[Systemic mastocytosis and intestinal malabsorption]

With reference to an observation, thirty-four cases of systemic mastocytosis with intestinal malabsorption are reviewed. The most characteristic intestinal anomalies are the steatorrhea, partial villous atrophy and deficiency in secretory IgA. Routine investigations for mastocytosis may be warranted in patients with malabsorption. A markedly telangiectatic and angiomatous aspect of cutaneous lesions may be suggestive of the association.

[The laser in dermatology. Critical study of 63 cases]

With reference to their personal experience in sixty-three patients, the authors try to specify the indications of laser treatment in dermatology: evenly-colored flat angiomas, especially those of the face, which should not be treated before the age of fourteen. Vasoconstriction induced by the application of ice prior to treatment seems helpful. Widespread anal or vaginal venereal warts are another good indication. In common warts laser treatment is indicated only in some specific cases. The authors do not advocate laser treatment in malignant tumors. Results in tattoos are often unsatisfactory.

[Angiomatous cutaneous lesions revealing arteriovenous fistulas (author's transl)]

Reports of Bluefarb-Stewart syndrome have been infrequent. Two observations of this condition are described. Both patients are young men who presented with extensive angiomatous lesions of the feet, revealing distal arteriovenous fistulas. Surgical treatment was successful in one patient. Diagnostic criteria are discussed. As to pathogenesis the most likely hypothesis is that the arteriovenous fistulas are congenital. Bluefarb-Stewart syndrome can therefore be classified as one of the angiodysplasias.

[Cutaneous manifestations observed during prolonged intravenous feeding: 3 cases. Review of the literature (author's transl)]

3 patients (one infant and two adults) in prolonged intravenous feeding for digestive diseases developed cutaneous symptoms resembling acrodermatitis enteropathica. Essential fatty acid and hypozincemia (in 2 of 3 cases) are found. The dermatitis disappeared slowly with oral alimentation in 2 cases, and in a few days in the third one, with oral zinc sulfate. Review of literature shows that dermatitis occurring during prolonged intravenous feeding is attributed to essential fatty acid, zinc, or less often amino acid, deficiency. But resemblance of dermatitis with acrodermatitis enteropathica in most cases, high frequency of hypozincemia, and dramatic effects of treatment with zinc salts allow to think, that zinc is a key factor. Nevertheless, it is necessary to study simultaneously those different parameters and also vitamins A, E and B to conclude whether it exists or not many deficiencies (related or not) as an etiologic factor for cutaneous symptoms.