Magda Assaf

Primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ T-cell lymphoma: Proposed diagnostic criteria and therapeutic evaluation

Primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8(+) T-cell lymphoma is a rare cytotoxic lymphoma characterized clinically by aggressive behavior and histologically by prominent epidermotropism of atypical CD8(+) lymphocytes. Despite the continuous addition of new case reports, no definite diagnostic criteria have been established, and an optimum treatment is still awaiting. Herein, we study and analyze the different clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features described in the reported cases. Different therapeutic modalities and their impact on the prognosis of the tumor are also evaluated and presented. We propose two sets of diagnostic criteria. The first comprises constant clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features that are always present in every case, and the combination of which is necessary for the diagnosis. The second set helps to avoid missing cases and includes variable features that may be present in some cases, and to which any emerging finding could be added. Although different therapeutic options have been used, either as single agents or in combinations, there is no standard therapy for primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8(+) T-cell lymphoma and the tumor still represents a therapeutic challenge with very poor prognosis.

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in keloids: a clinicopathologic study

Background  Despite their benign nature, keloids are usually associated with considerable cosmetic effects and may lead to functional problems. Recently, it has been reported that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor, is overexpressed in keloid tissue and may have a potential role in its evolution.

Necrolytic acral erythema: a variant of necrolytic migratory erythema or a distinct entity?

Background  Hepatitis C is a major health problem in Egypt. Necrolytic acral erythema (NAE) is a recently described necrolytic erythema that has a distinctive acral distribution and a uniform association with hepatitis C. Some authors believe that NAE is a distinct entity and others consider it as a variant of necrolytic migratory erythema (NME).

Paederus dermatitis in Egypt: a clinicopathological and ultrastructural study

Background  Outbreaks of paederus dermatitis (PD) have been observed in different parts of the world, yet the histopathological and ultrastructural changes and their relationship to pederin toxin have not been described.

Kindler syndrome: a study of five Egyptian cases with evaluation of severity

Background  Kindler syndrome (KS) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by four major features (acral blisters, photosensitivity, poikiloderma, and cutaneous atrophy) and many associated findings. The diagnosis of KS includes clinical features, ultrastructural findings, and, recently, immunostaining and genetic studies. Varying degrees of severity of the syndrome have been described.

Progressive nodular histiocytosis: a case report and literature review

Progressive nodular histiocytosis (PNH) is a rare normolipemic macrophage disorder first described by Taunton et al. in 1978. Since then, 14 cases, including that described here, have been reported. Progressive nodular histiocytosis belongs to a subgroup of nonLangerhans cell histiocytoses (LCHs), the juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) family, which includes xanthoma disseminatum (XD), benign cephalic histiocytosis (BCH), adult xanthogranuloma, and generalized eruptive histiocytosis (GEH). These disorders seem to overlap and probably represent a spectrum of manifestations deriving from a single underlying process that may take one or more of several clinical forms depending on the patient’s immune status and the triggers of macrophage proliferation. Herein, we present a new case of PNH associated with retinitis pigmentosa and optic atrophy, review the literature, and discuss the diagnostic criteria, the differential diagnosis, and the classification of this rare entity.

Hair loss in pityriasis versicolor lesions: A descriptive clinicopathological study

BACKGROUND We have observed that hair thinning and/or loss occur at times as a presenting symptom or sign in patients with pityriasis versicolor (PV). OBJECTIVE Our objective was to verify and explore this clinical observation and depict its underlying pathology. METHODS A total of 39 patients with PV were examined during a period of 11 months and skin biopsy specimens were taken from lesional and nonlesional skin. Hematoxylin-eosin- and periodic acid-Schiff-stained sections were examined and described. Results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Hair loss and/or thinning within PV lesions was shown in 61.5% of patients (P value < .0005), appearing most commonly on forearms, abdomen, and neck as well as the beard area (only in male participants). Histopathologically, in addition to the classically described features of PV, basal hydropic degeneration, follicular degeneration, miniaturization, atrophy, plugging, and/or hair shaft absence occurred in 46% of lesional versus 20.5% of nonlesional biopsy specimens (P value < .05); these changes appeared to be directly or indirectly related to the presence of Malassezia organisms in hair follicles and/or stratum corneum. LIMITATIONS Some patients with PV lesions on the face did not approve facial biopsy. CONCLUSION This study provides clinical and histopathological evidence that PV lesions may be associated with hair thinning and/or loss.

Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands: a localized variant of Sweet's syndrome or a distinct entity?

References 1 Pazzaglia M, Lucente P, Vincenzi C, et al. Contact dermatitis from nickel in mobile phones. Contact Dermatitis 2000; 42: 362–363. 2 Kluger N, Pecquet C. Dermatoses associated with high technology (cell phones, computers and video games). Ann Dermatol Venereol 2012; 139: 230–238. 3 Gasenzer ER, Neugebauer EA. Contact allergies in musicians. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2012; 137: 2715– 2721. 4 Friis UF, Menn e T, Jellesen MS, et al. Allergic nickel dermatitis caused by playing the guitar: case report and assessment of nickel release from guitar strings. Contact Dermatitis 2012; 67: 101–103. 5 Jensen P, Jellesen MS, M1⁄2ller P, et al. Nickel may be released from laptop computers. Contact Dermatitis 2012; 67: 384–385. Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands: a localized

Generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma: proposed diagnostic criteria and therapeutic evaluation.

Generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma (GEKA) of Grzybowski is a sporadically occurring, extremely rare variant of keratoacanthoma characterized clinically by severely pruritic, generalized eruption of numerous small follicular papules, often with a central keratotic plug, and histologically by typical features of solitary keratoacanthoma. Despite the continuous addition of new case reports, no definite diagnostic criteria have been established, and an optimum treatment is not yet determined. Herein, we review the different aspects of this rare entity, including pathogenesis, clinical and histopathological features, differential diagnosis, course and prognosis. Different therapeutic approaches and their impact on the course and prognosis of the disease are also evaluated and presented. We propose two sets of diagnostic criteria to define the disease more precisely and to avoid overlapping and confusion with other types of multiple keratoacanthoma. The first set comprises constant clinical and histopathological features that almost always present in every case and the second set includes variable features that were reported in some patients, and to which any emerging finding could be added to avoid missing cases. Although different therapeutic options have been used, either as single agents or in combinations, there is no standard therapy for GEKA and the disease still represents a therapeutic challenge.

Generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma (GEKA) is an extremely rare variant of keratoacanthoma that poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.