A randomized, investigator-masked, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on thalidomide in severe cutaneous sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Thalidomide use in cutaneous sarcoidosis is based on data from small case series or case reports. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thalidomide in severe cutaneous sarcoidosis.

METHODS

This study consisted of a randomized, double-bind, parallel, placebo-controlled, investigator-masked, multicenter trial lasting 3 months and an open-label study from month 3 to month 6. Adults with a clinical and histologic diagnosis of cutaneous sarcoidosis were included in nine hospital centers in France. Patients were randomized 1:1 to oral thalidomide (100 mg once daily) or to a matching oral placebo for 3 months. In the course of an open-label follow-up from month 3 to month 6, all patients received thalidomide, 100 mg to 200 mg daily. The proportions of patients with a partial or complete cutaneous response at month 3, based on at least a 50% improvement in three target lesions scored for area and infiltration, were compared across randomization groups.

RESULTS

The intent-to-treat population included 39 patients. None of them had a complete cutaneous response. Four out of 20 patients in the thalidomide group (20%) vs four out of 19 patients in the placebo group (21%) had a partial cutaneous response at month 3 (difference in proportion of -1% [95% CI, -26% to +24%] for thalidomide vs placebo, P = 1.0). Eight patients with side effects were recorded in the thalidomide group vs three in the placebo group. We observed a large number of adverse event-related discontinuations in patients taking thalidomide in the first 3 months (four patients with thalidomide, zero with placebo) and in the 3 following months (five patients).

CONCLUSIONS

At a dose of 100 mg daily for 3 months, our results do not encourage thalidomide use in cutaneous sarcoidosis.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT0030552; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex with PLEC mutations: new phenotypes and new mutations

BACKGROUND

Genetic mutations in the plectin gene (PLEC) cause autosomal recessive forms of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) associated with either muscular dystrophy (EBS-MD) or pyloric atresia (EBS-PA). Phenotype-genotype analysis has suggested that EBS-MD is due mostly to genetic mutations affecting the central rod domain of plectin, and EBS-PA to mutations outside this domain.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe new phenotypes of patients with EBS-MD and EBS-PA, to identify novel PLEC mutations and to establish genotype-phenotype correlations.

METHODS

Seven patients with a suspicion of EBS linked to PLEC mutations were included. A standardized clinical questionnaire was sent to the physicians in charge of each patient. Immunofluorescence studies of skin biopsies followed by molecular analysis of PLEC were performed in all patients.

RESULTS

We report the first case of nonlethal EBS-PA improving with age, the first multisystemic involvement in a patient with lethal EBS-PA, and the first patients with EBS-MD with involvement of either the bladder or oesophagus. Eleven novel PLEC mutations are also reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that EBS-PA is linked to mutations in the distal exons 1-30 and 32 of PLEC. Long-term survival is possible, with skin improvement, but a delayed onset of MD is probable. While EBS-MD is linked to PLEC mutations in all exons, in most cases one of the mutations affects exon 31. The precocity of MD seems to be linked to the type and localization of the PLEC mutation(s), but no correlation with mucosal involvement has been found.

Prognostic factors of paraneoplastic pemphigus

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prognostic factors of overall survival in a series of patients with paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP).

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Twenty-seven dermatology departments in France.

PATIENTS

A total of 53 patients (31 men and 22 women; median age, 59 years; age range, 30-88 years) were diagnosed as having PNP between 1992 and 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall Kaplan-Meier survival rates were estimated, and features associated with survival were assessed using univariate (log-rank test) and multivariate (Cox regression) analyses.

RESULTS

The study included 53 patients with PNP. Thirty-six patients (68%) died during the study. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 49%, 41%, and 38%, respectively. The main causes of death were infections (n=21) and evolution of neoplasia (n=6). In univariate analysis, the main detrimental prognostic factors identified were erythema multiforme–like skin lesions (P=.05) and histologic keratinocyte necrosis (P=.03). None of the 5 patients with Castleman disease died during the study. After adjustment for age and sex in multivariate analysis, erythema multiforme–like skin lesions remained predictive of fatal outcome, with a 2-fold increase in death rate (hazard ratio [HR], 2.3; 95% CI, 1.05-5.03; P=.04). The prognosis of patients with PNP was even poorer when erythema multiforme–like skin lesions were associated with severe skin or mucosal involvement at presentation (HR of death, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.01-8.92; P=.049).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PNP with erythema multiforme–like skin lesions and histologic keratinocyte necrosis, especially when associated with extensive lesions at presentation, are likely to have a more severe and rapid fatal outcome and should be managed very carefully.

[Eruptive naevi in epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria patients]

BACKGROUND

EB naevus (EBN) are little-known, atypical, eruptive, pigmented melanocytic lesions that may occur in former sites of bullae occurring in epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria (EBH). We sought to describe the characteristics of such lesions and assess their course.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, two-centre study in which data was collated from the medical files of patients with EBN. We analyzed the patients' demographical data as well as the clinical, dermatoscopic, pathological features of EBN and their progression.

RESULTS

Eight patients were studied: they were principally Caucasian (5/8), with a sex ratio of 1. All variants of EBH were represented and most were recessive (63%). We analysed 22 EBN, all atypical and emerging before the age of 10 years (73%), ubiquitously distributed and measuring greater than 5 cm(2) (25%). Of the 13 EBN subjected to dermatoscopy, 12 exhibited a benign reticular pattern. Four were biopsied, and analysis revealed three common naevi and one lentigo. After a median follow-up of 8 years, the EBN seen were either stable (68%), had regressed (23%) or had disappeared (one case). No cases of melanoma were diagnosed.

DISCUSSION

EBN are acquired and atypical pigmented naevi. Sixty-four cases of EBN have been reported in the literature up to date. The dermatoscopic features may be evocative of melanoma (17/23 EBN), but to our knowledge no cases of melanoma at a naevus site have been reported. Recessive transmission of EBH appears to be a risk factor (63% of cases), a finding supported by certain pathophysiological hypotheses.

CONCLUSION

EBN present atypical clinical and dermatoscopic features. However, while prophylactic total excision did not appear warranted in the absence of any reported cases of melanoma, regular clinical follow-up is recommended.

[Strontium ranelate-induced DRESS syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe form of adverse drug reaction. Strontium ranelate has recently been authorised for postmenopausal osteoporosis. We report a case of strontium ranelate-induced DRESS complicated by linear Ig A dermatosis due to vancomycin.

CASE REPORT

A 77-year-old woman with osteoporosis had been treated by strontium ranelate for 4 weeks when she developed a febrile generalized skin rash. Blood tests showed eosinophilia (12.74 × 10(9)/L) and liver damage. A diagnosis of DRESS was made, leading to discontinuation of strontium ranelate and prescription of systemic corticosteroids. Two days later, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia occurred and treatment with vancomycin was started. The liver dysfunction resolved. After two weeks of antibiotherapy, bullous lesions were noted on the thighs. Skin biopsy results suggested a diagnosis of linear IgA bullous dermatosis. Vancomycin was stopped. Two weeks later, the eruption resolved. The eosinophil count gradually returned to normal after four months of corticosteroid therapy.

DISCUSSION

More than 15 cases of DRESS syndrome have been reported in Europe, including 2 deaths related to ranelate strontium, prompting European health authorities to publish a warning concerning the risk of strontium ranelate-induced DRESS. A particular feature of our patient was complication with linear IgA bullous dermatosis caused by vancomycin. In conclusion, it is essential to be aware of the risk of severe cutaneous reaction to strontium ranelate, a new drug used to treat osteoporosis.

The contribution of large genomic deletions at the CDKN2A locus to the burden of familial melanoma

Mutations in two genes encoding cell cycle regulatory proteins have been shown to cause familial cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). About 20% of melanoma-prone families bear a point mutation in the CDKN2A locus at 9p21, which encodes two unrelated proteins, p16^INK4a and p14^ARF. Rare mutations in CDK4 have also been linked to the disease. Although the CDKN2A gene has been shown to be the major melanoma predisposing gene, there remains a significant proportion of melanoma kindreds linked to 9p21 in which germline mutations of CDKN2A have not been identified through direct exon sequencing. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of large rearrangements in CDKN2A to the disease in melanoma-prone families using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. We examined 214 patients from independent pedigrees with at least two CMM cases. All had been tested for CDKN2A and CDK4 point mutation, and 47 were found positive. Among the remaining 167 negative patients, one carried a novel genomic deletion of CDKN2A exon 2. Overall, genomic deletions represented 2.1% of total mutations in this series (1 of 48), confirming that they explain a very small proportion of CMM susceptibility. In addition, we excluded a new gene on 9p21, KLHL9, as being a major CMM gene.

Protéine S100 Béta et Melanoma Inhibitory Activity (MIA) sériques : étude prospective de leur valeur pour la détection précoce de métastases dans le mélanome

BACKGROUND

We examined whether serum values for proteins S100B and MIA could allow early and reliable screening of metastatic growth in melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a prospective study from 1998 to 2005 in patients presenting non-metastatic melanomas with a Breslow score>0.75 mm. Four PS00B and MIA measurements per patient were performed at regular intervals over 1 to 2 years. Blood samples were analysed for PS100B and MIA using an ELISA technique.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were analysed. The maximum interval between collection of samples was 8 months. Metastatic development was noted in 15 patients. Where melanoma progressed to stage III, sensitivity was 33% for PS100B and 25% for MIA. Where it progressed to stage IV, sensitivity was 50% for PS100B and 30% for MIA. A rise in these values preceded discovery of metastasis in 3 cases for PS100B and of MIA in 1 case. Specificity of the assays was 100% for PS100B and 91% for MIA.

DISCUSSION

Sensitivity and specificity were better for PS100B than for MIA regarding detection of metastasis during follow-up of thick melanomas. The ELISA technique used in our study seemed to increase the specificity of the assay but not its sensitivity compared to other techniques used previously. We may thus confirm the benefits of PS100B assay for early detection of metastasis in melanomas. However, this laboratory surveillance method is not an acceptable substitute for regular clinical follow-up due to its low sensitivity.

Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome: disease expression and spectrum of connexin 26 (GJB2) mutations in 14 patients

BACKGROUND

Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the association of skin lesions, hearing loss and vascularizing keratitis. KID syndrome is caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the connexin 26 gene (GJB2).

OBJECTIVES

To establish whether there is a correlation between genotype and phenotype in KID syndrome.

METHODS

Clinical examination and molecular analysis of GJB2 were performed in a cohort of 14 patients with KID syndrome originating from 11 families. We also reviewed the 23 cases with molecular analysis previously reported in the literature.

RESULTS

The patients displayed the classical signs of KID syndrome with the additional finding of inflammatory nodules in six patients (43%); this clinical finding has not been described previously in the literature. One patient presented at the age of 18 years with a fatal carcinoma of the tongue, an extremely rare reported complication. For seven of the 11 families (64%) the disease was sporadic, whereas it was familial in the remaining four families (36%). Twelve patients (86%) were heterozygous for the p.Asp50Asn mutation and two patients (14%) were heterozygous for the p.Ser17Phe mutation. Surprisingly, a family in which we personally examined the healthy parents had two affected children heterozygous for the p.Asp50Asn mutation, suggesting germinal mosaicism. Compared with patients with the p.Asp50Asn mutation, the two patients with the p.Ser17Phe mutation had more severe skin involvement. One of these two patients experienced a carcinoma of the tongue.

CONCLUSIONS

Familial cases appear to be more frequent than reported in the literature. The possibility of germinal mosaicism must be taken into account for genetic counselling. This study also suggests that patients with the p.Ser17Phe mutation may have a more severe phenotype and could be at higher risk for tongue carcinoma.

Pyoderma gangrenosum treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins: Two cases and review of the literature

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic skin disease commonly treated with immunosuppressants. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulins are used to treat a range of inflammatory diseases, but we found only five reports of the use of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins in the treatment of PG. We report on two patients with PG for whom immunosuppressants could not be prescribed and who were treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins. Case 1 was a 58-year-old man who presented with a 6-year history of PG. He was initially treated with prednisone. The 20 mg/day dosage of prednisone could not be reduced and treatment had to be discontinued after 1 year because of serious adverse effects. Minocycline treatment led to improvement but had to be discontinued after 6 years because of facial skin hyperpigmentation. Case 2 was a 66-year-old man who presented with a 3-year history of PG. Different therapeutic procedures for PG (prednisone, topical tacrolimus or betamethasone) had failed. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulins were administered monthly at a dose of 2 g/kg for 6 months. The treatment induced stabilisation of the disease and made it possible to reduce corticosteroid use in both patients. These cases show that high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins represent a therapeutic alternative for PG, but the efficacy of this treatment should be confirmed in further studies.

[Disulone and hepatosiderosis]

BACKGROUND

Disulone (dapsone + iron oxalate) is a sulfone used in the treatment of numerous skin diseases. We report two cases of hepatosiderosis secondary to long-term administration of Disulone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Case n degrees 1. A 51-year-old man was treated with Disulone for a neutrophilic skin disease. After 17 years of treatment, elevated serum ferritin and free iron with hemolysis were found. Liver biopsy confirmed hepatosiderosis. A diagnosis of genetic hemochromatosis was ruled out by the absence of C282Y mutation of the HFE gene. Case n degrees 2. A 52-year-old man receiving Disulone for dermatitis herpetiformis for 25 years presented elevated serum ferritin and free iron with hemolysis. Hepatic iron overload was confirmed by liver biopsy. The absence of C282Y mutation (HFE gene) ruled out a diagnosis of genetic hemochromatosis.

DISCUSSION

In our two cases, hepatosiderosis was noted after long-term administration of Disulone. This complication has been reported only rarely. In murine models, a relationship was found between prolonged administration of dapsone and hepatic iron overload as revealed by hemolysis. Although it is difficult to extrapolate this relationship to humans with any certainty, our patients had also chronic hemolysis and iron overload secondary to administration of Disulone. Moreover in France, dapsone is marketed in combination with iron oxalate, with the attendant risk of iron overload. These cases raise the question of the need for serum ferritin analysis during Disulone therapy.

Ulcérations cervicofaciales liées à un foyer infectieux dentaire chez l'enfant

In children, chronic cervicofacial ulceration related to dental infection is rare. Thus the diagnosis is often late and the treatment is consequently delayed. We report 2 new cases.

CASES REPORT

A 13-year-old boy presented with a 1-year history of chronic and suppurative ulceration on the right cheek. Culture was positive for actinomycetes. In spite of a prolonged and miscellaneous antibiotherapy, the lesion recured. The ulceration healed after the eradication of infection on a right superior molar. A 12-year-old girl presented with a right sub-mandibular ulceration, which appeared 3 months before. This lesion did not respond to penicillinotherapy given during 3 months. An infection on a right inferior molar was diagnosed on a tomodensitometry. 3 months after the tooth extraction, the ulceration healed without recurrence.

CONCLUSION

These cases emphasize the interest to look for a dental infection at the origin of chronic cervicofacial lesion.

[Spontaneous skin necrosis from acquired protein S deficiency in a renal transplant recipient]

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous skin necrosis revealed acquired protein S deficiency due to isotype G autoantibodies.

CASE

This 31-year-old male renal transplant recipient, receiving immunosuppressive treatment, was hospitalized for necrotic purpural lesions. We were not able to detect any triggering factor. Sustained anticoagulant therapy remained essential to prevent new skin lesions and perhaps more thrombotic events.

COMMENTS

This condition is rare in adulthood, but is well described in children's purpura fulminans, especially the post-varicella form. Its mechanism remains unclear.

Primary cutaneous cribriform carcinoma: a rare apocrine tumour

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous cribriform carcinoma (PCCC) is a rare apocrine tumour occurring in middle-aged people. This neoplasm is often located on the limbs. The histopathological diagnosis is difficult, mainly because this tumour is exceptional. We, in this study, report a patient with PCCC.

CASE REPORT

The patient was a 37-year-old man who presented with a nodule of the left knee.

RESULTS

Histopathologic findings showed an asymmetrical deep dermal tumour with a cribriform pattern. The aggregations of neoplastic cells were interconnected and varied in size and shape. The cells were arranged in solid nests or tubular structures. In the lumina of tubules, some papillary protrusion of basophilic cells was seen. The ductal elements were lined by cuboidal or cylindric cells with images of decapitation secretion. The nuclei of the neoplastic cells were pleomorphic. A wide excision was performed with sentinel inguinal node biopsy. After a 2-year follow-up, neither persistence at the local site nor metastasis was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical and pathological features of PCCC are reviewed. Differential diagnoses, including cutaneous metastasis of adenocarcinoma, adenoid basal cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma, are discussed.

Intrafamilial variable phenotypic expression of a CIAS1 mutation: from Muckle-Wells to chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular syndrome

Among hereditary inflammatory disorders, Muckle-Wells syndrome, chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular syndrome (CINCA), and familial cold urticaria have recently been shown to be caused by dominantly inherited mutations in the CIAS1 gene. Reports suggest that these 3 diseases result from distinct missense mutations, with very few overlapping symptoms. We describe a French family presenting an intrafamilial overlapping clinical phenotype of CINCA and Muckle-Wells syndrome, caused by a mutation in CIAS1 gene. Clinical and genetic observations suggest that Muckle-Wells syndrome, CINCA, and familial cold urticaria are various phenotypic expressions of the same disease.

Réticulohistiocytose multicentrique

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (RHM) is a rare non Langherhans cell histiocytosis with skin and joint involvment. Nearly all organs can be involved. Association with cancer occurs in about 25% of cases. Association with auto-immune diseases has also been recorded. Microscopic examination shows a histiocytic nodular infiltrate made of giant cells with ground-glass appearance and PAS positive cytoplasm. Immunostaining shows cell positivity for CD68 and negativity for CD1a and S100 protein. No Birbeck granules are found at ultrastructural examination.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma and neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a genetically transmitted disease occurring approximately once in 3000 live births and resulting from mutations of the NF1 gene that encodes a protein named neurofibromin, a negative regulator of the ras-dependent pathway. An excess of neoplasia especially tumours of neuroectodermal origin is classically observed. The occurrence of malignant melanoma in patients with NF1 has already been described in scattered clinical reports but little is known as to the characteristics of melanoma arising in NF1 patients. A multicentric retrospective study was conducted on a panel of French referring centres for a period of 13 years to identify patients with both melanoma and NF1. Patients with mucosal or ocular melanoma were excluded. The diagnosis of malignant melanoma was based on specific histology whereas NF1 was identified according to the criteria proposed by the NIH Consensus Conference. All patient fulfilling criteria for both melanoma and NF1 were investigated using a common procedure recording clinical and histological data along with prognostic factors for the two diseases. Eleven patients were identified with both diseases. The clinical pattern of NF1 was quite similar to the classical form of the disease, but some unusual features were present as regards to the melanoma: a sex-ratio of 10 women for one man and an average age lower than expected (median age=33 years) for melanoma occurrence. Among prognostic factors, median thickness was high compared to large series of melanoma in the literature (3.20 versus 1.5 mm). Another neoplasia occurred in three patients. An increase in melanoma incidence in patients with NF1 remains hypothetical but our small series of malignant melanoma arising in NF1 patients displays a large female preponderance, a higher thickness than expected and a frequent association with a second neoplasia. The peculiar female proneness for cancer whatever its localization and the risk of multiple neoplasias have already been reported in NF1 patients and could be true for malignant melanoma as well.

Positive photobiological investigation in reticular erythematous mucinosis syndrome

BACKGROUND

Reticular erythematous mucinosis (REM) syndrome is a rare disorder. Its clinical course is cyclic with remissions and exacerbations. In this disease, photosensitivity has previously been noticed but rarely demonstrated. We report three new cases with positive photobiological investigation.

CASE REPORTS

Three patients (two males, one female) with a mean age 47 years were seen with reticular erythematous papules on the upper chest and or back. After sun exposure, the lesions were exacerbated. Skin biopsies showed dermal lymphocytic perivascular infiltration with mucin deposition between collagen bundles. Direct immunofluorescence was negative. Antinuclear antibodies were absent. In cabin, ultraviolet (UV)A exposure reproduced clinically and histologically REM lesions in our cases. UVA and UVB provocating phototests were negative. In all patients treatment with oral antimalarials and external photoprotection was effective.

CONCLUSIONS

In our patients, we confirm the photosensitive feature of REM syndrome by provocative irradiation in UVA cabin. The mechanism of triggering is actually unclear. It is supposed that UV radiation, heat, and perspiration are necessary to reveal this affection.

Injection by various routes of melanoma antigen-associated macrophages: biodistribution and clinical effects

Patients' autologous macrophages (AM) were used as antigen-presenting cells (APC) in a vaccination protocol against malignant melanoma. AM were administered by various routes, including intralymphatic, since these cells did not express CCR7, a molecule required for APC migration to lymph nodes. Seven HLA-A2 patients with metastatic melanoma-two classified as M1 and five as M3-were included in the study. AM were produced from leukapheresis-separated mononuclear cells by 7-day culture with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. After separation by elutriation, AM were frozen in aliquots and subsequently thawed at monthly intervals, exposed to MAGE-3(271-279) peptide and injected subcutaneously into lymph nodes or into one peripheral lymph vessel. Intradermal tests were performed before and after treatment to determine peptide reactivity. No acute toxicity was observed following injection. One M1 patient had a 7-mm induration intradermal reaction response and was stabilized for 64 weeks. The M3 patients did not show any immunological or clinical response. In 11 patients, the biodistribution of 111In-labeled AM was investigated. There was no clear evidence that AM injected intradermally or subcutaneously left the site of injection. After injection into a lymph vessel of the foot region, scintigraphs showed five to ten popliteal and inguinocrural lymph nodes. This appeared to be the most efficient way to administer rapidly and safely large amounts of peptide-loaded APC into lymph nodes.

[Positive photobiological investigation in Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin]

BACKGROUND

Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin is a rare and benign disorder. Its clinical course is cyclic with remissions and exacerbations. In this disease, photosensitivity was previously noticed by authors and recently demonstrated. We report four new cases with positive photobiological investigation.

CASE REPORTS

Four patients (2 males, 2 females), with a mean age 36 years were seen with erythematous papules or discoid plaques on face, arms and upper trunk. The onset of disease occurred after sun exposure in summer. Skin biopsies showed perivascular lymphocytic infiltration in the dermis. All patients relapsed cyclically with incomplete healing during winter. Photobiological investigation elicited skin lesions in a broad spectrum of UV: UVB (2 cases), UVA (1 case), UVA and UVB (1 case). In all patients treatment with oral antimalarials and external photoprotection was effective.

DISCUSSION

Our data suggest that photosensitivity history in patients with Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin should be searched for, and confirmed by provocative phototesting. This relevant event could guide the therapeutic strategy because antimalarials were effective for the Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration cases with photosensitivity.

The kinetics of the visible growth of a primary melanoma reflects the tumor aggressiveness and is an independent prognostic marker: a prospective study

Primary melanoma (MM) could be a good model to test an intuitive concept: a cancer that is growing fast in its early phase is likely to have a high aggressiveness. Since MMs are visible tumors, many patients can provide information to indirectly assess the kinetics of their lesion. A prospective study was designed to assess if the kinetics of the visible growth of a primary MM, as described by the patient, could be a noninvasive prognostic marker. The ratio of MM thickness to delay between MM appearance and MM removal was used as a surrogate value for the kinetics of the MM growth. To assess the delay between MM appearance and removal, 362 patients with self-detected invasive MM fulfilled a detailed questionnaire, which provided 2 types of estimations of this delay and thus 2 melanoma kinetics indexes (MKI and MKI*). After a median follow-up of 4 years, univariate and multivariate analyses assessed whether relapse-free survival was linked to MKI or MKI*. MKI was significantly predictive of relapse-free survival (HR = 1.84 [1.51-2.25]) and relapse at 1 year (RR = 2.93 [1.84-4.69]), independently from Breslow thickness. MKI was retained in multivariate prognostic models, just after thickness and before other usual markers. MKI* was also a significant independent risk marker, although less predictive. In this model, the initial growth kinetics of a cancer reflects its aggressiveness and a high index predicts a short-term relapse. The "subjective" data obtained from patients about their MM history, although usually neglected, can thus provide a better prognostic marker than many "objective" tests.

Delays in diagnosis and melanoma prognosis (II): the role of doctors

A prospective survey was conducted to assess physician responsibility in melanoma prognosis. Consecutive patients with primary melanoma were interviewed and examined using a standardized questionnaire. Main outcome measures were medical components of the delay before tumor resection and tumor thickness. Of 590 melanomas, 29.1% were coincidentally detected by physicians and their tumor depth was lower than in melanomas detected by patients (p < 0.001). Physician sensitivity for melanoma diagnosis was evaluated at 86%. Median time intervals to propose resection and to perform removal of melanoma were short: 0 (mean 103) and 7 (mean 68) days, respectively. Melanomas were managed in an inappropriate way in 14.2% of cases. Location on acral areas and absence of pigmentation were associated with longer medical delays and more frequent inappropriate medical attitudes. Melanomas located on hardly visible areas were less frequently detected by physicians than those on visible areas. Medical delays were shorter, doctor's attitude was more frequently appropriate, and melanoma thickness was lower (p < 0.001) when the patient visited a dermatologist (54.7%) than when he or she visited a general practitioner (33.4%). Our study shows that doctor responsibility accounts for only a small part of the total delay before melanoma removal. However, systematic total examination and better training of doctors, especially about unusual forms of melanoma, could still improve melanoma detection.

Delays in diagnosis and melanoma prognosis (I): the role of patients

A prospective survey was conducted to assess the role of patients in the melanoma prognosis. Consecutive patients with primary melanoma were interviewed and examined using a comprehensive questionnaire including a psychological instrument. Main outcome measures were the delay before medical intervention and the tumor thickness. Of 590 melanomas, 70.8% were detected by patients and this proportion was higher in females. Relatives were involved in the detection of half of the cases. Median delays before the patient realized he had a suspicious lesion, before this lesion was seen by a doctor, and before the melanoma was removed were 4 months, 2 months, and 1 week, respectively. Delays up to several years were observed in some cases. The rate of self-detection tended to be lower, the delays before seeking medical advice to be longer, and the tumor thickness to be higher in old people, in males, in lower-educated individuals, in those living out of towns, and in people with a low awareness about melanocytic tumors than in other cases. Conversely, individuals with a high number of atypical nevi, those who were aware to be at risk, and those who regularly visited a dermatologist tended to detect their melanoma more rapidly. No specific psychological traits were associated with a late reaction, although negligence and anxiety tended to prolong the delays. Knowledge about melanoma was poor in many patients, especially in males, and wrong beliefs were widespread. This study provides the targets of future education programs.

[Human orf and erythema multiforme]

BACKGROUND

Orf is a disease of sheep due to a parapoxvirus. Transmission in man is possible, and is generally benign, self-limited condition. Although, rare complications have been mentioned. We report a case of Orf with erythema multiforme in a young girl.

CASE REPORT

A 13-year-old girl presented to our department with an erythema multiform. The cutaneous examination revealed painless erythematous nodule of her right index finger developed 15 days after a contact with a lamb. The diagnosis of Orf complicated by erythema multiforme was made on the basis of her typical history. Lesions heal with symptomatic therapy in 15 days.

DISCUSSION

Orf presents in sheeps as a pustular dermatitis or a vesicular oral mucosal lesions, and in man as a single lesion on the site of infection. This lesion generally heals without complications, although secondary infection is not uncommon. Twenty one cases of erythema multiforme have been recorded following infection with the Orf virus. In typical cases, the diagnosis is established by a history of contact with infected animals and the appearance of the lesion. Electron microscopic examination can be helpful sometimes. Lesions regress in 4 to 5 weeks without specific treatment.