Wells' syndrome: a clinical and histopathologic review of seven cases

Eosinophilic Dermatosis of Hematologic Malignancy: Emerging Evidence for the Role of Insect Bites-A Retrospective Clinico-Pathological Study of 35 Cases

Background/Objectives: Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy (EDHM) is a rare cutaneous disorder associated with various hematologic malignancies, most commonly chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Detailed clinicopathologic studies of EDHM are lacking and the pathogenesis remains enigmatic. Initially thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to insect stings, subsequent reports have challenged this understanding. The prognostic implications of EDHM remain unclear. Methods: A retrospective clinicopathologic study was performed on patients diagnosed with EDHM. Hematologic and dermatologic data were reviewed. Histologic specimens were re-evaluated and lesions were classified into acute/subacute, fully developed, and chronic/regressing. Results: The study included 35 patients. In 80% of these patients, EDHM was diagnosed after the hematologic disorder. Approximately 45% of the cohort experienced hematologic disease progression or relapse, while 65% required therapeutic intervention during the course of their hematologic disease. In total, 15/19 CLL patients had non-mutated IgHV, a marker of a more aggressive hematologic disease course. Dermatologic lesion morphology was heterogeneous, with most lesions occurring on exposed areas, and a significant 94% of patients demonstrated lesion seasonality. Histopathologic findings were consistent with features typically associated with insect bites. In addition, examination of lesions at different chronological stages revealed substantial similarities with Wells syndrome. Conclusions: Our findings support the potential role of insect bites in triggering EDHM in the context of adaptive immune dysfunction. EDHM may be associated with a more aggressive disease course or may be a marker of disease progression. The observed co-occurrence of features typical of Wells syndrome in EDHM patients suggests that these conditions are part of a spectrum of disorders that vary in clinical expression.

Hyperactivation of the JAK2/STAT5 Signaling Pathway and Evaluation of Baricitinib Treatment Among Patients With Eosinophilic Cellulitis

Importance

The pathogenesis of eosinophilic cellulitis (EC) is poorly understood, limiting available treatment options. The current treatment paradigm focuses on delayed type 2 hypersensitivity reaction to various triggers.

Objective

To gain further insight into the nature of EC inflammation and into the cellular signal transduction pathways that are activated in the context of EC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case series was conducted in Lyon, France, from January 2018 to December 2021. Analysis of archival skin biopsy samples from patients with EC and from healthy control participants was performed using histology, Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) immunohistochemistry, and gene profiling. Data analysis was conducted between January 2020 and January 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pruritus (visual analog score), percentage of body surface area with lesional skin, and RNA transcripts of inflammatory biomarkers from the skin (threshold cycle) were assessed in 1 index patient with refractory EC who received oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor baricitinib (4 mg/d).

Results

This study included samples from 14 patients with EC (7 men and 7 women) and 8 healthy control participants (4 men and 4 women). The mean (SD) age of patients was 52 (20) years. Marked type 2 inflammation (chemokines CCL17, CCL18, and CCL26 and interleukin 13) with preferential activation of the JAK1/JAK2-STAT5 pathways in EC lesions was observed. In the 1 index patient with refractory EC, complete clinical remission of skin lesions was observed after 1 month of treatment with baricitinib.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that EC is a type 2 inflammatory disease with preferential activation of the JAK1/JAK2-STAT5 pathways. In addition, these results suggest the potential of treatment approaches targeting JAK1/JAK2 for patients with EC.

The Role of Sex and Gender in Dermatology - From Pathogenesis to Clinical Implications

BACKGROUND

Sex and gender have increasingly been recognized as significant risk factors for many diseases, including dermatological conditions. Historically, sex and gender have often been grouped together as a single risk factor in the scientific literature. However, both may have a distinct impact on disease incidence, prevalence, clinical presentation, severity, therapeutic response, and associated psychological distress.

OBJECTIVES AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The mechanisms that underlie differences in skin diseases between males, females, men, and women remain largely unknown. The specific objectives of this review paper are:To highlight the biological differences between males and females (sex), as well as the sociocultural differences between men and women (gender) and how they impact the integumentary system.To perform a literature review to identify important sex- and gender-related epidemiological and clinical differences for various skin conditions belonging to a range of disease categories and to discuss possible biological and sociocultural factors that could explain the observed differences.To discuss dermatological skin conditions and gender-affirming treatments within the transgender community, a population of individuals who have a gender identity which is different than the gender identity they were assigned at birth.

FUTURE IMPACT

With the rising number of individuals that identify as non-binary or transgender within our increasingly diverse communities, it is imperative to recognize gender identity, gender, and sex as distinct entities. By doing so, clinicians will be able to better risk-stratify their patients and select treatments that are most aligned with their values. To our knowledge, very few studies have separated sex and gender as two distinct risk factors within the dermatology literature. Our article also has the potential to help guide future prevention strategies that are patient-tailored rather than using a universal approach.

Wells Syndrome Presenting as Atypical Periorbital Cellulitis

A 62-year-old man presented with diffuse, painless, left-sided preseptal edema, erythema, and woody induration extending to the left temple. The induration generated an orbital compartment syndrome with markedly elevated intraocular pressure necessitating lateral canthotomy and cantholysis. Although atypical for an infectious etiology, empiric broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics were initiated with no improvement. A tissue biopsy demonstrated extensive perivascular and interstitial eosinophils with focal flame figures, and the patient was diagnosed with a severe hypersensitivity reaction or eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome). The disease process remitted rapidly upon initiation of oral prednisone. Wells syndrome is a rare inflammatory eosinophilic dermatosis, most often presenting in the limbs and trunk, with few reports of facial and periorbital involvement. This case highlights the importance of considering Wells syndrome in the differential diagnosis of atypical periorbital cellulitis that is nonresponsive to antibiotics and reviews the clinicopathologic nature of this disease.

Cutaneous eccrine inflammation and necrosis: review of inflammatory disorders affecting the eccrine apparatus including new associations

Despite being frequently overlooked during the examination of histopathological sections, eccrine sweat glands can offer clues for diagnosing various skin conditions. They provide important functions and can lead to several diseases when inflamed or injured. This review article provides information regarding eccrine physiology as well as well-established and novel entities that occur in association with eccrine gland pathology.

Wells Syndrome as a Rare Cause of Unilateral Ptosis

We present a case of a woman with a swollen upper eyelid in ptosis, conjunctival nodules, and chemosis present for a couple of weeks. She did not respond to therapy for hordeolum or allergy. A biopsy followed by histopathological examination showed a large infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes and flame figures, so the diagnosis of Wells syndrome was made. Oral methylprednisolone in high dose was necessary, and tapering was slow because of frequent bouts of relapse. After 3 months, the swelling and hard feeling of the eyelid disappeared, but a slight ptosis remained. Eyelid swelling and eosinophilia recurred 18 months after resolution of the first episode.

Luna stain: a simple and cost-effective diagnostic tool helps in detecting eosinophilic granules deposition of flame figures and aids in diagnosing eosinophilic cellulitis "Wells Syndrome"

We report a rare case of Wells syndrome in which a 61-year-old Caucasian male presented with three distinct skin lesions including a cutaneous bulla, an erythematous plaque, and a linear streak located on the patient's left anterior thigh, left dorsal wrist, and left anterior forearm, respectively. Histologic examination revealed diffuse and interstitial eosinophilic infiltrate admixed with lymphocytes and macrophages that predominantly involve the dermis. Nodular aggregates of eosinophils surrounding dermal collagen fibers suggestive of 'flame figures' were identified. Luna histochemical stain was used and highlighted the deposition of eosinophilic granules over the collagen bundles confirming the presence of flame figures. Laboratory workup revealed peripheral eosinophilia, but a comprehensive clinical evaluation failed to reveal a systemic disease and ultimately the diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis 'Wells Syndrome' was rendered. After a short course of immunosuppressive therapy, the patient experienced a complete resolution of the skin lesions on his last follow-up visit several weeks from the initial diagnosis. This case highlights the various clinical forms that Wells syndrome may present with and may serve as a good example for the use of Luna stain as a simple and cost-effective diagnostic tool that can help to arrive at the accurate diagnosis and inform therapy.

Eosinophilic Dermatoses: Recognition and Management

Eosinophilic dermatoses encompass a broad spectrum of diseases of different etiologies hallmarked by eosinophilic infiltration of the skin and/or mucous membranes, with or without associated blood eosinophilia. The wide range of dermatological manifestations of this spectrum, including nodules and plaques, pustules, blisters, ulcers, and urticarial lesions, is reflected in a non-univocal classification system. We identified six groups of eosinophilic dermatoses based on the predominant anatomic level of involvement: (1) epidermal; (2) of the dermal-epidermal junction; (3) dermal; (4) of the hypodermis and muscle fascia; (5) of the pilosebaceous unit; and (6) vascular/perivascular. We review clinicopathologic features and management of diseases belonging to each group, particularly: (1) pemphigus herpetiformis and atopic dermatitis as prototypes of the epidermal group; (2) bullous pemphigoid as prototypic eosinophilic dermatosis of the dermal-epidermal junction; (3) eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome), hypereosinophilic syndromes, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy and chronic spontaneous urticaria as paradigmatic dermal eosinophilic dermatoses; (4) eosinophilic fasciitis as an eosinophilic dermatosis with predominant involvement of the hypodermis and muscle fascia; (5) eosinophilic pustular folliculitis as a model of the pilosebaceous unit involvement; and (6) granuloma faciale, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, belonging to the vascular/perivascular group.

The Dynamics of the Skin's Immune System

The skin is a complex organ that has devised numerous strategies, such as physical, chemical, and microbiological barriers, to protect the host from external insults. In addition, the skin contains an intricate network of immune cells resident to the tissue, crucial for host defense as well as tissue homeostasis. In the event of an insult, the skin-resident immune cells are crucial not only for prevention of infection but also for tissue reconstruction. Deregulation of immune responses often leads to impaired healing and poor tissue restoration and function. In this review, we will discuss the defensive components of the skin and focus on the function of skin-resident immune cells in homeostasis and their role in wound healing.

Wells-Syndrom

Das Wells-Syndrom, auch als eosinophile Zellulitis bezeichnet, ist eine seltene, sporadisch auftretende eosinophile Dermatose mit polymorphem klinischem Bild. Als typisch gelten entzündliche Erytheme oder Plaques an den Extremitäten, die initial als Erysipel imponieren können, unter antimikrobieller Behandlung aber persistieren. Die eosinophile Zellulitis ist eine Ausschlussdiagnose, die in Zusammenschau von klinischem Befund und charakteristischem histologischem Bild (Flammenfiguren) nur im Verlauf gestellt werden kann. Mit einer Vielzahl möglicher Triggerfaktoren ist die Ätiologie nicht geklärt. Die Beteiligung abnormer Th2-Zellen, des Zytokins IL-5 und aktivierter eosinophiler Granulozyten lässt eine unspezifische Hypersensitivitätsreaktion auf exo- und endogene Stimuli vermuten. Die häufiger vorkommenden chronisch- rezidivierenden Formen lassen sich durch Glukokortikoide günstig beeinflussen. Der Verlauf ist meist selbstlimitierend, ohne Residuen. Aufgrund von Übergängen in hämatoonkologische Erkrankungen sind Verlaufskontrollen angezeigt.

Wells syndrome

A rare eosinophilic dermatosis, Wells syndrome, also referred to as eosinophilic cellulitis, is characterized by great clinical variability. Typical findings include infiltrated erythematous plaques arising on the extremities. Lesions initially resemble erysipelas/cellulitis, however, they do not improve with antibiotic treatment. Eosinophilic cellulitis is a diagnosis of exclusion that may only be made over the course of the disease, taking into account clinical and characteristic histological findings (flame figures). Although multiple potential triggers have been proposed, the exact etiology remains unresolved. Involvement of abnormal Th2 cells, IL-5, and activated eosinophilic granulocytes suggest a nonspecific hypersensitivity response to exogenous or endogenous stimuli. Corticosteroids may have a beneficial effect on the chronic, recurrent course frequently observed. The disease is often self-limiting, healing without sequelae. Given that transitions to hematological and oncological disorders have been observed, patients should be closely followed up.

Wells' Syndrome Successfully Treated with Colchicine

Eosinophilic cellulitis is an uncommon, inflammatory and chronic disorder of unknown etiology. Corticosteroids are currently considered as the first-line treatment but they are not without significant disadvantages such as contraindications in steroid-resistant cases and patients with frequent recurrences. We report a patient suffering from Wells' syndrome with a 24-year history of symptomatic and generalized skin lesions. After consultation in our department, treatment with colchicine 1 mg/day was prescribed resulting in large clinical improvement. No side effects have been recorded. To our knowledge, this is an original disease approach. Although small, our clinical experience supports the inclusion of colchicine in the drug armamentarium when treating patients suffering from Wells' syndrome. Indeed, its excellent safety profile makes it very attractive for patients with frequent recurrent episodes who need secure options for the medium- and long-term disease control.

Granuloma Annulare-like Wells Syndrome in a Child - A Case Report

Wells syndrome (WS) is a rare inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology. Possible triggers for WS include insect bites/stings, infections, medications, malignancies, and vaccination. Most cases have been reported in adults, but WS may also occur in children.

We report a case of idiopathic WS in a 12-year-old boy, who presented with pruritic papulonodular and granuloma annulare-like lesions on his legs. The patient had an excellent response to topical and systemic corticosteroids.

WS may present as plaque, granuloma annulare-like, urticaria-like, papulovesicular, bullous, papulonodular, or fixed drug eruption-like lesions. Erythematous annular lesions are most common in adults, while plaques are mostly found in children. The histopathologic features are dynamic, starting with dermal edema and infiltration of eosinophils, then flame figures develop, and finishing with the appearance of histiocytes and giant cells.

Our patient represents a rare pediatric case with granuloma annulare-like WS syndrome.

Treatment of eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome) - a systematic review

Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome) is a rare inflammatory skin disease defined by erythematous, tender, sometimes urticarial plaques, possibly with vesicles and bullae, and granulomatous eosinophilic infiltrates in the dermis. Usually the disease has a benign course with spontaneous remission within a few weeks. Nevertheless, recurrences are quite frequent and may occur for several years. The objective of this study was to review the so far reported treatment options for Wells syndrome in a systematic manner. This systematic review is based on a search on Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register for English and German articles from 1970 to 2015. Advices on the treatment of Wells syndrome are limited predominately to case reports or to small case series. There are no randomized controlled trials, and control groups are missing. A variety of treatment options for Wells syndrome were reported including topical and systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines, cyclosporine, dapsone, azathioprine, griseofulvin, doxycycline, minocycline, antimalarial medications, oral tacrolimus/topical tacrolimus, sulfasalazine, interferon alpha and gamma, TNF alpha inhibitors, colchicine and PUVA therapy. As well-designed, randomized controlled trials are missing, no guidelines for the treatment of this disease can be given. Due to the small number of patients and the frequent misdiagnosis of this clinical entity, the aim of this systematic overview is to call attention to this rare condition and to help clinicians to diagnose and treat Wells syndrome effectively. Due to the good prognosis and tendency to resolve, systemic treatment should be limited to cases resistant to local therapy or with widespread lesions.

Wells syndrome associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Eosinophilic cellulitis or Wells syndrome is an uncommon skin condition of unknown etiology that can occur alone or associated with other conditions. Typically, it presents with recurrent pruritic, erythematous and edematous plaques, but it can also show clinical polymorphism. Besides the cutaneous lesions, patients can experience systemic manifestations like fever, malaise, arthralgia and peripheral blood eosinophilia. We describe a case of this rare syndrome that presented with polymorphic cutaneous lesions associated with a serious systemic disease, which was revealed through the investigation of the cutaneous disease.

Eosinophilia in Dermatologic Disorders

Eosinophil infiltration can be observed in skin disorders, such as allergic/immunologic, autoimmune, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. Clinical presentations are variable and include eczematous, papular, urticarial, bullous, nodular, and fibrotic lesions; pruritus is a common symptom in all. In this review, we present representative eosinophilic skin diseases according to their clinical pattern, together with histologic findings and diagnostic procedures. We also discuss the potential roles of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of dermatologic disorder. Current pathogenesis-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are outlined.

Wells' Syndrome Mimicking Facial Cellulitis: A Report of Two Cases

Wells’ syndrome (WS), or eosinophilic cellulitis, is an uncommon inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology that typically presents with pruritic cellulitis-like plaques on the extremities. Therefore, WS is often misdiagnosed as bacterial cellulitis due to its similarity in presentation. Here, we report two cases of WS that masqueraded as bacterial facial cellulitis. Under treatment with oral prednisone and/or a combination therapy with levocetirizine and hydroxyzine, both patients showed a dramatic improvement of the skin lesions. These cases highlight the need for clinicians to consider WS in the differential diagnosis when evaluating a patient with facial cellulitis that does not respond to an initial antimicrobial regimen. In addition, our cases suggest that combination therapy with levocetirizine and hydroxyzine may be successfully used as corticosteroid-sparing treatment or to prevent relapse after the discontinuation of corticosteroid treatment.

[Wells Syndrome in children and atopy: Retrospective study of 11 cases and review of the literature]

BACKGROUND

Well's syndrome, or eosinophilic cellulitis, is rare in childhood, with fewer than 40 pediatric cases being reported since 1979. The physiopathology is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In February 2012, members of the research group of the Department of Pediatric Dermatology Society submitted their case of Wells' syndrome in children aged 0-15 years. Details of clinical, biological and histological features and of therapeutic strategies were collected by physicians using a standardized questionnaire. Pictures were reviewed by the authors.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included (average age: 6 years), with a strong prevalence of atopy (63%). Two types of clinical manifestation were noted: single or multiple cellulitis associated or not with vesiculobullous lesions and fixed urticaria. Eighty-two percent of patients had pruritus and 73% had eosinophilia. For all patients, histological examination of skin biopsies showed an eosinophilic infiltrate extending in the dermis with associated Sweet-like neutrophilic infiltrate being seen in 2 patients. The course of the disease was protracted (mean duration: 8 months) with flare-ups. Treatment varied depending on the doctors (topical or systemic steroids, tacrolimus and dapsone).

DISCUSSION

Our study confirms some of the data in the literature concerning the clinical, histological features and course of Well's syndrome in children. The key information is the high prevalence of atopic children hitherto unreported. In a setting of insect bites, vaccination, infection or traumatism, this unusual background could explain the onset of inflammatory reaction with eosinophils. Oral or topical steroids appear to be the first-line treatment in children when necessary.

CONCLUSION

Well's syndrome in children is rare and characterized by its polymorphism. We report for the first time in a series of patients a high prevalence of atopy, which raises new perspectives in understanding these rare diseases. We propose topical steroids as first-line therapy in children with superficial lesions, with oral steroids being given for cellulitic lesions or where topical therapy fails.

Feline eosinophilic dermatoses: a retrospective immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of extracellular matrix remodelling

BACKGROUND

Feline eosinophilic dermatoses (FEDs) are common diseases of cats with an unknown pathogenesis. They are histologically characterized by an eosinophilic infiltration and often by the presence of flame figures (FFs) and/or areas of loss of tissue architecture, here termed necrotic foci (NF). It has been postulated that an alteration in the degradation of the extracellular matrix could be responsible for these histological features. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteases that are fundamental in extracellular matrix remodelling.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate retrospectively the expression of a subgroup of MMPs, in particular MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinases, in FEDs. The expression of one of their inhibitors, TIMP-2, was also investigated in order to establish the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of FEDs. The ultrastructural characteristics of extracellular matrix in FFs and NF were subsequently assessed.

METHODS

Fifty-one formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from cutaneous and mucosal biopsies diagnosed as FEDs were investigated immunohistochemically. Two selected samples were processed for electron microscopy.

RESULTS

This study revealed an increased expression of MMP-2 in NF and a decreased expression of this gelatinase in FFs. An imbalance between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 was evident using immunohistochemistry. No significative results were observed for MMP-9 expression. Electron microscopy confirmed the lack of normal collagen fibres in NF, whereas in FFs only occasional, amorphous material was observed among normal collagen fibres.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Our study suggests that an imbalance in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases could be responsible for different morphological findings in FEDs. Further studies are needed to assess the role of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of FEDs.

Wells syndrome (eosinophilic cellulitis): Proposed diagnostic criteria and a literature review of the drug-induced variant

BACKGROUND

Wells syndrome is an uncommon inflammatory dermatosis first described in 1971 by Wells. The clinical eruption is characterized by varying morphology and severity and usually follows a relapsing remitting course. The majority of the reported cases are of unknown etiology, drug induced Wells syndrome has rarely been reported. A literature search using MEDLINE was performed. We recorded the features of our case and of the additional cases of drug induced Wells syndrome in the literature.

MAIN OBSERVATIONS

Including our case there are 25 cases of drug-induced Wells syndrome reported. Causative drugs include antibiotics, anticholinergic agents, anaesthetics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, thyroid medications, chemotherapeutic agents, thiomersal containing vaccinations, anti-tumor necrosis factor agents and thiazide diuretics.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors knowledge this is the first reported case of drug-induced Wells syndrome from thiazide diuretics. The diagnosis of Wells syndrome is often controversial and we propose a set of diagnostic criteria.

Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome): A case series and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome) is an inflammatory dermatitis that is often misdiagnosed as infectious cellulitis due to its similarity in presentation. Misdiagnosis leads to delay of correct treatment and inappropriate use of antibiotics.

METHODS

A case series of eosinophilic cellulitis and a literature review are presented.

RESULTS

Patients with Wells' syndrome may present with a variety of nonspecific symptoms, such as fever, arthralgia and malaise, as well as myriad cutaneous lesions with associated erythema, presenting as blisters, bullae, papules and/or nodules. Several treatment modalities have been used to treat eosinophilic cellulitis and have been met with variable success rates; these include systemic corticosteroids, topical corticosteroids and antihistamines, with success rates of 91.7%, 50% and 25%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A high degree of clinical suspicion must be exercised to diagnose this rare condition. Cellulitis with an atypical presentation or not responding to appropriate antibiotic treatment should trigger suspicion of Wells' syndrome. To date, the most successful treatment method is a short course of systemic corticosteroids.

Wells' syndrome associated with parvovirus in a 5-year old boy

Wells' syndrome, otherwise known as eosinophilic cellulitis, is a rare dermatosis seen more commonly in adults than in children. In this article, we present a 5-year-old Caucasian boy who initially presented with pruritic, erythematous macules and papules evolving to bullae formation. Subsequent histology confirmed diagnosis of Wells' syndrome, and additional blood work also demonstrated positive immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG for parvovirus. In many instances, the direct etiology of Wells' syndrome is unclear, but the link between parvoviral infection and development of Wells' syndrome could further support an additional cause.

Successful treatment of steroid-dependent eosinophilic cellulitis with cyclosporine

Eosinophilic cellulitis (EC) is a rare idiopathic disorder, first described as a "recurrent granulomatous dermatitis with eosinophilia", that mimics cellulitis of infectious origin. We describe here a previously healthy 11-year-old girl who experienced fever and tender erythematous patch lesions after trauma to her knees. Because of the relapsing cellulitis-like skin lesions, skin biopsies were taken, resulting in a diagnosis of EC. The patient responded well to oral prednisolone but experienced side effects and relapse during dose tapering. She was switched from prednisolone to cyclosporine. Her EC remained under control, and she showed no evidence of relapse after discontinuation of cyclosporine.

Cutaneous simulants of infectious disease

Many cutaneous conditions can mimic infection. If these lesions are not accurately recognized, they may be treated with antimicrobial agents, which adds cost, potential risk, and inconvenience to the patient and the healthcare system. The presenting signs and symptoms of many ulcerating, pustular, morbilliform, bullous, neoplastic, granulomatous, autoimmune, and neutrophilic conditions, as well as clinical vasculitis, cellulitis, folliculitis, and panniculitis, have been mistaken for infection. This review emphasizes the clinical presentation, physical exam, and diagnostic workup of many of these conditions to assist the clinician in ascertaining the correct diagnosis. In addition, general treatment options are provided for each disease category.

Recurrent Wells' syndrome associated with allergic asthma exacerbation

Wells syndrome is an inflammatory eosinophilic dermatosis of unknown pathogenesis characterized by clinical polymorphism, a suggestive but nonspecific histopathologic traits, usually with a recurrent course and inconstant response to therapy. It seems to be an unspecific hypersensitivity reaction in response to various exogenous and endogenous stimuli, such as insect bites, infections, drug eruption or underlying internal disorders. We present a patient with allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis in whom a skin eruption developed in the sequence of allergic asthma exacerbation, which was clinically and histologically consistent with the diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis. The authors discuss the probability of a common pathogenesis and the role of IL-5. To our best knowledge this is the first pediatric case where this association is reported.

Differential diagnosis of round or discoid lesions

Dermatologists are called on to diagnose a variety of skin conditions in diverse age groups. Dermatologic diagnosis, based on identification of a primary lesion, uses morphologic clues to categorize the pathologic process causing the eruption. In addition, distribution and grouping of lesions helps support a specific diagnosis. Dermatologists consciously or unconsciously use pattern recognition to arrive at their differential diagnosis based on clinical experience and their having previously viewed similarly appearing skin lesions in lectures, texts, and journals. Round and discoid patches and plaques are extremely common in the clinical practice of dermatology. This contribution reviews the dermatologic conditions that present as round or discoid lesions and presents an approach to diagnosis.

Organ-specific eosinophilic disorders of the skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract

Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes that increase in various tissues in patients with a variety of disorders. Locally, they can be involved in the initiation and propagation of diverse inflammatory responses. In this review the clinical association of eosinophils with diseases of the skin, lung, and gastrointestinal tract is summarized. An approach to determining the causal role of eosinophils in these diseases is presented. Recent findings concerning molecular diagnosis, cause, and treatment are discussed.

Urticarial lesions: if not urticaria, what else? The differential diagnosis of urticaria: part I. Cutaneous diseases

Acute urticaria is self-limiting, and a cause can be identified in many patients. Chronic urticaria is a long lasting disease, and patients are commonly examined for an autoimmune origin and for associated diseases. Although the diagnosis of urticaria is straightforward in most patients, it may pose some difficulties at times and it may require a careful differential diagnosis with a number of conditions. Urticarial syndromes comprise both cutaneous and systemic disorders. Part I of this two-part series focuses on the clinical and histologic features that characterize common urticaria and on the cutaneous diseases that may manifest with urticarial lesions and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing the learning activity, participants should be able to distinguish between the typical wheals of urticaria and urticarial lesions suggesting other diagnoses and to assess patients with urticarial lesions in order to exclude or confirm other cutaneous diseases.

Oral tacrolimus treatment for refractory eosinophilic cellulitis

A 72-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of a rash. The eruption had previously been successfully treated with oral corticosteroids (prednisolone 30 mg/day) and antihistamines on two previous occasions, but recurred several days after stopping treatment. On examination, multiple, indurated, round to annular erythematous plaques were found on the trunk and limbs. Histological examination revealed interstitial oedema, a dense infiltrate of eosinophils in the dermis, and flame figure formation. These results led us to the diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis. Treatment with oral corticosteroids (prednisolone 15 mg/day) was unsuccessful. Four weeks after the start of oral tacrolimus 1 mg/day, the eruption completely resolved.

Você conhece esta síndrome?

A síndrome de Wells é dermatose inflamatória benigna rara, de curso recorrente, descrita em todas as idades e sem predileção por sexo, de etiologia e patogênese desconhecidas. Embora sua autonomia seja questionada, a síndrome de Wells é entidade distinta cujo diagnóstico se faz pela combinação de quadro clínico marcante, achados histopatológicos típicos quando associados à clínica, e curso característico.