Narrow Elliptical Skin Excision and Cartilage Shaving for Treatment of Chondrodermatitis Nodularis

BACKGROUND: Surgical excision remains the hallmark of therapy for chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica (CNC). Although excision is generally successful, recurrence at the edge of the excised nodule is well recognized. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features and the recurrence rate of patients with CNC treated with elliptical excision of the papule and removal of the underlying cartilage. DESIGN: Seventy-four outpatients with CNC, 52 men and 22 women, were retrospectively analyzed. A narrow elliptical excision of the papule followed by a slice of the underlying cartilage were carried out with local anesthetic. Cartilage spikes were trimmed carefully shaping a smooth contour from the normal helical rim to the defect. RESULTS: Good cosmetic results were obtained in all patients. The median follow-up for helical and antihelical lesions were 54 and 50 months, respectively. The global recurrence rate was 13.5% and ranged from 10.6 to 37.5% for helical and antihelical lesions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend this surgical procedure because it has been shown to be as efficient as other methods and probably faster to perform.     

Widespread angiokaeratomas and tuberous sclerosis

Summary We report a 29-year-oId woman who had prominent cutaneous markers of tuberous sclerosis, with subependymal nodules and renal cysts on computerized tomographic scan, who also showed multiple angiokeratomas widely distributed on the buttocks and posterior thighs. Enzymatic studies ruled out Fabry's disease and other lysosomal storage disorders. This is the first reported association of widespread angiokeratomas and tuberous sclerosis.