J. Thomson

Histology simulating reticulosis in secondary syphilis.

Three cases of secondary syphilis are described in whom a skin biopsy was performed. In all, the histology bore a striking resemblance to that of malignant lymphoid neoplasm.

Treatment of presumed prolactinoma by transsphenoidal operation: early and late results.

Seventy seven patients who were presumed to have a prolactinoma on the basis of biochemical findings underwent transsphenoidal operation between October 1977 and September 1983. Sixty one patients were found to have a microadenoma, and hyperprolactinaemia was cured in 46 of these, amenorrhoea in 39 (80% of those with the symptom), galactorrhoea in 32 (80%), and infertility in 31 (82%). Four of eight patients found to have a macroadenoma were also satisfactorily treated with surgery. Two patients had a lesion other than a prolactinoma, and in six a tumour could not be found at operation; four of these last eight patients had a normal serum prolactin concentration after operation. Recurrent hyperprolactinaemia was rare, occurring in only three patients in the series overall; among the 32 patients followed up for more than five years only two of the 22 whose operation had initially been successful developed recurrent hyperprolactinaemia.

ERYTHEMA GYRATUM REPENS

Summary— The case histories of 2 patients with erythema gyratum repens (E.G.R.) are presented. In common with all previous reports, both were found to have a hitherto unsuspected underlying neoplasm, one having an adenocarcinoma of the bladder and the other a prostatic carcinoma. It is suggested that a simple and useful diagnostic aid in the differentiation of E.G.R. from other figurate erythemas, is to outline the lesions and observe them daily.

Dermatoses in five related female carriers of X‐linked chronic granulomatous disease

Eight female members of a family with X‐linked chronic granulomatous disease were identified. Five were shown to be carriers of the disease gene. Each of these female carriers of the gene had a history of skin eruptions. The identification of the carrier state is important as genetic counselling should be offered and the prenatal diagnosis of this disorder is possible.

Pachyonychia congenita complicated by hidradenitis suppurativa: a family study

A family is described in which five of the six members with the Jackson–Lawler type of pachyonychia congenita also had varying degrees of hidradenitis suppurativa. We suggest an association between this type of pachyonychia congenita and hidradenitis suppurativa.

T-cell lymphoma presenting with severe digital ischaemia.

We report a case of T‐cell lymphoma which presented with sudden severe digital ischaemia.

Secondary amyloidosis affecting the skin in arthropathic psoriasis

A case of secondary systemic amyloidosis associated with arthropathic psoriasis is reported. Amyloid A protein was demonstrated in the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and liver, and also in psoriatic and clinically uninvolved skin.

Malignant melanoma and systemic mastocytosis a possible association

Lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative malignancies have been noted in patients with systemic mastocytosis1 and urticaria pigmentosa.2 However, to our knowledge an association between mastocytosis and malignant melanoma has not been reported previously.

The relevance of elevated Borrelia burgdorferi titres in localized scleroderma

A 46-year-old man with a 2-year history of localized scleroderma of his right upper arm and elevated Borrelia burgdorferi titres is described. The association of Borrelia burgdorferi infection and localized scleroderma is discussed.

Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as a recurrent sore throat and oral ulceration: a case report.

A patient is described who presented with a 2‐year history of repeated sore throats and associated oral ulceration. These were shown to be due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There was no clinical evidence of involvement of any other system. We are not aware of a previous report of SLE presenting in this manner.