Chull Wan Ihm

Clinical and Pathological Features of Generalized Granuloma Annulare with Their Correlation: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in Korea

BACKGROUNDnGeneralized granuloma annulare (GGA) is a benign skin disorder of an unknown etiology. Though some cases of GGA have been reported, few systemic reviews of the clinical and pathological features of GGA have been performed.nnnOBJECTIVEnThe purpose of this study is to analyze and correlate the clinical and pathological characteristics of GGA in Korean patients.nnnMETHODSnWe conducted a retrospective study that included 54 biopsy specimens of Korean GGA patients, and the clinical and pathological features of GGA were reviewed and analyzed for their correlation.nnnRESULTSnThe cutaneous lesions could be divided into the annular (24, 44%) and nonannular types (30, 56%), and the lesions were more common in males than in females (29 males and 25 females). The incidence of GGA showed a bimodal age distribution. The number of patients who presented within the first decade was 24 cases (44%), and 24 cases (44%) were over the fifth decade. Eight patients (15%) had systemic diseases. Especially, diabetes mellitus (DM) occurred only in the adult GGA patients over forty years old. The pathological findings showed dermal granulomatous lesions that consisted of either a palisading pattern (28, 52%) or an interstitial pattern (26, 48%).nnnCONCLUSIONnIn contrast to the previously reported studies, the age of GGA onset showed a bimodal distribution, and GGA was observed more often in males. The prevalence of DM in the GGA affected individuals was higher than that found in the general Korean population. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a work-up for DM in the GGA affected patients who are over forty years old.

Phototrichogram analysis of normal scalp hair characteristics with aging

BACKGROUNDnPhototrichogram analysis of normal scalp hair characteristics in Asian populations is not well characterized.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo investigate the normal hair characteristics of South Koreans using a phototrichogram.nnnMETHODSnWe enrolled 674 males and 683 females between the ages of 10 and 69. Hair density, thickness and the white hair percentage were measured via phototrichogram. Six scalp sites, including front, top, the peak between top and back, back, and the right and left sides were targeted.nnnRESULTSnThe mean hair density, hair thickness, and the white hair percentages were not significantly different between genders at any scalp site. The mean hair density and thickness were significantly different according to scalp sites. Hair density declined with age, especially at the peak between the top and back. Males and females showed different patterns of aging in hair density. Hair thickness changed little with age. Mean hair thickness generally tended to increase until the 20s, reach a plateau between the 20s and 50s, and decrease after the 50s. The mean white hair percentages were 1.84 ± 4.24% in males and 1.66 ± 4.21% in females. The mean white hair percentages were significantly increased in subjects over 40 years of age.nnnCONCLUSIONnWe described the normal characteristics and aging patterns of scalp hair in a Korean population.

ADENOSINE DEAMINASE IN HUMAN SKIN

Adenosine deaminase (adenosine aminohydrolase, ADA), which catalyzes the deamination of adenosine to yield inosine and ammonia, was assayed in human penile foreskin.

Cutaneous Sporotrichosis and Distant Autoinoculation

A 56‐year‐old woman suffering from cutaneous sporotrichosis on the right cheek and right knee is described. The sporotrichotic nodule of the knee was thought to have been caused by distant autoinoculation.