[Chronic wounds: differential diagnosis]

Wound is a disruption of anatomic and physiologic continuity of the skin. According to the healing process, wounds are classified as acute and chronic wounds. A wound is considered chronic if standard medical procedures do not lead to the expected healing, or if the wound does not heal within six weeks. Chronic wounds are classified as typical and atypical. Typical wounds include ischemic, neurotrophic and hypostatic wounds. Diabetic foot and decubitus ulcers stand out as a specific entity among typical wounds. About 80 percent of chronic wounds localized on lower leg are the result of chronic venous insufficiency, in 5-10 percent the cause is of arterial etiology, whereas the remainder are mostly neuropathic ulcers. About 95 percent of chronic wounds manifest as one of the above-mentioned entities. Other forms of chronic wounds are atypical chronic wounds, which can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, vascular diseases and vasculopathies, metabolic and genetic diseases, neoplasm, external factors, psychiatric disorders, drug related reactions, etc. Numerous systemic diseases can present with atypical wounds. The primary cause of the wound can be either systemic disease itself (Crohn's disease) or aberrant immune response due to systemic disease (pyoderma gangrenosum, paraneoplastic syndrome). Although atypical wounds are a rare cause of chronic wounds, it should always be taken in consideration during diagnostic procedure.

Cutaneous thrombosis related to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: clinical report

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a clonal stem cell disorder typically characterized by hemolysis, bone marrow failure, and venous thrombosis. The latter can affect up to 40 percent of patients and is a significant cause of mortality. Despite being recognized as a possible complication, cutaneous thrombosis is quite uncommon and a variety of findings have been reported. Owing to the rarity of this complication and the importance of its correct and timely diagnosis, we report the case of a 64-year-old man with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria who presented with isolated and well-demarcated erythematous-violaceous plaques, mainly located on the neck and trunk. Given the history and the histological features, the diagnosis of cutaneous thrombosis related to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria was assumed and the patient was successfully treated with therapeutic anticoagulation. The early identification of these patients is essential for necessary surveillance because they could carry a higher probability of recurrence compared with those with no prior complications.

A large ulcer and cutaneous small‐vessel vasculitis associated with syphilis infection

Cutaneous vasculitis (CV) is a condition with cutaneous manifestations and possible systemic involvement. The causative factors or associated diseases are usually drugs, infection, collagen vascular disease, or malignancy. Syphilis as a cause of cutaneous vasculitis is rare. We report the case of a large cutaneous ulcer and small-vessel vasculitis associated with syphilis infection. We suggest that in apparently idiopathic CV or a chronic ulcer refractory to treatment, screening should be performed to detect any underlying infection such as syphilis. It is important to have a rapid and accurate diagnosis because the lesions are very contagious, but may be rapidly and completely cured by early administration of antibiotic treatment.

[Calcyphylaxis in a patient with end-stage renal disease in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus, diagnostic problems--case report]

Calcyphylaxis consists in vascular calcium deposition and skin necrosis, which appears in the final stage of renal failure. Advanced forms of systemic connective tissue disease such as lupus erythematosus, especially with concomitant vasculitis, leading to renal failure and uremia may be conducive to calcyphylaxis. We are presenting a case of a 50-year-old male requiring chronic peritoneal dialysis since the age of 43, due to end-stage renal disease resulting from chronic glomeluronephritis. The patient presented to our Dermatology Department with large and painful coalescent cutaneous lesions on both lower extremities, fingertips and lips. Both clinical picture and disease history indicated systemic vasculitis that was previously unrecognized. Additional examinations revealed the following markers of inflammation: leukocytosis (11 G/I) with normal level of eosinophils, CRP > 0.6 mg/I, ESR 120 mm/h, and IgG 20 g/l, without any source of infection. Indirect immunofluorescence showed the absence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) on polynuclear leucocytes. A distinct fluorescence pattern observed in liver sinusoids was suggestive of the presence of some form of anti-granulocyte antibodies. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected in serum (1:1000) with homogenous and microgranular fluorescence pattern. Anti-extractable nuclear antigen panel (ENA), C3/C4 levels, anti-smooth muscle, anti-dsDNA and anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies were within normal limits. Lupus band test revealed IgA and IgG deposits at the dermis-epidermis junction. Histopathological examination of the skin showed calcification complicated by small vessel thrombosis, however, it was non-specific for vasculitis. Our case represents an example of calcyphylaxis associated with a widespread medial vascular calcification in a patient with end stage renal disease secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus. Although renal dialysis itself is known to trigger calcyphylaxis, there have been few reports in literature suggesting that collagen vascular disease may also contribute to this process.

Uncoupling of protein C and antithrombin III activity in cerebral ischemia patients associated with cutis marmorata

PURPOSE

Cutis marmorata is a cutaneous livedoid disorder which can be differentiated from livedo reticularis in both clinical and pathological presentations. Unlike Sneddon syndrome, a detailed immunocoagulation profile has not yet been delineated for cutis marmorata in patients with cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

To analyze the immunocoagulation profile in cutis marmorata patients associated with cerebral ischemia (CMCI) in a series of 135 cerebral ischemia patients.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients were found to have cutis marmorata. The blood protein C activity, protein S activity, antithrombin III activity, platelet count, fibrinogen and frequency of abnormal antiphospholipid antibody level were similar among 32 CMCI patients, 103 cerebral ischemia patients without cutis marmorata, and 35 healthy subjects. However, uncoupling of protein C and anti-thrombin III was observed in CMCI patients. Serum antinuclear antibody and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory were not detected in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Cutis marmorata is not uncommon in our ischemic stroke patient population, and is characterized by uncoupling of protein C and antithrombin III with altered thrombin hemostasis. Our findings raise the need for a careful cutaneous examination in patients with ischemic stroke. Abnormal immunocoagulating profile should alert physicians to the risk for cerebral ischemia even in the absence of other cardiovascular risk factors.

Paraneoplastic vasculitis associated with hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare B-cell lymphoproliferative disease, accounting for about 2-3% of all leukemias in adults. The skin lesions were described in about 10-12% of patients. Vasculitis in lymphoproliferative disease is relatively uncommon and may predate the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease. A 54-year old female with one month history of general symptoms and sudden onset of maculopapular exanthema on the skin, suffered from anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Examination of the skin biopsy revealed lymphocytic vasculitis. Immunophenotyping of the skin biopsy revealed cell population with CD45RO, and small groups with CD20, partly DBA44 positivity. Bone marrow trepanobiopsy showed 50% infiltration with medium-sized lymphoid cells with clear cytoplasm and immunophenotypic coexpression of CD20 and DBA-44 antigens. The diagnosis of HCL was confirmed by flow cytometry of the bone marrow and of the peripheral blood cells that revealed pathological cell population with expression of CD11c, CD19, CD25, CD103. The patient was successfully treated with a single dose of cladribrine. The patient with acute vasculitis should be screened and monitored for possible lymphoproliferative diseases. Skin manifestation of acute vasculitis accompanied with hairy cells may be the first manifestation of HCL. Purine nucleoside analogue cladribrine is considered as the first line of therapy for HCL and induces a total response in more than 80% of cases with HCL.

Eosinophilic vasculitis: a rare presentation of Whipple's disease

Whipple's disease is a multisystem infectious disease caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whippelii. A case with an unusual presentation is reported. A 66-year-old man presented with a febrile vasculitic rash on his forearms. An extensive rheumatological, hematological and infectious workup gave negative results, apart from mild anemia and eosinophilia. An abdominal computed tomography revealed a retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, and a skin biopsy revealed an eosinophilic vasculitis. This diverted the work toward ruling out a lymphoma or a vasculitic process. A lymph node biopsy was then performed and showed a diffuse neutrophilic inflammation with abundant foamy macrophages, fat necrosis and lipogranuloma formation. These findings were considered to be nonspecific and no further pathological investigation was carried out. After a course of corticosteroids, diarrhea and weight loss predominated and subsequently a diagnosis of Whipple's disease was confirmed on a small-bowel biopsy. Lymph node involvement was then confirmed on re-evaluation using the appropriate stains.

[Leukocytoclastic vasculitis in primary Sjögren syndrome: a case report]

We report a case of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SSjö with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The accurate diagnosis of SSjö was established based on objective signs and symptoms of ocular and oral dryness and characteristic appearance of a biopsy sample from a minor salivary gland, and presence of anti-SS-A autoantibody. Another autoimmune disorder was not present, so diagnosis of primary SSjö was established. Histologic finding of skin biopsy of purpuric lesion was typical for leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient was treated with small doses of glucocorticoids and with local symptomatic therapy for ocular and oral dryness. SSjö is one of the most common autoimmune disorders and vasculitis is one of the most characteristic extraglandular manifestations, but wide spectrum of cutaneous involvement in primary SSjö has been little studied.

Granulomatous arteritis in cutaneous lesions of Churg?Strauss syndrome

BACKGROUND

Although granulomatous arteritis is usually found in extracutaneous Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) lesions, the vasculitis in CSS cutaneous lesions typically shows small vessel vasculitis (leukocytoclastic vasculitis) without demonstrating the feature of granulomatous arteritis confirming the proper classification of CSS in the category of granulomatous vasculitis.

METHODS

Four deep excisional biopsies were obtained from three untreated CSS patients who presented with livedo reticularis and subcutaneous nodules. Tissue blocks were recut and submitted for hematoxylin and eosin and elastic tissue staining to evaluate the histological features of the affected vessels. Immunostaining for histiocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were performed on serial sections to confirm the cellular infiltration.

RESULTS

In all specimens, subcutaneous granulomatous arteritis was observed. The unique histological feature distinct from other vasculitic disorders is characterized by marked infiltration of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells in and around the disrupted subcutaneous arterial walls mixed with an eosinophilic infiltrate. In two specimens, granulomatous arteritis was found in the subsequent serial sections, not in the initial sections. The initial section may show extravascular granulomatous inflammation without evidence of vasculitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Granulomatous arteritis as identified in the extracutaneous lesions can also be found in subcutaneous CSS lesions presenting with livedo reticularis and/or subcutaneous nodules.

Cutaneous hemangioma associated with persistence of the trigeminal and both proatlantal arteries

The authors describe a girl who was evaluated at 7 years old because of facial segmental hemangioma associated with unilateral persistent trigeminal artery, bilateral proatlantal arteries, hypoplasia of 1 posterior cerebral artery, kinking of 1 internal carotid artery at 2 different levels, and transdural collateral vascularization supplying the posterior areas of the cerebral hemispheres. This is the first patient known to have a cutaneous hemangioma associated with bilateral proatlantal arteries despite having a unilateral facial hemangioma.

[Late-occurring cutaneous vasculitis after successful treatment of diffuse lepromatous leprosy: Lucio's phenomenon]

O Lucio's phenomenon is an uncommon type 2 reactional state occurring exclusively in patients with diffuse lepromatous leprosy (Lucio-Latapi leprosy). Previous case reports have been most frequent in Central America and rare in Asia and Africa. Lucio's phenomenon is characterized by necrotic ulcerations of the skin preferentially on the lower extremities usually in association with ongoing Lucio lepromatosis. The purpose of this report is to describe an unusual case of Lucio's phenomenon occurring four years after successful treatment of diffuse lepromatous leprosy. The patient was a 51-year-old man who had presented diffuse lepromatous leprosy ongoing since 1998. Diagnosis was documented based on histological and bacteriologic evidence. After successful treatment using dapsone (100 mg/d), rifadine (600 mg/month) and ethionamide (250 mg/d), the patient was lost from follow-up for 4 years. In January 2005, he consulted again for alteration of general status. Clinical examination showed inflammatory livedo on the lower extremities in association with several infiltrating maculo-papular lesions and painful erythemato-pupuric lesions on the legs and buttocks. The patient's skin was dry, shiny and galabrous with alopecia of the eyelashes and eyebrows. Examination of smear samples (skin and nasal) to identify mycobacterium leprae was negative. Histological study demonstrated epidermic necrosis with aspects of leucocytoclastic vasculitis. No Virchow cells were detected and Ziehl staining was negative. Search for circulating immune complexes and antiphospholipid antibodies was negative. Diagnosis of Lucio's phenomenon was made and the patient was treated using prednisone at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d in association with rifampicine (600 mg/month) and dapsone (100 mg/d). Outcome was favorable after one month of treatment. Lucio's phenomenon has rarely been observed in Tunisia. To our knowledge this is the third case reported from Tunisia and only 13 cases have been reported in the world since 1983. In all cases including the two from Tunisia, Lucio's phenomenon occurred during the course of treatment of ongoing Lucio-Latapi lepromatous leprosy (2). The remarkable features of our case are that Lucio's phenomenon occurred a long time after successful treatment of lepromatous leprosy and that the patient responded promptly to treatment. The pathogenesis of Lucio's phenomenon is often compared with that of erythema nodosum leprosum. Discussion focuses on pathophysiologic features and natural course of Lucio's phenomenon.

Generalized livedo reticularis associated with monoclonal cryoglobulinemia and multiple myeloma

Cryoglobulins are detected in a wide variety of diseases, including malignancies, infections and systemic autoimmune diseases. Classically, monoclonal cryoglobulinemia is associated with hematologic malignancies, whereas mixed cryoglobulinemias are reported in association with hepatitis C virus infections or autoimmune diseases. We present a patient with generalized livedo reticularis as the first manifestation of monoclonal cryoglobulinemia and multiple myeloma. Histopathology demonstrated that nearly all small blood vessels of the upper and deep dermis, as well as the capillaries of the fat lobule, were filled with homogeneous, eosinophilic material that corresponded to monoclonal cryoglobulin deposits within the vascular lumina. Our case of livedo reticularis associated with monoclonal cryoglobulinemia and multiple myeloma was exceptional, because the mottled cyanotic discoloration of the skin with a reticular pattern was generalized, covering most of the skin surface. We have not found previous report of similar cases. Therefore, we recommend that dermatologists be made aware of the significance of this diagnosis.

Altered hemostasis in migraineurs studied with a dynamic flow system

INTRODUCTION

Livedo reticularis (LR) refers to the violaceous netlike pattern of skin related to arteriopathy at the dermis-subcutis border. Livedo is associated with migraine, and among migraineurs, LR is more common in those with prior stroke. Other evidence of vascular perturbation in migraine comes from studies showing elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF). The purpose of this study is to evaluate global hemostasis in migraineurs, including the subset with LR, using a dynamic flow system simulating physiological conditions, and measuring vWF activity and antigen levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with migraine were enrolled from the headache clinic and presence or absence of LR was noted. Age-matched healthy, non-migraine, LR-free individuals were recruited as controls. To evaluate hemostasis, we used the Clot Signature Analyzer (CSA) measuring platelet hemostasis time (PHT), collagen-induced thrombus formation (CITF), and clot time (CT). vWF activity and vWF antigen levels were also measured.

RESULTS

The mean vWF activity level (142.7 vs. 103.4, p<0.01) and antigen level (132.1 vs. 104.5, p<0.05) were higher, and all three hemostasis parameters shorter in the episodic migraineurs than in the controls. The subset of migraineurs with LR had the highest vWF activity (155+/-59, p<0.05) and vWF antigen (141+/-43, p<0.05) levels, and the shortest PHT (3.7+/-1.6, p<0.05). In this subset there was a significant inverse correlation between vWF activity and PHT (r=-0.51, p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

For migraineurs, the differences from controls in vWF and PHT are most robust in the LR subset, with the inverse correlation suggesting that endothelial perturbation may be causally related to the response of the platelets.

Acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma): three case reports

Acroangiodermatitis (synonym pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma) is a dermatological condition characterized by purple-colored nodules, plaques or patches, mostly on the extensor surfaces of lower extremities, usually in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and arteriovenous malformations of the legs, but also in hemodialysis patients with iatrogenic arteriovenous shunts, paralyzed limbs and amputation stumps. Acroangiodermatitis in patients with chronic venous insufficiency manifests usually as bilateral skin lesions located on the dorsa of the feet, halux and second toe, or on the medial aspect of lower legs. Acroangiodermatitis may look like Kaposi sarcoma, but in contrast to Kaposi sarcoma, acroangiodermatitis is not characterized by progression of changes, and there is a lack of spindle cells and silt-like vessels on histopathologic analysis. Three cases of acroangiodermatitis encountered in our clinical practice are described. The patients presented with livid-erythematous patches on lower legs and skin changes connected with chronic venous insufficiency, treated at the Department Phlebology Unit. Results of the histopathologic analysis indicated acroangiodermatitis. Thus, in clinical practice it is important to recognize acroangiodermatitis and to exclude Kaposi sarcoma, as sometimes there is similarity with this entity. Topical therapy with neutral and local corticosteroid preparations is often useful, however, the use of compressive bandages and dermatologic follow up are recommended.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a neonate with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita

In this case report we describe the first case of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with concurrent cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita. She had pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly, hemophagocytic cells in spleen necropsy, and she died with respiratory failure and pseudomonas induced septicemia.

[Cutaneous vasculitis with necrotic ulcers in rheumatoid arthritis: treatment with anti-TNFalpha]

INTRODUCTION

Anti-TNFalpha has occasionally been used in the treatment of recalcitrant forms of systemic vasculitis such as Behçet's disease, Wegener's granulomatosis and Churg-Strauss syndrome. We report on the outcome of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients with cutaneous vasculitis lesions on anti-TNFalpha.

OBSERVATIONS

Two patients with rheumatoid arthritis present for several years had necrotic ulcers of the lower limbs due to cutaneous vasculitis. After the failure of various immunosuppressive drugs (cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate), the two patients were treated with anti-TNFalpha: infliximab in the first case and adalimumab in the second. Cutaneous ulcers healed within two to four months of the start of anti-TNFalpha treatment. Despite ongoing anti-TNFalpha treatment, these cutaneous ulcers relapsed four to six months after complete healing.

CONCLUSION

Initially spectacular healing of cutaneous vasculitis ulcers under anti-TNF alpha treatment followed by relapse after several months of treatment is suggestive of an escape mechanism.

New subsets of the antiphospholipid syndrome in 2006: "PRE-APS" (probable APS) and microangiopathic antiphospholipid syndromes ("MAPS")

The concept of "probable" antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is almost identical with several conditions which may presage the development of the APS with its major complications of large vessel thromboses resulting in deep vein occlusions in the lower limbs (DVT) particularly and strokes. These conditions comprising livedo reticularis, chorea, thrombocytopenia, fetal loss and valve lesions. These conditions, comprising livedo reticularis, chorea, thrombocytopenia, fetal loss and valve lesions may be followed, often years later by diagnosable APS. The issue whether these patients should be more aggressively treated on presentation in order to prevent the thrombotic complications. A new subset of the APS is proposed viz. microangiopathic antiphospholipid syndrome ("MAPS") comprising those patients presenting with thrombotic microangiopathy and demonstrable antiphospholipid antibodies who may share common although not identical provoking factors (e.g. infections, drugs), clinical manifestations and haematological manifestations (severe thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anaemia) and treatments viz. plasma exchange. Patients without large vessel occlusions may be included in the MAPS subset. These conditions include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), and the HELLP syndrome. Patients with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) who do not demonstrate large vessel occlusions also fall into this group. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has also been reported with demonstrable antiphospholipid antibodies and also manifests severe thrombocytopenia and small vessel occlusions. It may cause problems in differential diagnosis.