Pseudorheumatoid nodule: a variant of granuloma annulare?

We present an adult woman with subcutaneous nodules without any signs or symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These nodules are believed to be pseudorheumatoid nodules, which are considered a deep form of granuloma annulare. This case is unique because these are typically found in children and have rarely been reported in adults. These nodules are typically asymptomatic and do not require treatment. However, attempts have been made to treat them with intralesional corticosteroids, cryotherapy, or excision. Owing to the fact that this is considered a deep form of granuloma annulare, they are sometimes treated similarly with a combination of monthly rifampin, ofloxacin, and minocycline.

Multiple mucocutaneous ulcers associated with cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions

Cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL) occur in a small subset of cocaine users, who clinically present with inflammation and necrosis of facial midline structures such as the palate, nasal septum, turbinates, and sinuses. We present a patient with CIMDL occurring concomitantly with ulcers on the cheek and upper trunk. Multiple biopsy specimens from the cutaneous and mucosal lesions consistently showed a dense dermal/submucosal infiltrate of neutrophils and plasma cells, without vasculitis or thrombosis. The ulcers resolved following cessation of cocaine use.

[Venous air emboli in a 4 year old child]

A 4 year old girl is referred to our institution for resection of a nephroblastoma with an extension of the tumor into the lumen of the inferior vena cava. To perform a correct resection of the tumor, the operation was conducted under cardiopulmonary bypass. At the end of the procedure, a bilateral mydriasis was noticed. A CT-scan concluded to a massive venous air emboli. As the procedure was unventful, and no other cause of air emboli was found, the etiology of this emboli is problably retrograde because of the large opening of the inferior vena cava that was required to remove the tumor. To avoid similar case the use of transcranial doppler monitoring may be of interest.