J. Miralles

Median raphe cyst of the penis with ciliated cells.

Cystic lesions occurring on the ventral surface of the penis have been classified as median raphe cysts of the penis. They are lined by pseudostratified, columnar or stratified squamous cell epithelium, mimicking the epithelial lining of the male urethra. Ciliated cysts of the human skin are unusual. Cystic lesions containing ciliated cells have been noted to occur in the chest, neck, or head, and bronchogenic origin has been the most accepted explanation for its origin. Other reports show the presence of ciliated cysts on the lower extremities, and the mechanism of formation is still a debated question. A case of median raphe cyst of the penis containing ciliated epithelium is presented. The existing literature about these cutaneous lesions is reviewed, including the possible mechanisms believed to be involved in its origin.

Multiple idiopathic mucosal neuromas: A minor form of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B or a new entity?

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) is a rare autosomal dominant process characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and mucosal neuromas. A point mutation at codon 918 of the RET protooncogene has been observed in approximately 90% of patients and families with MEN 2B. Mucosal neuromas are the most consistent and distinctive feature (100% of patients) of MEN 2B and are considered pathognomonic. We describe a 35-year-old woman with mucosal neuromas of the lower lip and tongue that appeared in early childhood. Examination did not reveal other abnormalities. After a follow-up of more than 22 years with periodic clinical, biochemical, and radiologic studies, no evidence of MEN 2B has been detected. Analysis of the RET protooncogene exons 10, 11, and 16 did not demonstrate point mutation in the MEN 2B region (M918T).

Cheilitis granulomatosa Treated with Metronidazole

Cheilitis graunulomatosa (CG) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. We report the case of a patient with CG who has successfully been treated with metronidazole.

Perimenstrual dermatitis secondary to a copper-containing intrauterine contraceptive device

Although allergic reactions to copper are rare, skin disorders may appear or worsen during the perimenstrual period. This paper presents the case of a 41-year-old user of a copper-containing IUD who presented with a history of recurrent, self-healing skin eruption associated with abdominal pain. The eruption followed a cyclical pattern, appearing 3-7 days before menses and improving spontaneously with the onset of bleeding. Patch testing revealed a positive reaction to copper sulfate and nickel sulfate. After the IUD was removed, abdominal symptoms subsided at the next cycle and progressive resolution of the dermatitis was observed.