bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subcutaneous panniculitic T‐cell lymphoma and cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis
Authors: Yung Anthony , Snow John , Jarrett Paul 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA 43‐year‐old Maori man presented with a 1 month history of malaise, weight loss, anorexia, arthralgia, recurrent fever and tender erythematous subcutaneous skin lesions. Histological examination of an incisional biopsy of a lesion revealed a lobular panniculitis with an inflammatory infiltrate of atypical lymphocytes and evidence of cytophagocytosis consistent with a diagnosis of subcutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. The systemic symptoms and skin lesions resolved spontaneously within 3 weeks, only to recur 2 months later, requiring treatment with oral prednisolone. T‐cell gene rearrangement studies demonstrated a monoclonal T‐cell receptor (γ‐chain) gene rearrangement, further supporting the diagnosis of subcutaneous panniculitic T‐cell lymphoma. Treatment with chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) led to remission of symptoms. Four months after completing chemotherapy, the patient remained asymptomatic with a few indurated subcutaneous plaques on the chest. Biopsy of these areas revealed lobular panniculitis, lymphocytic infiltrate without cytological atypia, abundant lipophages and fibrosis and sclerosis consistent with a healing response. He remains well 24 months following chemotherapy.
A case of severe actinic prurigo successfully treated with thalidomide
Authors: Ng Jonathan CH , Foley Peter A , Crouch Rohan B , Baker Christopher S 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYActinic prurigo is an uncommon and usually persistent idiopathic photodermatosis with typical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations (HLA‐DR4, particularly subtypes DRB1*0407 and DRB1*0401). Although its mechanism of action is not clearly understood, thalidomide has been shown to be particularly efficacious in treating actinic prurigo, among other conditions. A 31‐year‐old Australian woman who had suffered actinic prurigo for most of her life was treated with two courses of thalidomide (50–100 mg nocte) over consecutive summers. Remission was observed after cessation of the second course of thalidomide and had continued 4 years later. Abnormalities in the cutaneous response to ultraviolet radiation at the time of diagnosis, detected by monochromator phototesting, reverted to normal following treatment.
Objective assessment of port‐wine stains following treatment with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser
Authors: Yong‐Gee Simon A , Kurwa Habib A , Barlow Richard J 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYPrevious studies assessing the treatment of port‐wine stains (PWS) with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser have relied on either subjective clinical assessment or in vivo measurement of skin colour alone. The aim of the present retrospective study was to develop an objective method of assessing available pre‐ and post‐treatment photograph pairs. Port‐wine stains depicted in photographs of 23 patients following six or more treatment sessions were assessed for changes in colour (ΔH*) and PWS size by computer image analysis and were compared with a subjective assessment of PWS reduction by a ‘blinded’ physician examining the same images. The post‐treatment mean reduction in the PWS assessed by the physician was 39.7%. A global assessment score incorporating values of ΔH* and PWS size by computer analysis showed a mean reduction of 12%, with a more significant correlation with the physician assessment (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient 0.627; P = 0.001) than changes in size or colour alone.
Tinea due to Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton soudanense in Hamilton, New Zealand
Authors: Lamb Steven R , Rademaker Marius 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYBetween 1994 and 2000, 63 isolates of Trichophyton violaceum and five isolates of Trichophyton soudanense were recorded in both private and public laboratories in Hamilton, New Zealand. A retrospective analysis of medical records of these patients was performed. From these 68 isolates, 58 were recovered from scalp specimens and 10 were recovered from other body sites. There were 51 patients with tinea capitis and nine patients in the tinea corporis group. Six patients had more than one isolate reported at different laboratories. As expected, the vast majority of scalp infections (46/51 patients) were children, with an overall median age of 6 years (range 8 months to 66 years). All patients in the tinea capitis group, except one, were refugee immigrants from East Africa. Of nine patients in the tinea corporis group, six were refugees from the same area. For tinea capitis, 31 patients received systemic antifungal therapy for at least 4 weeks, with either terbinafine (21 patients), griseofulvin (four patients) or itraconazole (six patients). Five patients received topical antifungal creams or shampoo as monotherapy only. The remainder (15 patients) received either no therapy or no record was available. The emergence of these two pathogens as causes of tinea capitis in Hamilton closely correlates with the increasing number of refugees from endemic areas. There is a high rate of person‐to‐person transmission with these anthropophilic organisms in children as well as adults in the family. Transmission of infection to the local population has been observed, but there is no evidence to date to suggest that these organisms have become endemic in the local population.
Lupus vulgaris in a child following BCG immunization
Authors: Kokcam Ibrahim , Kose Ahmet , Yekeler Hayrettin , Doymaz M Ziya 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA three year old girl presented with lupus vulgaris of the upper arm, which appeared 1 month after BCG immunization. The diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction after histology and culture were negative for mycobacteria. Complete healing followed 6 months of oral isoniazid.
Long‐term thalidomide for actinic prurigo
Authors: Yong‐Gee Simon A , Muir James B 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA 35‐year‐old man presented at the age of 8 years with recurrent pruritic papulovesicular lesions on his face and body appearing within minutes of light exposure. A recent positive finding of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR4 with the rare DRB1*0407 subtype confirmed a diagnosis of actinic prurigo. Thalidomide (100 mg/day) was commenced at the age of 11 years after an unsuccessful trial of other treatments and his lesions resolved within 2 months. Attempts to withdraw thalidomide have resulted in recurrence of photosensitivity and the patient has remained on a virtually continuous maintenance dose of thalidomide (50 mg/ day) for 23 years. His cumulative dose is estimated to be over 400 g. To date, he has not experienced any adverse effects and investigations have shown no evidence of neuropathy. This case illustrates the safe long‐term use of thalidomide.
Sarcoidosis with prominent giant cells
Authors: Drummond Catherine , Savdie Elliott , Kossard Steven 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA 31‐year‐old man presented with a widespread papular eruption and systemic symptoms including renal colic and decreased exercise tolerance. The combination of clinical features and laboratory investigations that revealed an elevated angiotensin converting enzyme level and hypercalcaemia enabled a diagnosis of sarcoidosis to be made. Multiple skin biopsies showed prominent Touton‐like giant cells which delayed the diagnosis. Giant cells are frequently seen in sarcoidal granulomas but in some cases their prominence and Touton‐like appearance may suggest alternative diagnoses such as xanthogranulomas.
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION REVIEW Occupational skin disease in hairdressers
Authors: Lee Adriene , Nixon Rosemary 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYHairdressers belong to an occupational group that is commonly affected by occupational skin disease, specifically contact dermatitis, which may be allergic or irritant and, less commonly, contact urticaria. Occupational contact dermatitis predominantly affects apprentices, and atopy is a recognized risk factor associated with a poor prognosis. Repetitive wet work leading to irritant contact dermatitis, followed by exposure to allergens and the development of allergic contact dermatitis, are the main factors contributing to occupational contact dermatitis. Once developed, it is often difficult to manage and is a cause of significant morbidity. Early education, training and prevention is the best approach to the management of this disorder that is endemic among hairdressers.
Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma occurring within linear morphoea
Authors: Chandra Suresh , Finklestein Eve , Gill David 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA 32‐year‐old woman with linear morphoea of her left arm was noted to have a yellowish atrophic plaque within the linear morphoea. Review of photographs taken on her first visit 3 years previously revealed that the lesion had been present and had increased in size over the 3 years. Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) was diagnosed on biopsy. Paraproteinaemia was not detected. The NXG was surgically excised and it has not recurred in 12 months of follow up.
Venison contact dermatitis
Authors: Reiche Louise 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA 37‐year‐old meat inspector presented with a 5‐month history of forearm eczema. His symptoms improved at weekends and over holidays but flared within a day of work. Scratch patch tests were strongly positive to fresh venison diaphragm and venison liver and weakly positive to venison hide and blood, and lamb blood. They were negative to other venison and lamb components. Type IV allergy tests with Standard European and fragrance batteries were negative. The eczema cleared with a change in work role, clobetasol‐17‐propionate cream, flucloxacillin and aqueous cream. He was then able to return to meat inspecting. Provided he was diligent about applying ‘Dermashield’ barrier foam and minimizing contact with irritants, his eczema has remained well controlled over the last 4 years. Attention to irritant contact dermatitis is important in the management of protein contact urticaria.
Diseases of the generative nail apparatus. Part I: Nail matrix
Authors: Nicolopoulos Jenny , Goodman Greg J , Howard Anne 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYDisorders of the generative structures of the nail produce a characteristic set of outcomes. The matrix is the seat of nail development and diseases or insults of this germinative epithelium will tell a story in the signs that unfold in the ensuing nail growth. This story will be influenced by the intensity, duration and extent of this pathology.A method of categorizing changes associated with the generative matrix of the nail will be presented.
Ultrastructural immunocytochemistry of autoimmune bullous diseases
Authors: Karpouzis Anthony , Vamvassakis Emmanuel , Stavrianeas Nicholas , Koumantaki‐Mathioudaki Elma , Karpouzi Myrsini , Vareltzides Anthony 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYAdvanced immunopathological assays have been developed to elucidate the pathophysiology and provide more precise nosological definitions of the immunobullous diseases. Forty‐seven patients suffering from autoimmune bullous diseases (intra‐ or subepidermal) were studied by immunoelectron microscopy (direct and indirect). Peroxidase staining was revealed by diaminobenzidine (determination of immune deposit location) in the majority of the cases of subepidermal bullous diseases, but in less than half of the cases of intraepidermal bullous diseases. Immunoelectron microscopy features contributed in verifying the diagnosis of rare entities such as cicatricial pemphigoid, paraneoplastic autoimmune bullous disease, linear IgA disease and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.
Loose anagen syndrome: A prospective study of three families
Authors: Chong Alvin H , Sinclair Rodney 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYLoose anagen syndrome (LAS) is an autosomal dominant, age‐related disorder characterized by the ability to easily and painlessly extract unsheathed anagen hairs from the scalp with a gentle hair pull. The phenotype is heterogeneous with three distinct clinical presentations. To further characterize the phenotype of loose anagen syndrome and its fluctuations over time, a prospective study of eight cases from three families was conducted over a period of 18 months. Patients were examined using standardized hair‐pull and hair‐pluck protocols.Each of the three different phenotypes of LAS were found to be present in one family. This implies that these phenotypes are variants of a single genotype, modified by environmental or age‐related factors.The hair‐pluck trichogram from LAS cases consistently showed a high proportion of loose anagen (LA) hairs. In contrast the hair‐pull test was found to vary over time with regards to the number of LA hairs that could be extracted. Periods where no hairs could be obtained on hair pull were found. These findings have important implications in the diagnosis of LAS. A single negative hair‐pull test does not exclude the diagnosis. If LAS is suspected on clinical grounds, then either a hair‐pluck trichogram or serial re‐examination by hair pull would be required to exclude the diagnosis.
Clinical improvement and significant reduction of total serum IgE in patients suffering from severe atopic dermatitis treated with oral azathioprine
Authors: Kuanprasert Natita , Herbert Oliver , Barnetson Ross StC 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease: the incidence is increasing in many countries and treatment can be difficult. The aim of this retrospective case series was to examine the effect of oral azathioprine on the clinical severity and serum IgE levels in 38 patients with severe atopic dermatitis. The AD was well‐controlled in nearly 80% (30/38). The maintenance dose required was in the range 25–200 mg per day. Four patients withdrew because of adverse affects, including one case of pancytopenia and a further four ceased azathioprine after 4 months because of a lack of clinical improvement. Total serum IgE levels were measured before commencing azathioprine and after two years of treatment in 26 patients. IgE levels decreased in almost all patients and this was statistically significant (P = 0.012).
Allopurinol‐induced pustular eruption: An unusually mild case
Authors: Lun Karyn , Harley Wendy 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYPustular drug eruptions are uncommon and usually present with an acute illness. A 75‐year‐old‐woman presented with a widespread pruritic pustular erythematous skin rash. She was otherwise well and had been commenced on allopurinol for gout 3 weeks before developing the rash. A skin biopsy was consistent with a pustular drug eruption, with features of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Allopurinol was the probable causative agent and withdrawal resulted in resolution of her eruption within 6 weeks. A diagnosis of AGEP was considered, however, this patient did not fulfil the diagnostic criteria.
Teledermatology: Influence of zoning and education on a clinician's ability to observe peripheral lesions
Authors: Chen Keng , Lim Adrian , Shumack Stephen 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYTeledermatology can benefit rural and remote communities, where specialist dermatological services may not be readily available. Regarding store‐and‐ forward teledermatology, we hypothesized that the site of a lesion in an image (zoning) may influence a clinician's ability to observe target lesions, and that education on image viewing may improve use of this technology. We examined this by conducting both pre‐ and post‐education studies. The education on image viewing consisted of a presentation on the outcome of the first study‐survey on image viewing. The first study demonstrated that zoning influences a clinician's visual attention and that significant, concurrent lesions in the periphery may be missed. The second study demonstrated that brief education could produce a measurable change in observing peripheral lesions. These findings have medico‐legal implications and suggest that further education in the use of such technology is necessary in order to optimize patient care and prevent potential errors.
Thalidomide experience of a major Australian teaching hospital
Authors: Crouch Rohan B , Foley Peter A , Ng Jonathan CH , Baker Christopher S 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYSt Vincent's Hospital Melbourne cautiously prescribes thalidomide as a treatment for recalcitrant dermatoses. The guidelines used for prescribing and monitoring thalidomide for dermatological conditions at this institution are presented. Fourteen patients were treated with thalidomide (11 women, three men) over a 5‐year period. The diagnoses of patients treated were actinic prurigo, prurigo nodularis, lupus erythematosus and Behçet's syndrome. A clinical improvement was noted in 10 patients (71.4%) prescribed thalidomide. Cessation of thalidomide treatment occurred in seven patients (50%) because of adverse effects. Of the patients with adverse effects, four developed abnormal nerve conduction studies and three developed intolerable adverse events (such as dizziness and vomiting). Adverse effects from thalidomide treatment are common but, through vigilant treatment planning, patient education and regular monitoring, the risk of permanent peripheral neuropathy and teratogenicity from thalidomide toxicity can be minimized.
Contact dermatitis to phenol‐formaldehyde resin in two plywood factory workers
Authors: Rademaker Marius 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYTwo cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis in plywood mill workers are presented. Although both patients thought they were allergic to sawdust, they were in fact allergic to a phenol‐formaldehyde resin used to bond the plywood sheets together. Both patients only developed their dermatitis when they came into contact with uncured glue.
Molecular and cellular biology of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dicker Tony , Siller Gregory , Saunders Nicholas 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe finding of mutations in the PTCH gene in both Gorlin's syndrome and sporadic basal cell carcinomas has significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular defects that lead to the formation of these tumours. Knowledge of the specific molecular and functional changes that have taken place in these tumours will help us devise more defined therapies, as well as give us a better understanding of normal molecular pathways involved in skin development and function. The following is a summary of our current understanding of the molecular and cellular biology of basal cell carcinoma.
Acitretin for chemoprevention of non‐melanoma skin cancers in renal transplant recipients
Authors: George Renu , Weightman Warren , Russ Graeme R , Bannister Kym M , Mathew Timothy H 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA prospective, open randomized crossover trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acitretin for chemoprevention of squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas in renal allograft recipients. Analysis was performed according to the intention‐to treat principle. Twenty‐three patients with previous history of non‐melanoma skin cancer enrolled into the study and were randomly allocated into two groups. They crossed over at the end of 1 year. Eleven (47.8%) patients completed the 2‐year trial. Twelve (52.2%) patients withdrew from the trial. Nine of these withdrew because of side‐effects of acitretin. The majority of the patients who continued with the acitretin could tolerate 25 mg of acitretin daily or on alternate days. The number of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) observed in patients while on acitretin was significantly lower than that in the drug‐free period (P = 0.002). A similar trend was observed in patients with basal cell carcinomas, but this was not significant and the numbers were small. Side‐effects were a major limiting factor. A severe rebound increase in SCC occurred in one patient after the acitretin was ceased.
Photosensitivity: The 9‐year experience at a Sydney contact dermatitis clinic
Authors: Lee Penny A , Freeman Susanne 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYIn this retrospective study, 81 patients with photosensitivity were referred to the Contact and Occupational Dermatitis Clinic at The Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia, in Sydney, between 1991 and 1999. Photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) was diagnosed in 39.5% of patients, with 87.5% of these reactions being to sunscreen chemicals. Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) accounted for 19.7% of cases, drug photosensitivity 14.8%, and photoaggravated atopic dermatitis and chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) each constituted 7.4%. Compared with overseas studies, there was a high incidence of PACD, possibly reflecting the referral bias and widespread use of sunscreens. The incidence of PMLE and CAD was less than studies from cooler climates overseas. No cause could be determined for three photosensitive patients.
Docetaxel‐induced nail dystrophy
Authors: Nicolopoulos Jenny , Howard Anne 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA 73‐year‐old man with metastatic prostate cancer treated with weekly docetaxel chemotherapy for 5 months developed an acute nail dystrophy restricted to the fingernails. This was characterized by onycholysis, subungual haemorrhage and acute paronychia, progressing to a subungual abscess of the right index finger. Nail bed hyperaemia and haemosiderin‐like nail bed discoloration were present. Nail plate avulsion was performed to decompress the acutely painful subungual abscess. The right thumb, middle finger and left index finger demonstrated early, proximal white subungual collections of pus obscuring the lunula (onychophosis). Central nail plate fenestrations with a surgical drill led to exudation of purulent material. Cultures of the subungual abscess material yielded mixed organisms, possibly related to administration of flucloxacillin for 1 week prior to presentation. The patient completed a further two courses of docetaxel without sequelae, and the nail dystrophy appears to be resolving. Docetaxel‐induced nail changes are a common adverse effect, occurring in 30–40% of patients. Mild changes do not usually warrant the discontinuation of treatment.
Disseminated lobular capillary haemangioma
Authors: Behne Karen , Robertson Ivan , Weedon David 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA 58‐year‐old woman presented with a 5‐week history of multiple widespread vascular lesions. Histological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of disseminated lobular capillary haemangioma. No underlying cause for this eruption could be found. The lesions resolved over the following 2 months without intervention. Reports of disseminated lobular capillary haemangioma are scarce in the literature. In general, this condition does not appear to be related to an underlying disorder and in particular is not a marker for underlying malignancy. No unifying concept as to the aetiology of disseminated lobular capillary haemangioma has been identified. The condition appears to follow a benign course, with spontaneous resolution over 6–12 months.
Isolated lichen planus of the lip
Authors: Cecchi Roberto , Giomi Andrea 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYLichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory disease that may involve multiple skin sites as well as mucous membranes, hair follicles and nails. It rarely occurs on the lips and usually then in association with oral lesions. We report a 43‐year‐old man with a 7‐month history of inflammation and erosive lesions of the lower lip. Histopathological and immunofluorescence studies showed features of LP. Local treatment with betamethasone dipropionate 0.5% ointment led to complete resolution within 1 month. Four months later, the patient developed typical cutaneous LP.Isolated LP of the lip is unusual, although this condition may be underestimated and therefore under‐reported in the literature.