Zeev Abraham

Colchicine therapy for low-dose-methotrexate-induced accelerated nodulosis in a rheumatoid arthritis patient.

Accelerated nodulosis developed on the fingers of a woman successfully treated with low dose methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. Colchicine therapy resulted in regression of these nodules for twelve months. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the dermatological literature on this relatively new entity in which the skin is also involved.

Disseminated granuloma annulare following erythema multiforme minor

A 44‐year‐old woman presented with erythema multiforme minor followed by disseminated granuloma annulare 4 weeks later. The patient was not taking any medication and had no history of herpes simplex infection. Involvement of a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction in the pathogenesis of these two well known disorders, as suggested by immunological investigations, may explain their concurrence in our patient. The substitution of the erythema multiforme minor lesions by an eruption of disseminated granuloma annulare at the same sites suggests the possibility of a Koebner phenomenon or an isotopic response.

Tumoral Calcinosis: Report of a Case and Brief Review of the Literature

A patient with a 32‐year history of tumoral calcinosis is described. The calcified lesions involved the soft tissues in the hips, shoulders, and ankles. Periodically, a chalky semifluid material extruded through several cutaneous sinuses. Laboratory tests including serum calcium concentration were normal, except for slight elevation of serum phosphorous levels. Ophthalmologic examination revealed the interesting finding of subretinal angioid streaks. The dental radiograms disclosed pathognomonic short bulbous roots and partial obliteration of pulp cavities, while the radiological evaluation of the tumoral masses revealed typical features of tumoral calcinosis.

Cutaneous Eruption in a Patient with Cardiac Myxoma

Atrial myxoma was diagnosed in a young woman who had cutaneous and constitutional manifestations clinically suggestive of cutaneous vasculitis without cardiac signs or symptoms. Scrupulous physical and laboratory examinations excluded additional medical disorders. The patient was totally cured by surgical removal of the tumor. Various aspects of the association of cardiac myxoma with dermatological findings are discussed, emphasizing the importance of echocardiography in the diagnostic workup of various skin abnormalities, including unexplained vasculitis, even in the absence of cardiac findings.

Skin Ulcer at the Blunt Apex of a Giant Warthin's Tumor

An unusual finding of Warthins tumor or papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum with ulceration of the overlying skin is described in a patient who refused surgical removal of this growth. The present article is the second case published in the English language dermatological literature on this fascinating tumor. To our knowledge, the clinical presentation and course of the disorder in this individual are unique.

Vitiligo, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pernicious Anemia

A patient with a 46‐year history of vitiligo who also presented rheumatoid arthritis and pernicious anemia is described. Meticulous physical examination excluded further systemic or cutaneous involvement. The immunological workup revealed a low CD4 cell percentage with T cells mostly composed of CD8 cells, a discrepancy between the high percentage of cumulative CD4 + CD8 cells and the measured CD3 proportions, very low NK cytotoxicity toward K562 cells, and almost negligible responses to PHA, Con A and PWM mitogens. The results point to severe T and NK cell functional defects. The pathogenetic significance of these data is discussed.

Psoriasis, Necrobiosis Lipoidica, Granuloma Annulare, Vitiligo and Skin Infections in the Same Diabetic Patient

A diabetic patient is described presenting psoriasis, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, granuloma annulare, and vitiligo and with a history of recurrent erysipelas and mycotic infections. Scrupulous physical examination excluded further systemic or cutaneous involvement. The immunological workup revealed both phenotypic and functional defects in cellular immunity.

DERMATOMYOSITIS AND NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

A nasopharyngeal carcinoma was diagnosed in a 37‐year‐old man with a two year history of dermatomyositis. The physical and laboratory examinations excluded further medical problems. To our knowledge, this is the first case of dermatomyositis associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a white Israeli Jewish patient.

Dermatomyositis, carcinoma of colon and meningioma in the same patient.

Dermatomyositis and carcinoma of colon were diagnosed in a 66‐year‐old woman. Meticulous physical examination excluded further systemic or cutaneous involvement. The musculocutaneous disorders responded well to daily oral corticosteroid, and the malignant tumor was totally removed surgically. After a seven‐year follow‐up of actual dermatomyositis controlled by maintenance doses of prednisone ranging from 5 to 15 mg daily, the patient developed a meningioma. Current concepts and data regarding various aspects of the combination between dermatomyositis and tumors are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of meningioma associated with dermatomyositis.

Acute Gout of the Right Sacroiliac Joint

An eighty‐year‐old woman suffered from acute idiopathic gout of the right sacroiliac joint and tophaceous deposits in two fingers of her right hand. Hyperuricemia and findings consistent with gout detected by histological examination of a biopsy specimen taken from the digital nodules supported the diagnosis. The radiological workup revealed osteolytic changes at the bases of the phalanges in Roentgenograms of the feet. Various aspects of the very rare incidence of sacroiliac gout are discussed.