bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravenous pyogenic granuloma
Authors: Song Min Gyu , Kim Hee Joong , Lee Eil Soo 
Published: March 2003

A 43‐year‐old man presented with a 1‐month history of a nodule on the left side of the neck. There were no subjective symptoms. He denied any history of trauma.On physical examination, a round, soft, and movable subcutaneous nodule, approximately 1 cm in size, was detected. The overlying skin was normal.The nodule was observed to be attached to the wall of the external jugular vein during biopsy. On histopathologic examination, attachment to the external jugular vein was noted to be via a fibrovascular stalk ( Fig. 1a), and a lobular proliferation of capillaries, some of which were embedded in a fibromyxoid stroma, was observed (
Fig. 1b). There were no atypical cells, and a sparse inflammatory cell infiltrate was seen. The endothelial cells of the capillaries were CD31 positive (
Fig. 1c).(a)  Nodule attached to the wall of the vein (hematoxylin and eosin, × 10). (b)  A lobular proliferation of capillaries, some of which are embedded in a fibromyxoid stroma (hematoxylin and eosin, × 40). (c)  CD31 positivity (× 200)image
Treatment of larva migrans cutanea (creeping eruption): a comparison between albendazole and traditional therapy
Authors: Albanese Giancarlo , Venturi Caterina , Galbiati Giuseppe 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  Creeping eruption (CE), which is characteristic of tropical and subtropical regions, is being increasingly frequently observed in Italy. The presence on the beaches of stray animals infected by nematodes of the Ancylostoma species favors contact between human skin and the larva‐infested soil.Materials and methods  Our experience with 56 patients (13 cryotherapy, one thiabendazole together with cryotherapy, six thiabendazole, two albendazole with cryotherapy, and 34 albendazole) is described.Results  A prompt and definitive cure was achieved in all 56 patients. The therapeutic effectiveness of the various methods used is therefore equivalent.Conclusions  We believe that albendazole should be considered the first choice for treatment. It is extremely well tolerated and patient compliance is good.
Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas of the face
Authors: Alfadley Abdullah , Al Aboud Khalid , Tulba Asma , Mazen Mourad Mohamed 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas of the face are a rare facial dermatosis for which no recent large series of cases has been reported.Objective  To describe the clinicopathologic features of five cases of multiple eccrine hidrocystoma and to emphasize their similar characteristics.Methods  The clinical and histologic features of five women with multiple eccrine hidrocystomas of the face are described.Results  All cases were middle‐aged women with numerous, asymptomatic, skin‐colored to bluish, papulonodular skin lesions, ranging from 2 to 5 mm in diameter, and mainly centrifacial in distribution. Histopathologically, all cases showed unilocular cysts in the dermis lined by two layers of cuboidal cells. Staining for S‐100 protein was negative in the cyst wall in all cases. One case was treated with topical 1% atropine for 3 weeks with no significant improvement. No systemic side‐effects were observed during this treatment.Conclusions  Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas are a rare condition which might be confused clinically and histopathologically with apocrine hidrocystomas. To date, no effective treatment has been reported.
Two cases of reactive perforating collagenosis arising at the site of healed herpes zoster
Authors: Lee Hye Nam , Lee Dong Won , Lee Jun Young , Cho Baik Kee 
Published: March 2003

Case 1 A 67‐year‐old South Korean woman presented with a painful eruption on the left trunk. Several groups of vesicles with an erythematous and edematous base were situated unilaterally within the distribution of the left T9 dermatome; they had been present for 7 days. A diagnosis of herpes zoster was made, and treatment with acyclovir, analgesics, tranquilizers, and wet dressings produced a moderate response. Two weeks after onset, the lesions appeared to have healed with a scar. Four months later, however, the patient noticed another eruption of papules in the postherpetic area (Fig. 1A,B).Case 1. (A) Multiple erythematous papules on the left trunk along the T9 dermatome. (B) Multiple erythematous papules with a keratotic central plugimageThe biopsy specimen showed a cup‐shaped epidermal invagination filled with a keratotic plug containing basophilic debris and collagen, with perforation of the epidermis. Masson's trichrome stain identified refractile fibers within the epidermis as hyalinized and degenerating collagen. Van Gieson staining for elastic fibers was negative in the epidermis and in the crater. These findings are consistent with reactive perforating collagenosis (RPC). Case 2 A 66‐year‐old South Korean woman developed herpes zoster of the left neck and shoulder, which resolved after an uncomplicated course. Two months later, a zosteriform, pink, papular eruption developed at the site of the resolved herpes zoster. Examination revealed multiple, erythematous papules with a central umbilication containing a firmly adherent keratotic plug on the left shoulder and neck (Fig. 2A).Case 2. (A) Multiple erythematous papules on the left neck and shoulder along the C4 dermatome. (B) Cup‐shaped epidermal invagination filled with keratotic plug containing basophilic debris and degenerated collagen, with perforation of the epidermis (hematoxylin and eosin stain, × 100)imageThe biopsy specimen showed a dome‐shaped lesion with a central crater that extended from the epidermis to the papillary dermis and contained degenerated collagen in vertical strands (Fig. 2B).
Pigmentary changes of tinea versicolor in dark‐skinned patients
Authors: Aljabre Salih H. M. , Alzayir Ahmad A. A. , Abdulghani Magdy , Osman Osman O. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Tinea versicolor causes scaly macular lesions which vary in color from white to brown. In patients with dark skin, tinea versicolor is thought to have a tendency to be hypopigmented. This view has not been formally documented.Objective  Our objective was to determine the pigmentary changes of lesions of tinea versicolor in patients with skin types IV and V.Methods  One hundred cases of tinea versicolor in persons with skin types IV and V were studied. The pigmentary changes and their correlation with the age and sex of the patients and the duration, recurrence, site, and symptomatology of the lesions were determined.Results  There was no correlation between the pigmentary variations of tinea versicolor and the type of skin, sex, and age of our patients or the duration, recurrence, site, and symptomatology of the lesions.Conclusions  In dark‐skinned individuals, tinea versicolor does not tend to be significantly hypopigmented.
Skin diseases in Ghana and the UK
Authors: Doe Prosper T. , Asiedu Alex , Acheampong J. W. , Rowland Payne Christopher M. E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Although diseases of the skin have been studied in some African countries, the provision of dermatology services is as yet a relatively underdeveloped aspect of medicine in sub‐Saharan Africa.Objective  To determine the pattern of skin diseases seen in a sub‐Saharan community and to compare it with that seen in a European community.Methods  The diagnoses of the principal presenting complaint of 2254 consecutive new patients seen at the dermatology clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana, are presented and compared with those of 3383 consecutive new patients seen at the dermatology clinic of The William Harvey Hospital (WHH), Ashford, Kent, UK.Results  The most common conditions in Ghana were infections (46.3%; UK, 12%). In the UK, the most common conditions were malignant and premalignant diseases of the skin (22.2%; Ghana, 0.5%) and benign tumors (16.8%; Ghana, 0.5%). Dermatitis was common in both countries (Ghana, 18.4%; UK, 16.0%). Psoriasis was more common in the UK (6.2%) than in Ghana (0.4%). In Ghana, fixed drug eruption, mainly due to cotrimoxazole (Septrin), was not rare (27 cases), and complications from cosmetic skin lightening creams were a frequent problem among women (86 cases). No cases of rosacea were found in Ghana, but it was not uncommon in the UK (1.6%).Conclusions  The patterns of skin diseases are different in the two countries. It is hoped that this study may help to catalyze the further development of dermatology services in Ghana.
Basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratoses: patients' perceptions of their disease and current treatments
Authors: Berman Brian 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  The increasing incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer constitutes a significant worldwide epidemic. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet light is the predominant risk factor for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which will make up approximately 80% of new cases of skin cancer per year, and for actinic keratoses (AK), an early manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma. BCC and AK are associated with considerable morbidity, which can be decreased if detected and treated early.Methods  Patients in the United States (US), Australia, Spain and Germany took part in discussion groups in which they were asked about their knowledge of BCC or AK and current diagnosis and treatment processes.Results  In this study, patients were found to have only a basic understanding of BCC or AK, and furthermore, they were not satisfied with the amount of information provided by their physician about their treatment options, and possible side‐effects such as pain and scarring.Conclusions  Increased public awareness about BCC and AK may potentially aid in their early detection and treatment.
Ofuji's disease: diagnostic and therapeutic problems. A report of three cases
Authors: Patrone Pasquale , Bragadin Giovanni , Stinco Giuseppe , De Francesco Vincenzo , Frattasio Alfonsina 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Ofuji's disease is an eosinophilic dermatosis affecting mostly male subjects. It is characterized by the appearance of follicular papulopustules, at times on an erytemathous base, which tend to form an annular configuration. The evolution is relapsing remitting. The histopathological examination demonstrates a dense dermal infiltrate with a prevalence of perifollicular and perivascular eosinophilia. Peripheral blood eosinophilia is observed in a high percentage of cases. The pathogenesis is unclear.Methods  We report three cases of patients affected by Ofuji's disease with presentation on different sites. Our case reports concern three male subjects otherwise in good health and whose hematologic results were normal. Before they came to our observation, an erroneous diagnosis had been made and they had been subjected to improper treatment.Results  To make a definite diagnosis it was necessary to evaluate the following features as a whole: the clinical aspect, the evolution, the result of the histological examination, the negativity of cutaneous cultures and the lack of response to previous treatments. All three patients were treated with dapsone 100 mg/day with regression of the clinical manifestations. In one case there was a relapse which was treated with isotretinoin 0.5 mg/kg/day.Conclusions  From our experience we can deduce that in cases of follicular pathologies which do not respond to conventional therapies, it is necessary to take into consideration the possibility of Ofuji's disease and, in that case, patients should be monitored because of the frequent relapses.
Primary malignant melanoma of the oral cavity: case report
Authors: Bongiorno Maria Rita , Aricò Mario 
Published: March 2003

An 80‐year‐old‐female patient had a pigmented lesion on: the hard palate, the soft palate, the alveolar mucosa and the vestibolar mucosa of the maxillary gingiva. Pigmented macules and patchs had been persistent and asymptomatic for many years (Fig. 1). The lesion exhibited irregularities of pigmentation, border and surface contour. About 1 year later the patient had noticed an extension of the pigmented macules and plaques; there was also the appearance of nodules of the maxillary gingiva accompanied by swelling. Loosening of teeth as a result of extensive destruction of bone was further noted (Fig. 2).Pigmented macules and patchs with irregularities of pigmentation, border and surface contourimageAbout one year: nodules of the maxillary gingiva accompanied by swelling and loosening of teethimageThe histological examination showed a downward streaming in the dermis of the tumor cells and a disintegration and ulceration of the epidermis (Fig. 3). An increased number of large round or polygonal cells resembling atypical epithelioid cells were found on the submucosa. The atypical cells had enlarged, pleomorphic nuclei with prominent and sometimes multiple nucleoli. Mitoses were observed at various tissue levels (Fig. 4). Abundant pigmented melanin was present in the tumor cells (Fig. 5). Many cells had fine, dusty melanin particles. The tumor cells showed great variations in size. Immunohistochemical staining, with S100 protein and HMB45 antibodies, stained many of the spindleshaped cells, indicating that they were melanocytic cells. An inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes was seen in a band beneath the invading tumor cells.An increased number of large round or polygonal cells resembling atypical epithelioid cells were found on the submucosa, the epidermis is atrophic (200×)imageMitoses were observed at various tissue levels (400×)imageAbundant pigmented melanin was present in the tumor cells (250×)image
Paracoccidioidomycosis: unusual clinical presentation and utility of computerized tomography scanning for diagnosis
Authors: Achenbach Ricardo , Negroni Ricardo , Khaski Silvia , Lococo Liliana , Beresñak Alejandro , Gai Luis 
Published: March 2003

A 57‐year‐old white man, born in Chaco in the north of Argentina, who had worked as a cotton picker until 20 years ago when he moved to the city of Buenos Aires, presented with an asymptomatic, 10 cm long, 3.5 cm wide ulcer on the back of the neck, with an erythematous, violaceous border and serosanguinous material in the micronodular center (Fig. 1). No enlargement of the lymph nodes was present and the patient's general condition was good. The results of laboratory tests were within normal values, and candidin and purified protein derivative (PPD) tests were negative; chest X‐ray showed subtle interstitial infiltrates. Histopathologic study of the border and center of the ulcer showed a granulomatous infiltrate with giant cells and large, spherical to oval cells with multiple buds, typical of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; Grocott stain showed yeast with various blastoconidia and the well‐known image of the “pilot wheel” (Fig. 2). The study of fresh tissue confirmed the existence of yeast (10–40 µm) including buds. Culture was negative. Skin test with Fava Neto antigen (polysaccharides of P. brasiliensis) was positive (17 mm). Tests of contraimmunoelectrophoresis with paracoccidioidin antigen showed two negative and one positive band. As the initial chest X‐ray was not decisive, computerized axial tomography of the lung was carried out. The latter showed a pulmonary interstitial infiltrate of the right inferior lobe and a small infiltrate of the left inferior lobe. (Fig. 3).Painless ulcer with sharp border and serosanguinous crustimageGrocott stain (× 400). Etiologic agent from the border of the ulcerimageComputerized tomography scan of the chest showing pulmonary involvementimageOnce a diagnosis of skin–lung paracoccidioidomycosis had been confirmed, 6 months of treatment with daily oral doses of 100 mg of itraconazole was started, leading to the healing of the skin lesion in 6 weeks (Fig. 4). Pulmonary compromise improved a few weeks after the initiation of treatment.Ulcer healed after 4 weeks of treatment with itraconazoleimage
Atopic dermatitis is associated with a decrement in health‐related quality of life
Authors: Kiebert Gwendoline , Sorensen Sonja V. , Revicki Dennis , Fagan Susan C. , Doyle Joseph J. , Cohen Joel , Fivenson David 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Although atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that can have a major impact on a patient’s life, the burden of illness associated with this condition has not been well characterized.Objective To determine the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with atopic dermatitis by disease severity and to compare it with that of the general public and of patients suffering from other chronic illnesses or skin disorders.Methods Two hundred and thirty‐nine atopic dermatitis patients aged 4–70 years completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index. These HRQL scores were compared by self‐reported patient disease severity ratings. Health‐related quality of life scores were compared with those of the general population and those of patients with other chronic conditions (clinical depression, hypertension, type 2 diabetes) or skin disease (psoriasis). Dermatology Life Quality Index scores were also compared with those of other skin diseases (such as psoriasis, Darier’s disease, and Hailey‐Hailey disease).Results Patients with atopic dermatitis had inferior scores on the SF‐36 vitality, social functioning, and mental health subscales compared with individuals in the general population. In seven of eight subscales, individuals reporting more severe disease had inferior DLQI and SF‐36 scores. Patients with atopic dermatitis had inferior mental health scores compared with those with diabetes or hypertension, and inferior social functioning scores compared with patients with hypertension. When compared with a psoriasis cohort, patients with atopic dermatitis had inferior scores in the role‐physical, vitality, social functioning, role‐emotional, and mental health SF‐36 domains. Patients with atopic dermatitis had similar DLQI scores to patients with other chronic dermatologic diseases.Conclusions These results demonstrate that atopic dermatitis has an impact on HRQL, particularly in social functioning and psychological wellbeing. Patient‐assessed severity of atopic dermatitis correlates with HRQL decrements, indicating greater HRQL impact with greater disease severity. Atopic dermatitis has as large an impact on HRQL as several chronic conditions and other dermatologic conditions.
Rapid initiation of repigmentation in vitiligo with Dead Sea climatotherapy in combination with pseudocatalase (PC‐KUS)
Authors: Schallreuter Karen U. , Moore Jeremy , Behrens‐Williams Stephanie , Panske Angela , Harari Marco 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Low catalase levels and cellular vacuolation in the epidermis of patients with vitiligo support major oxidative stress in this compartment. There is now in vivo evidence for increased epidermal hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation in this patient group by utilizing noninvasive Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy (FT Raman). Epidermal H2O2 can be removed with a topical application of narrow band UVB activated pseudocatalase cream (PC‐KUS). (Mn/EDTA‐bicarbonate complex, patent No. EPO 58471 1 A), yielding initiation of repigmentation. Dead Sea climatotherapy is another successful treatment modality for vitiligo, but the mode of action has escaped definition so far.Methods Epidermal hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was assessed in vivo before and after 21 days treatment at the Dead Sea using noninvasive Fourier‐Transform Raman spectroscopy. The effectiveness of repigmentation was followed in 59 patients with vitiligo by comparing Dead Sea climatotherapy alone with the combination of Dead Sea climatotherapy/pseudocatalase cream (PC‐KUS) as well as Dead Sea climatotherapy/placebo cream. Clinical repigmentation was documented by standardized black/white photography using non‐UV coated bulbs as flashlight and by color photography.Results This study on 59 patients who had vitiligo for an average time of 17 years (range 3–53 years) confirmed in vivo H2O2 accumulation in mM concentrations in the epidermis of untreated patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated a pseudocatalase activity after 15 min of Dead Sea bathing, but the decrease of epidermal H2O2 levels was significantly less compared to narrowband UVB activated pseudocatalase cream (PC‐KUS). Initiation of repigmentation was already observed between day 10 and day 16 after a combination of Dead Sea climatotherapy/pseudocatalase cream compared to conventional pseudocatalase monotherapy (8–14 weeks) and Dead Sea climatotherapy alone (5–6 weeks).Conclusion The results of this study show a significantly faster initiation of repigmentation in vitiligo after a combination of short‐term climatotherapy (21 days) at the Dead Sea in combination with a pseudocatalase cream (PC‐KUS) compared to either conventional climatotherapy at the Dead Sea alone or with placebo cream in combination with climatotherapy. This combined therapy is significantly faster in repigmentation than narrowband UVB activated pseudocatalase cream (PC‐KUS) treatment alone.The results of this study support the necessity of epidermal H2O2 removal as well as the influence of solar UV‐light in the successful treatment of vitiligo.
Bowen's disease: an uncommon presentation
Authors: Sardesai Vidyadhar R. 
Published: March 2003

A 60‐year‐old man presented with a lesion over the abdomen of 12–13 years’ duration. The lesion had been gradually progressing over the years and was asymptomatic. It had been treated by application of 5‐fluorouracil in 1993, which had resulted in partial regression; however, it started to grow again. A similar lesion had occurred over the left thigh, 2 years after the abdominal lesion appeared, and was excised. Past personal and family history was noncontributory. General and systemic examination revealed no abnormality. Dermatologic examination revealed a plaque, 18 cm × 15 cm in size, over the abdomen. It was well defined and erythematous. In places, hyperpigmented, verrucous, firm papules of various sizes were seen at the periphery and center of the lesion. There was no atrophy, ulceration, bleeding, and lymphadenopathy (Fig. 1). A differential diagnosis of hyperkeratotic lupus vulgaris, Bowen's disease, pagetoid type of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and superficial spreading melanoma was considered.Clinical photograph of lesion over the abdomenimageRoutine laboratory investigations were normal. Histopathology showed disease extending through the whole thickness of the epidermis. The basal cell layer was intact. Hyperkeratosis and acanthosis were present. Keratinocytes showed a loss of polarity and atypia. Individual keratinocytes were large, rounded, with pyknotic nuclei. Occasional horn pearls were seen. Keratinocytes with large hyperchromatic nuclei and multinucleated cells were present (Fig. 2). A diagnosis of “Bowen's disease” was made, the lesion was surgically excised, and skin grafting was performed.Photomicrograph of the lesion (hematoxylin and eosin stain; magnification, × 40)image