, malaise and fever, all requiring inpatient admission. Efalizumab was discontinued immediately, but the rash persisted for 4 months and was only controlled by oral prednisolone at a dose of 30 mg/day. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of DRESS caused by efalizumab.