Transformation of Hodgkin's disease into malignant fibrous histiocytoma

The continuity that exists between Hodgkin's disease and the fibrohistiocytoses has only recently been recognized. Four cases are presented that illustrate this phenomenon. The fibrohistiocytic component of the Hodgkin's lesion may lag behind the lymphoreticular component, may be present in equal proportion, or may assume a dominant role, with the emergence of a frank fibrohistiocytosis or fibrous histiocytoma being evidenced as the lymphoreticular component recedes.

Trabecular carcinoma of the skin. A histopathological study of two cases

The first two cases of trabecular carcinoma of the skin reported in Israel are presented. On light microscopy, the tumors demonstrated a distinctive trabecular pattern, with cords of tumor cells embedded in the connective tissue stroma in the dermis. Dense-core neurosecretory granules, in association with formed desmosomes, were demonstrated by electron microscopy. This tumor may be misdiagnosed as lymphoma or metastatic anaplastic carcinoma, and awareness of its distinctive morphological features is necessary in order to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

Erysipelas. Changing faces

A retrospective study of 526 adult patients admitted to the Sheba Medical Center for treatment of erysipelas during the period 1972-1982 showed a steady increase in the number of cases admitted as well as a striking change in its classical pattern of distribution, with 86% of the lesions occurring in the lower extremities opposed to 5.9% in the face. Local trauma and superficial abrasions were identified as the major predisposing factors, whereas upper respiratory tract infection was almost negligible among the patients. Peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, and prolonged treatment with corticoids, immunosuppressants, or radiation were less frequently associated with the development of the disease. New trends were also observed for the age groups and seasonal distribution of the population studied.