Inverted follicular keratosis with sebaceoma-like areas: first case report

Primary cutaneous actinomycosis: a diagnosis consideration in people living with HIV/AIDS

Background

Owing to similar clinical presentations, as of cutaneous disease of different etiologies, and extreme rarity in the global incidence; primary cutaneous actinomycosis often remains as diagnostic challenges.

Case presentation

Herein, we describe a case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis, erroneously treated as cutaneous tuberculosis, in a patient living with AIDS. On clinical examination, the characteristic lesion, resembling cutaneous tuberculosis, observed on the dorsum of a left leg. No other lesion elsewhere on the body was observed, however. Cytological examinations of the stabbed biopsy were negative for malignant cells; although hyper-keratosis and mild-acanthosis of epidermis, acute inflammatory infiltrates comprising plasma cell, macrophages and neutrophils were observed in the upper and mid dermis. The pus aspirated from lesion grew a molar tooth, adherent colonies in microaerophilic condition. Further, identifications and susceptibility pattern against recommended antibiotics were assessed as per the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute) guidelines. Subsequently, the case was then, diagnosed as primary cutaneous actinomycosis. Radiographic imaging of abdomen and lungs were normal; no feature of disseminated actinomycosis seen. Penicillin G followed by Penicillin V, was prescribed for 12 months. The patient underwent progressive changes and no relapse noted on periodic follow-up.

Conclusion

The case underscores cutaneous actinomycosis requires a diagnosis consideration, especially in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), where myriad of opportunistic cutaneous infections are common.

Inverted follicular keratosis: dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopic features

Inverted follicular keratosis (IFK) is a rare benign tumor which usually appears as a firm papule on the face. The diagnosis is generally made by histopathology because the clinical appearance is difficult to differentiate from other lesions. Dermoscopic features of IFK have not been established to date. Herein we describe the dermoscopic findings of 4 cases of IFK. Radial peripheral hairpin vessels surrounded by a whitish halo arranged around a central white-yellowish amorphous area were observed in 3 cases, and glomerular vessels were present in the central area of one of them. The fourth case also presented a central white amorphous area but showed arborizing vessels. Reflectance confocal microscopy (available in 1 case) revealed a broadened honeycomb pattern, epidermal projections and hairpin and glomerular vessels. To our knowledge this is the first case series describing the dermoscopic features of inverted follicular keratosis and the first confocal microscopy description of this entity.