"Anetoderma secondary to antiphospholipid antibodies"
Eungdamrong, John; Fischer, Max; Patel, Rishi; Meehan, Shane; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL
Anetoderma is an elastolytic disorder that is associated with a number of infectious and autoimmune disorders. We present a case of a patient with generalized anetoderma, who was later found to have positive antinuclear antibodies and antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs). Numerous other cases have been reported in literature and some authors have suggested that anetoderma is a highly specific sign of APAs, with or without other manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome [14]. Thus, work up for connective-tissue disorders should be considered in any patients who present with this skin finding..
"Generalized essential telangiectasia"
Gordon Spratt, Elizabeth A; Defelice, Taylor; Robinson, Maria; Patel, Rishi R; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL
Generalized essential telangiectasia, which is a rare condition that is characterized by the progressive development of telangiectases on the skin, is a clinical diagnosis of exclusion. We present a 65-year-old man with a ten-month history of an asymptomatic eruption of the trunk and proximal aspects of the arms and hands that was comprised of macules and patches of telangiectases. The clinical presentation, associated diseases, hypotheses regarding pathogenesis, differential diagnoses, and reports on treatment modalities are reviewed. The relatively new association of this entity with systemic signs that include hemorrhage as well as the occurrence of generalized essential telangiectasia in patients with a history of hepatitis is discussed..
"Sarcoidosis: A comprehensive review and update for the dermatologist: Part I. Cutaneous disease"
Haimovic, Adele; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL; Judson, Marc A; Prystowsky, Stephen
10.1016/j.jaad.2011.11.965Sarcoidosis is a common systemic, noncaseating granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. The development of sarcoidosis has been associated with a number of environmental factors and genes. Cutaneous sarcoidosis, the "great imitator," can baffle clinicians because of its diverse manifestations and its ability to resemble both common and rare cutaneous diseases. Depending on the type, location, and distribution of the lesions, treatment can prevent functional impairment, symptomatic distress, scarring, and disfigurement. Numerous therapeutic options are available for the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis, but there are few well designed trials to guide practitioners on evidence-based, best practice management. In part I, we review the current knowledge and advances in the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and genetics of sarcoidosis, discuss the heterogeneous manifestations of cutaneous sarcoidosis, and provide a guide for treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis..
"Sarcoidosis: A comprehensive review and update for the dermatologist: Part II. Extracutaneous disease"
Haimovic, Adele; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL; Judson, Marc A; Prystowsky, Stephen
10.1016/j.jaad.2012.02.003Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic, granulomatous disease with protean manifestations and variable prognosis. Because the skin can be the only organ in which the disease is recognized, dermatologists may be responsible for the care of sarcoidosis patients. Therefore, dermatologists should be cognizant of the disease's extracutaneous manifestations to assure appropriate evaluation and treatment. Part II of this review describes the diagnostic approach and management of the extracutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis..
"Serratia marcescens folliculitis and concomitant acne vulgaris"
Lehrhoff, Stephanie; Yost, John; Robinson, Maria; Patel, Rishi; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL
We present a unique case of S. marcescens folliculitis of the trunk in a 46-year-old woman with a history of facial acne vulgaris during her teen years. Her eruption occurred at the time of elective ambulatory surgery when she was treated with pre and post-operative antibiotics. The diagnosis of S. marcescens folliculitis was made on the basis of histopathologic features and tissue culture of a skin biopsy specimen of a pustule after her eruption was unresponsive to conventional treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris. The history and pathophysiology of gram-negative folliculitis in the setting of acne vulgaris is reviewed..
"Is it Time to Re-evaluate the Treatment of Pemphigus?"
Leventhal, Jonathan S; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL R
Pemphigus vulgaris, foliaceous, and vegetans are potentially fatal, autoimmune, vesiculobullous mucocutaneous diseases. In order to prevent potentially fatal infection and other complications, most patients with pemphigus require treatment with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, although these medications often cause chronic and serious adverse effects. Many case reports and several trials have documented remissions and clinical improvement in cases of pemphigus recalcitrant to standard therapy, who were treated with either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or rituximab, alone or in combination with each other. Collectively, the body of evidence from these reports is large enough to spark consideration of these treatments early in the management of pemphigus. Among the potential benefits of a therapeutic strategy that includes these biologic agents are more rapid induction of remission, prevention of corticosteroid-related adverse effects, and decreased cost of therapy. Considering the outcomes from recent trials with these novel therapies, reevaluation of the best-practice treatment of pemphigus seems prudent and timely..
"Verrucous lymphangioma circumscriptum"
Terushkin, Vitaly; Marmon, Shoshana; Fischer, Max; Patel, Rishi; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL R
A 19-year-old woman with a seven-year history of pruritic, grouped, verrucous papules and plaques on the left arm presented for consultation. The lesion slightly flattened in appearance with topical glucocorticoid treatment. The histopathological features were consistent with lymphangioma circumscriptum. This entity is the most common subtype of lymphangioma and presents with grouped, clear vesicles that may appear pink to purple. However, a rare verrucous type can present a diagnostic challenge. Whereas the definitive treatment option is surgical excision, other treatments, which include sclerotherapy, radiotherapy, and laser therapy, have been reported to cause resolution or improvement. In the future, propranolol may hold promise as a medical therapy for lymphangioma..
"Spiradenomas"
Tran, Kathleen; Defelice, Taylor; Robinson, Maria; Patel, Rishi R; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL
We report a 52-year-old man with a one-year history of multiple, firm, skin-colored nodules on the vertex of the scalp. Histopathologic examination was consistent with a spiradenoma, which is a rare, benign adnexal tumor of controversial histogenesis. Multiple spiradenomas may arise in association with Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, which is an autosomal dominant condition of multiple cyclindromas, trichoeptheliomas, and cyclindromas..
"Evidence for mycobacteria in sarcoidosis"
Brownell, Isaac; Ramirez-Valle, Francisco; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL; Prystowsky, Stephen
10.1165/rcmb.2010-0433TRDespite its recognition as a distinct granulomatous disease for over a century, the etiology of sarcoidosis remains to be defined. Since the early 1900s, infectious agents have been suspected in causing sarcoidosis. For much of this time, mycobacteria were considered a likely culprit, yet until recently, the supporting evidence has been tenuous at best. In this review, we evaluate the reported association between mycobacteria and sarcoidosis. Historically, mycobacterial infection has been investigated using histologic stains, cultures of lesional tissue or blood, and identification of bacterial nucleic acids or bacterial antigens. More recently, advances in biochemical, molecular, and immunological methods have produced a more rigorous analysis of the antigenic drivers of sarcoidosis. The result of these efforts indicates that mycobacterial products likely play a role in at least a subset of sarcoidosis cases. This information, coupled with a better understanding of genetic susceptibility to this complex disease, has therapeutic implications.
"Acanthosis nigricans in the setting of niacin therapy" [Case Report]
Hartman, Rachael; Defelice, Taylor; Tzu, Julia; Meehan, Shane; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL
We report the case of a 63-year-old obese man with a rapid-onset of widespread acanthosis nigricans (AN) in the setting of having recently initiated treatment with niacin for dyslipidemia. Although obesity and insulin-resistance are risk factors for AN, AN associated with endocrine dysfunction tends to have a more gradual onset and limited involvement. Owing to our patient's age, the rapid onset, and extensive distribution of his eruption, we initially were concerned about paraneoplastic AN. However, an evaluation for a malignant condition was negative. The timing of the onset of our patient's eruption within several months of starting niacin therapy is consistent with niacin-induced AN. Niacin is known to cause rapidly progressive, widespread AN that is reversible upon discontinuation of the medication. We discuss the pathogenesis of AN, which is thought to be the final common manifestation of stimulation of different subtypes of tyrosine kinase receptors by various epidermal growth factors..
"Reply" [Letter]
Imahiyerobo-Ip J.I.; SANCHEZ M.R.
"Skin cancer awareness in communities of color" [Letter]
Imahiyerobo-Ip, Joyce; Ip, Ivan; Jamal, Sumayah; Nadiminti, Uma; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL
10.1016/j.jaad.2010.02.012"Lupus erythematosus tumidus with discoid lupus erythematosus-induced alopecia of the scalp" [Case Report]
Lehrhoff, Stephanie; Tzu, Julia; Patel, Rishi; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL; Franks, Andrew G Jr
Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is an uncommon variant of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Lupus erythematodes tumidus is characterized by smooth, erythematous plaques on sun-exposed areas without surface changes, such as follicular plugs, atrophy, or scale. Histopathologic features include a lymphocytic, perivascular and periadnexal infiltrate with abundant interstitial, superficial, and deep dermal mucin without appreciable epidermal and vacuolar changes. Typically, LET is responsive to treatment with systemic antimalarials. We present a unique case of alopecia associated with LET, which was partially responsive to hydroxychloroquine. We also note that the plaque of LET is adjacent to the plaque of discoid lupus erythematosus..
"Is Chronic Cutaneous Discoid Lupus Protective Against Severe Renal Disease in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?"
Merola, Joseph F.; Chang, Caroline A.; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL R.; Prystowsky, Stephen D.
Objective: The aim was to assess the level of systemic involvement and character of renal disease in patients with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus of the discoid lupus variety (hereafter referred to as 'discoid lupus') and features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Clinical confusion with other types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus complicates interpretation of some previously reported studies. Methods: Over three years, sixteen patients met the diagnostic criteria of discoid lupus, positive anti-nuclear-antibody, and at least one extracutaneous manifestation. Results: Most patients (14/16) were female, between 26 to 66 years old. Arthritis was the most common extracutaneous manifestation followed by Raynaud's phenomenon. The anti-nuclear-antibody was speckled in ten patients with titers ranging from 1:40 to 1:1280 IU/mL. Elevated levels of double-stranded-DNA in low titers were found in four patients, anti-Smith-antibody in four; anti-Sjogren-syndrome-A-anti-body in seven, and anti-ribonucleoprotein-antibody in seven. Renal function markers were transiently high in some patients but normalized over time. Hematuria and/or proteinuria were present at some time in seven patients. The highest BUN and creatinine levels were 42 mg/dL and 1.5 mg/dL, respectively. One patient had membranous glomerulonephropathy class 5; however, discoid lupus developed well after the onset of renal disease during a time when renal function had returned to normal. Conclusion: Our observational data supports previous reports suggesting that patients with active discoid lupus rarely have progressive renal insufficiency. The mechanism for the development of discoid lupus may involve an immunologic mechanism that differs from that which produces severe organ involvement, especially advanced immune-complex-mediated renal disease. Patients with discoid lupus rarely have sustained high levels of antibodies to double-stranded-DNA. Discoid lupus appears to be a marker for a more benign lupus course. This clinical observation lays the groundwork for a larger prospective, longitudinal cohort study for further validation.
"Skin Conditions in Figure Skaters, Ice-Hockey Players and Speed Skaters: Part"
Tlougan, BE; Mancini, AJ; Mandell, JA; Cohen, DE; SANCHEZ, MR
10.2165/11592190-000000000-00000Participation in ice-skating sports, particularly figure skating, ice hockey and speed skating, has increased in recent years. Competitive athletes in these sports experience a range of dermatological injuries related to mechanical factors: exposure to cold temperatures, infectious agents and inflammation. Part I of this two part review discussed the mechanical dermatoses affecting ice-skating athletes that result from friction, pressure, and chronic irritation related to athletic equipment and contact with surfaces. Here, in Part II, we review the cold-induced, infectious and inflammatory skin conditions observed in ice-skating athletes. Cold-induced dermatoses experienced by ice-skating athletes result from specific physiological effects of cold exposure on the skin. These conditions include physiological livedo reticularis, chilblains (pernio), Raynaud phenomenon, cold panniculitis, frostnip and frostbite. Frostbite, that is the literal freezing of tissue, occurs with specific symptoms that progress in a stepwise fashion, starting with frostnip. Treatment involves gradual forms of rewarming and the use of friction massages and pain medications as needed. Calcium channel blockers, including nifedipine, are the mainstay of pharmacological therapy for the major nonfreezing cold-induced dermatoses including chilblains and Raynaud phenomenon. Raynaud phenomenon, a vasculopathy involving recurrent vasospasm of the fingers and toes in response to cold, is especially common in figure skaters. Protective clothing and insulation, avoidance of smoking and vasoconstrictive medications, maintaining a dry environment around the skin, cold avoidance when possible as well as certain physical manoeuvres that promote vasodilation are useful preventative measures. Infectious conditions most often seen in ice-skating athletes include tinea pedis, onychomycosis, pitted keratolysis, warts and folliculitis. Awareness, prompt treatment and the use of preventative measures are particularly important in managing such dermatoses that are easily spread from person to person in training facilities. The use of well ventilated footgear and synthetic substances to keep feet dry, as well as wearing sandals in shared facilities and maintaining good personal hygiene are very helpful in preventing transmission. Inflammatory conditions that may be seen in ice-skating athletes include allergic contact dermatitis, palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis, exercise-induced purpuric eruptions and urticaria. Several materials commonly used in ice hockey and figure skating cause contact dermatitis. Identification of the allergen is essential and patch testing may be required. Exercise-induced purpuric eruptions often occur after exercise, are rarely indicative of a chronic venous disorder or other haematological abnormality and the lesions typically resolve spontaneously. The subtypes of urticaria most commonly seen in athletes are acute forms induced by physical stimuli, such as exercise, temperature, sunlight, water or particular levels of external pressure. Cholinergic urticaria is the most common type of physical urticaria seen in athletes aged 30 years and under. Occasionally, skaters may develop eating disorders and other related behaviours some of which have skin manifestations that are discussed herein. We hope that this comprehensive review will aid sports medicine practitioners, dermatologists and other physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of these dermatoses..
"Skin conditions in figure skaters, ice-hockey players and speed skaters: part"
Tlougan, Brook E; Mancini, Anthony J; Mandell, Jenny A; Cohen, David E; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL R
10.2165/11592190-000000000-00000Participation in ice-skating sports, particularly figure skating, ice hockey and speed skating, has increased in recent years. Competitive athletes in these sports experience a range of dermatological injuries related to mechanical factors: exposure to cold temperatures, infectious agents and inflammation. Part I of this two part review discussed the mechanical dermatoses affecting ice-skating athletes that result from friction, pressure, and chronic irritation related to athletic equipment and contact with surfaces. Here, in Part II, we review the cold-induced, infectious and inflammatory skin conditions observed in ice-skating athletes. Cold-induced dermatoses experienced by ice-skating athletes result from specific physiological effects of cold exposure on the skin. These conditions include physiological livedo reticularis, chilblains (pernio), Raynaud phenomenon, cold panniculitis, frostnip and frostbite. Frostbite, that is the literal freezing of tissue, occurs with specific symptoms that progress in a stepwise fashion, starting with frostnip. Treatment involves gradual forms of rewarming and the use of friction massages and pain medications as needed. Calcium channel blockers, including nifedipine, are the mainstay of pharmacological therapy for the major nonfreezing cold-induced dermatoses including chilblains and Raynaud phenomenon. Raynaud phenomenon, a vasculopathy involving recurrent vasospasm of the fingers and toes in response to cold, is especially common in figure skaters. Protective clothing and insulation, avoidance of smoking and vasoconstrictive medications, maintaining a dry environment around the skin, cold avoidance when possible as well as certain physical manoeuvres that promote vasodilation are useful preventative measures. Infectious conditions most often seen in ice-skating athletes include tinea pedis, onychomycosis, pitted keratolysis, warts and folliculitis. Awareness, prompt treatment and the use of preventative measures are particularly important in managing such dermatoses that are easily spread from person to person in training facilities. The use of well ventilated footgear and synthetic substances to keep feet dry, as well as wearing sandals in shared facilities and maintaining good personal hygiene are very helpful in preventing transmission. Inflammatory conditions that may be seen in ice-skating athletes include allergic contact dermatitis, palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis, exercise-induced purpuric eruptions and urticaria. Several materials commonly used in ice hockey and figure skating cause contact dermatitis. Identification of the allergen is essential and patch testing may be required. Exercise-induced purpuric eruptions often occur after exercise, are rarely indicative of a chronic venous disorder or other haematological abnormality and the lesions typically resolve spontaneously. The subtypes of urticaria most commonly seen in athletes are acute forms induced by physical stimuli, such as exercise, temperature, sunlight, water or particular levels of external pressure. Cholinergic urticaria is the most common type of physical urticaria seen in athletes aged 30 years and under. Occasionally, skaters may develop eating disorders and other related behaviours some of which have skin manifestations that are discussed herein. We hope that this comprehensive review will aid sports medicine practitioners, dermatologists and other physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of these dermatoses..
"Skin conditions in figure skaters, ice-hockey players and speed skaters: part I - mechanical dermatoses"
Tlougan, Brook E; Mancini, Anthony J; Mandell, Jenny A; Cohen, David E; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL R
10.2165/11590540-000000000-00000Figure skaters, ice-hockey players and speed skaters experience a range of dermatologic conditions and tissue-related injuries on account of mechanical trauma, infectious pathogens, inflammatory processes and environmental factors related to these competitive pursuits. Sports medicine practitioners, family physicians, dermatologists and coaches should be familiar with these skin conditions to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and management of affected athletes. This review is Part I of a subsequent companion review and provides a comprehensive review of mechanical dermatoses experienced by ice-skating athletes, including skater's nodules and its variants, pump bumps, piezogenic pedal papules, talon noir, skate/lace bite, friction bullae, corns and calluses, onychocryptosis, skater's toe and skate blade-induced lacerations. These injuries result from friction, shear forces, chronic pressure and collisions with surfaces that occur when athletes endure repetitive jump landings, accelerated starts and stops and other manoeuvres during rigorous training and competition. Ill-fitting skates, improper lacing techniques and insufficient lubrication or protective padding of the foot and ankle often contribute to the development of skin conditions that result from these physical and mechanical stresses. As we will explain, simple measures can frequently prevent the development of these conditions. The treatment of skater's nodules involves reduction in chronic stimulation of the malleoli, and the use of keratolytics and intralesional steroid injections; if malleolar bursitis develops, bursa aspirations may be required. Pump bumps, which result from repetitive friction posteriorly, can be prevented by wearing skates that fit correctly at the heel. Piezogenic pedal papules may be treated conservatively by using heel cups, compressive stockings and by reducing prolonged standing. Talon noir usually resolves without intervention within several weeks. The treatment of skate bite is centred on reducing compression by the skate tongue of the extensor tendons of the anterior ankle, which can be accomplished by use of proper lacing techniques, increasing pliability of the skate tongue and using protective padding, such as Bunga Pads. Anti-inflammatory medications and cold compresses can also help reduce inflammation. Friction bullae are best managed by careful lancing of painful blisters and application of petrolatum or protective dressings to accelerate healing; preventative measures include the use of well fitting skates, proper lacing techniques and moisture-wicking socks. Corns and calluses are similarly best prevented by the use of well fitted skates and orthotic devices. Symptomatic, debridement reduces the irritant effect of the thick epidermis, and can be accomplished by soaking the area in warm water followed by paring. Application of creams with high concentrations of urea or salicylic acid can also soften callosities. Cases of onychocryptosis benefit from warm soaks, antibiotic ointments and topical steroids to reduce inflammation, but sometimes chemical or surgical matricectomies are required. Preventative measures of both onychocryptosis and skater's toe include cutting toenails straight across to allow for a more equal distribution of forces within the toe box. Finally, the prevention and treatment of lacerations, which constitute a potentially fatal type of mechanical injury, require special protective gear and acute surgical intervention with appropriate suturing. The subsequent companion review of skin conditions in ice skaters will discuss infectious, inflammatory and cold-induced dermatoses, with continued emphasis on clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention..
"Atypical mycobacteria infection in an immunocompromised patient"
Berger, Emily; Batra, Priya; Ralston, Jonathan; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL R; Franks, Andrew G Jr
A 61-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren syndrome presented with a two-month history of symptomatic nodules on the buttocks and thighs that progressed to involve the dorsal aspects of the hands. On examination, infiltrative papules, nodules, and plaques were present in these regions. Biopsy specimens demonstrated granulomatous inflammation and acid-fast bacilli with the use of a Fite stain, although a culture and polymerase chain reaction analysis were negative. The patient continues to improve on long-term clarithromycin therapy. Atypical mycobacterial infections are becoming more common, especially in immunocompromised patients. Antimicrobial therapy, either with a single agent or multiple agents, often is prolonged. A high index of suspicion is warranted in immunocompromised patients, which includes those with connective-tissue diseases that are active or that require immunosuppression. In these patients, the differential diagnosis includes infectious as well as inflammatory, reactive, or neoplastic processes.
"Porokeratosis plantaris, palmaris, et disseminata"
Hartman, Rachael; Mandal, Rajni; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL; Stein, Jennifer A
We describe a 73-year-old woman with a long-standing history of annular, hyperkeratotic papules that began on the palms and soles and gradually spread to her trunk, extremities, and face. The clinical presentation and biopsy findings were consistent with PPPD, which is a rare subtype of porokeratosis that begins on the palms and soles and gradually spreads to the trunk and extremities. Owing to the risk of malignant degeneration in porokeratosis, patients should be closely monitored with total body skin examinations. There is no definitive treatment for PPPD. Oral retinoids are sometimes helpful although relapses are common after discontinuation of therapy.
"Laugier Hunziker syndrome"
Jabbari, Ali; Gonzalez, Mercedes E; Franks, Andrew G Jr; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL
Laugier Hunziker syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized by adult-onset hyperpigmented macules of the lips, oral cavity, and fingertips. Longitudinal melanonychia is present in the majority of cases. We present a 45-year-old woman with adult-onset hyperpigmented macules of the oral cavity as well as linear melanonychia that involved multiple fingernails. The history, clinical examination, and paucity of laboratory abnormalities or systemic findings support a diagnosis of Laugier Hunziker syndrome.