Yukari Matsuoka

A case of calcinosis universalis successfully treated with low-dose warfarin.

A 27‐year‐old male patient with calcinosis universalis resulting from dermatomyositis was successfully treated with low‐dose warfarin. On his trunk and extremities, there were many subcutaneous calcified nodules, and knee flexion was difficult. After oral warfarin therapy for three years, the calcified nodules became smaller, and the knee mobility improved. His serum vitamin K level was abnormally high, decreased just after starting warfarin therapy, and then remained within the normal range. Since vitamin K has been known to play an important role in the Ca2+ binding process in bones or tissues, we suggest that this therapy is effective in reducing subcutaneous calcification through the vitamin K cycle.

A case of pemphigus vulgaris in a six-year-old girl.

A case of pemphigus vulgaris in a six‐year‐old Japanese girl is presented. She first developed vesicles and ulcerations in oral and laryngeal mucous membranes, showing a hoarse voice and fits of coughing with excessive slavering. She had skin blisters six months later. Biopsy of the skin lesion demonstrated the intraepidermal blister in a suprabasal location. Direct immunofluorescence (IF) of the skin lesion revealed deposits of IgG and C3. Indirect IF showed serum anti‐ICS antibody titer at 1:640. She was diagnosed as having pemphigus vulgaris. Treatment with oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg) proved effective. This is the first case of infantile pemphigus vulgaris in Japan.

Familial Cases of Psoriasis Vulgaris and Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris

Two familial cases of psoriasis vulgaris and pustulosis palmaris et plantaris and their HLA types were examined. Our cases suggest a close genetic relationship between these two diseases.