Clinical and Pathological Characteristics and Outcomes Among Patients With Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma and Related Adipotropic Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Importance

There is a knowledge gap about subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) owing to its rarity and diagnostic difficulty, resulting in an absence of well-documented large case series published to date.

Objective

To generate consensus knowledge by a joint multi-institutional review of SPTCL and related conditions.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective clinical and pathological review included cases initially diagnosed as SPTCL at 6 large US academic centers. All cases were reviewed by a group of pathologists, dermatologists, and oncologists with expertise in cutaneous lymphomas. Through a process of group consensus applying defined clinical and pathological diagnostic criteria, the cohort was classified as (1) SPTCL or (2) adipotropic lymphoproliferative disorder (ALPD) for similar cases with incomplete histopathological criteria for SPTCL designation.

Exposures

Cases of SPTCL diagnosed between 1998 and 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was disease presentation and evolution, including response to therapy, disease progression, and development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Results

The cohort of 95 patients (median [range] age, 38 [2-81] years; female-to-male ratio, 2.7) included 75 cases of SPTCL and 20 cases of ALPD. The clinical presentation was similar for both groups with multiple (61 of 72 [85%]) or single (11 of 72 [15%]) tender nodules mostly involving extremities, occasionally resulting in lipoatrophy. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) was only observed in SPTCL cases. With a mean follow-up of 56 months, 60 of 90 patients (67%) achieved complete remission with a median (range) of 3 (1-7) cumulative therapies. Relapse was common. None of the patients died of disease progression or HLH. Two patients with ALPD eventually progressed to SPTCL without associated systemic symptoms or HLH.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case series of patients initially diagnosed as having SPTCL, results showed no evidence of systemic tumoral progression beyond the adipose tissue. The SPTCL experience in this study confirmed an indolent course and favorable response to a variety of treatments ranging from immune modulation to chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Morbidity was primarily associated with HLH.

Association of a Dominant T-Cell Clone in Peripheral Blood With Time to Systemic Treatment in Patients With Stage IB Mycosis Fungoides

This cohort study of data from 39 patients assesses whether the presence of a dominant T-cell receptor clone in peripheral blood is associated with time to systemic treatment in patients with stage IB mycosis fungoides.

Cicatricial Pemphigoid Brunsting-Perry Variant Masquerading as Neutrophil-Medicated Cicatricial Alopecia

A 72-year-old male presented with scarring alopecia on the scalp vertex, multiple crusted plaques on the hairline, and a history of vesicular eruption on the face. The scalp showed crusted plaques with loss of follicular ostia. No follicular pustules or compound follicles were present. An initial transverse scalp biopsy showed perifollicular neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells along with dermal fibrosis. Focal epidermal/dermal and follicular/adventitial dermal clefts were apparent but were thought to be secondary to fibrosis, and the biopsy was interpreted to represent a neutrophil-mediated cicatricial alopecia. Concurrently, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) analysis demonstrated linear junctional deposition of IgG and C3. A repeat scalp biopsy revealed more prominent epidermal/dermal clefts, fibrosis, mixed infiltrate with neutrophils, lymphocytes, histiocytes and plasma cells and prominent follicular/adventitial dermal clefts with perifollicular neutrophils. Given the combination of clefts, perijunctional neutrophils, and positive DIF findings, it became clear that this eruption represented the Brunsting-Perry variant of cicatricial pemphigoid. Here, we illustrated that a neutrophil-rich form of cicatricial pemphigoid can masquerade as a neutrophil-mediated scarring alopecia. In evaluating a specimen suspected to be a neutrophil-mediated scarring alopecia, one should be alert to the presence of subepidermal and perifollicular clefting, and consider cicatricial pemphigoid. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Primary Cilia Are Preserved in Cellular Blue and Atypical Blue Nevi and Lost in Blue Nevus-like Melanoma

Distinguishing cellular blue nevi (CBNs) and atypical CBNs from blue nevus-like melanoma (BNLM) can be diagnostically challenging. Immunohistochemistry may inform the diagnosis in a subset of cases but is not always diagnostic. Further, ancillary molecular testing is expensive and often requires significant tissue to complete. Primary cilia are cell-surface organelles with roles in signal transduction pathways and have been shown to be preserved in conventional melanocytic nevi but lost in melanoma. Immunofluorescence staining of primary cilia can be performed using a single standard-thickness formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue section and has a turnaround time similar to immunohistochemistry. The percentage of tumoral melanocytes retaining a primary cilium is quantified and reported as the ciliation index. In the current study, we explored the utility of the ciliation index in a series of 31 blue nevus-like lesions, including CBNs (12), atypical CBNs (15), and BNLM (4). The average ciliation index for the CBNs was 59±18%, with a median of 60 (range: 28 to 87). The average ciliation index for atypical CBNs was 59±23, with a median of 59 (range: 20 to 93). The average ciliation index for BNLM was 4±3, with a median of 3 (range: 1 to 8). There was no significant difference in ciliation index between the CBN and atypical CBN categories. There was a significant difference between CBN and BNLM and between atypical CBNs and BNLM (P<0.001 for each). Here, we show that ciliation index is a quantitative diagnostic tool useful in the setting of blue nevus-like neoplasms, with benefits including cost and time efficiency.

Association of a Proposed New Staging System for Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides With Prognostic Variables in a US Cohort

Importance

A new cutaneous staging system for folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) has been purported to better estimate survival compared with the staging system for conventional mycosis fungoides.

Objective

To analyze predictive variables associated with survival and evaluate the effectiveness of the newly proposed staging system for estimating overall survival and disease-specific survival (DSS) in a US cohort.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study assessed 195 patients with FMF in the dermatopathology database of the University of California, San Francisco from January 1, 1990, to April 31, 2012, for eligibility. A total of 153 patients were excluded for the following reasons: (1) alternative diagnoses were favored ranging from benign dermatitides to other forms of cutaneous lymphoma; (2) technical problems with slides; and (3) lack of follow-up information. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2018, to August 31, 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate overall survival and DSS for the entire cohort. Possible predictive variables associated with survival were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. Each variable was examined separately, followed by a multiple-variable model. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate overall survival and DSS by subdividing the cohort into early- and advanced-stage cutaneous disease.

Results

Forty-two patients were included in the analysis (mean age at diagnosis, 55 [range, 8-89] years; 31 men [74%]). For the entire cohort, the estimated 5-year overall survival rate was 89% (95% CI, 79%-99%); 10-year rate, 78% (95% CI, 63%-92%); and 15-year rate, 58% (95% CI, 31%-85%). Estimated 5- and 10-year DSS rates were 89% (95% CI, 79%-99%); 15-year rate, 80% (95% CI, 61%-99%). For overall survival in the multiple-variable Cox proportional hazards regression model, only age was statistically significant (hazard ratio [HR] per 10-year age increase, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.4-7.2; P = .008), whereas for DSS, only cutaneous disease was statistically significant (HR, 11.4; 95% CI, 1.3-103.0; P = .03). When stage stratified, the 5-year estimated overall survival rate for early-stage disease was 96% (95% CI, 89%-103%); 10-year rate, 82% (95% CI, 65%-98%); and 15-year rate, 65% (95% CI, 33%-97%). For advanced-stage disease, the estimated 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 70% (95% CI, 41%-98%); the 15-year rate, 53% (95% CI, 16%-89%). For early-stage cutaneous disease, the estimated 5-, 10- and 15-year DSS rates were all 96% (95% CI, 89%-103%). For advanced-stage cutaneous disease, the estimated 5- and 10-year DSS rates were 70% (95% CI, 41%-98%); the 15-year rate, 53% (95% CI, 16%-89%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Cox proportional hazards regression modeling demonstrated cutaneous stage to be the only statistically significant predictive variable associated with DSS. Subdividing FMF into early and advanced cutaneous stages was associated with effective estimation of survival in this cohort. Thus, findings suggest that FMF is a heterogeneous disease with early and advanced cutaneous stages; that the new staging system is effective in estimating survival in a US cohort; and that the poor prognosis initially associated with FMF only applies to the advanced cutaneous stage.

An abdominal skin lesion: to lump or split? a case presentation

Syphilis has many atypical morphologies which can present a diagnostic challenge, especially in patients with HIV/AIDS who may have multiple concurrent conditions. We describe a 41-year-old man with recently diagnosed HIV who was admitted for acute right vision loss and a diffuse rash with involvement of the palms and soles. He received diagnoses of secondary syphilis and Kaposi sarcoma in the setting of AIDS. Examination revealed an unusual dark brown-to-purple umbilicated papule with a necrotic center on the abdomen, raising a diagnostic dilemma. Skin biopsy showed secondary syphilis, despite the concurrent diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma. The patient was treated with antibiotic and antiretroviral therapy and symptoms resolved. This case aims to share the clinical reasoning behind diagnosing a patient with HIV/AIDS with multiple concurrent conditions and to raise awareness of the many atypical cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis.

Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides driven by DOCK8 immunodeficiency syndrome

DOCK8 immunodeficiency syndrome (DIDS) represents a rare primary immunodeficiency associated with cutaneous viral infections, allergy, and increased risk of malignancy. We report a case of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides with spontaneous resolution occurring in a patient with DIDS.

Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma

Melanomas that have histopathologic features that overlap with those of Spitz nevus are referred to as spitzoid melanomas. However, the diagnostic concept is used inconsistently and genomic analyses suggest it is a heterogeneous category. Spitz tumors, the spectrum of melanocytic neoplasms extending from Spitz nevi to their malignant counterpart Spitz melanoma, are defined in the 2018 WHO classification of skin tumors by the presence of specific genetic alterations, such as kinase fusions or HRAS mutations. It is unclear what fraction of "spitzoid melanomas" defined solely by their histopathologic features belong to the category of Spitz melanoma or to other melanoma subtypes. We assembled a cohort of 25 spitzoid melanomas diagnosed at a single institution over an 8-year period and performed high-coverage DNA sequencing of 480 cancer related genes. Transcriptome wide RNA sequencing was performed for select cases. Only nine cases (36%) had genetic alterations characteristic of Spitz melanoma, including HRAS mutation or fusion involving BRAF, ALK, NTRK1, or MAP3K8. The remaining cases were divided into those with an MAPK activating mutation and those without an MAPK activating mutation. Both Spitz melanoma and spitzoid melanomas in which an MAPK-activating mutation could not be identified tended to occur in younger patients on skin with little solar elastosis, infrequently harbored TERT promoter mutations, and had a lower burden of pathogenic mutations than spitzoid melanomas with non-Spitz MAPK-activating mutations. The MAPK-activating mutations identified affected non-V600 residues of BRAF as well as NRAS, MAP2K1/2, NF1, and KIT, while BRAF V600 mutations, the most common mutations in melanomas of the WHO low-CSD category, were entirely absent. While the "spitzoid melanomas" comprising our cohort were enriched for bona fide Spitz melanomas, the majority of melanomas fell outside of the genetically defined category of Spitz melanomas, indicating that histomorphology is an unreliable predictor of Spitz lineage.

Melanocytic tumors with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations

We report a series of 33 skin tumors harboring a gene fusion of the MAP3K8 gene, which encodes a serine/threonine kinase. The MAP3K8 fusions were identified by RNA sequencing in 28 cases and by break-apart FISH in five cases. Cases in which fusion genes were fully characterized demonstrated a fusion of the 5' part of MAP3K8 comprising exons 1-8 in frame to one of several partner genes at the 3' end. The fusion genes invariably encoded the intact kinase domain of MAP3K8, but not the inhibitory domain at the C-terminus. In 13 (46%) of the sequenced cases, the 3' fusion partner was SVIL. Other recurrent 3' partners were DIP2C and UBL3, with additional fusion partners that occurred only in a single tumor. Clinically, the lesions appeared mainly in young adults (2-59 years of age; median = 18), most commonly involving the lower limbs (55%). Five cases were diagnosed as Spitz nevus, 13 as atypical Spitz tumor, and 15 as malignant Spitz tumor. Atypical and malignant cases more commonly occurred in younger patients. Atypical Spitz tumors and malignant Spitz tumors cases tended to show epidermal ulceration (32%), a dermal component with giant multinucleated cells (32%), and clusters of pigmented cells in the dermis (32%). Moreover, in atypical and malignant cases, a frequent inactivation of CDKN2A (21/26; 77%) was identified either by p16 immunohistochemistry, FISH, or comparative genomic hybridization. Gene expression analysis revealed that MAP3K8 expression levels were significantly elevated compared to a control group of 57 Spitz lesions harboring other known kinase fusions. Clinical follow-up revealed regional nodal involvement in two of six cases, in which sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed but no distant metastatic disease after a median follow-up time of 6 months.

Ki-67 and p16 Immunostaining Differentiates Pagetoid Bowen Disease From "Microclonal" Seborrheic Keratosis

OBJECTIVES

We observed keratoses with "clonal" nests present as numerous tiny collections, in which cells in "pagetoid" array are found, a configuration we termed microclonal seborrheic keratosis (MSK). To better distinguish MSK from pagetoid Bowen disease (PBD), we investigated use of immunohistochemical staining.

METHODS

Biopsy specimens of 26 MSKs, 17 PBDs, and 11 borderline cases were reviewed for histopathology and stained with p53, Ki-67, and p16.

RESULTS

High expression of Ki-67 and p16 was observed in 12 (80%) of 15 PBDs and in one (4%) of 23 MSKs. Low expression of p16 and high expression of Ki-67 were observed in 16 (70%) of 23 MSKs and in two (13%) of 15 PBDs. Expression of p16 was elevated in 12 (80%) of 15 PBDs and in three (13%) of 23 MSKs (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a "microclonal" variant of seborrheic keratosis with morphology sometimes challenging to distinguish from PBD. High expression of p16 and Ki-67 or p16 alone favors the diagnosis of PBD over MSK.

Primary Cutaneous B-cell Lymphomas

B-cell lymphomas represent approximately 20% to 25% of primary cutaneous lymphomas. Within this group, most cases (>99%) are encompassed by 3 diagnostic entities: primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma, primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type. In this article, the authors present clinical, histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of each of these entities and briefly discuss the rarer intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.

Warfarin-Associated Nonuremic Calciphylaxis

Importance

Classic calciphylaxis associated with renal failure is a life-threatening disease. Warfarin-associated calciphylaxis without renal injury has been described, but whether it is a subset of classic calciphylaxis or a different entity remains unknown. We describe 1 case of warfarin-associated calciphylaxis, present data from 2 others from our institution, and review all cases of warfarin-associated calciphylaxis available in the literature. Our review indicates that warfarin-associated calciphylaxis is clinically and pathophysiologically distinct from classic calciphylaxis.

Objective

To review warfarin-associated calciphylaxis and determine its relationship to classic calciphylaxis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We searched MEDLINE and Ovid without language or date restrictions for case reports of calciphylaxis from the inpatient setting using the terms "calciphylaxis and warfarin," "non-uremic calciphylaxis," and "nonuremic calciphylaxis." We defined nonuremic calciphylaxis as a histopathologic diagnosis of calciphylaxis without severe kidney disease (serum creatinine level >3 mg/dL; glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min; acute kidney injury requiring dialysis; and renal transplantation).

Exposures

Each patient had been exposed to warfarin before the onset of calciphylaxis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient data were abstracted from published reports. Original patient medical records were requested and reviewed when possible.

Results

We identified 18 patients with nonuremic calciphylaxis, 15 from the literature, and 3 from our institution. Patients were predominantly female (15 of 18 [83%]) with ages ranging from 19 to 86 years. Duration of warfarin therapy prior to calciphylaxis onset averaged 32 months. Lesions were usually located below the knees (in 12 of 18 [67%]). No cases reported elevated calcium-phosphate products (0 of 17 [0%]). Calcifications were most often noted in the tunica media (n = 8 [44%]) or in the vessel lumen and tunica intima (n = 7 [39%]). The most common treatments included substitution of heparin or low-molecular weight heparin for warfarin (n = 13 [72%]), intravenous sodium thiosulfate (n = 9 [50%]), and hyperbaric oxygen (n = 3 [17%]). The survival rate on hospital discharge was remarkably high, with 15 cases (83%) reporting full recovery and 3 cases ending in death.

Conclusions and Relevance

Warfarin-associated calciphylaxis is distinct from classic calciphylaxis in pathogenesis, course, and, particularly, outcome. This finding should influence clinical management of the disease and informs targeted treatment of the disease.

Remission of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma in a pregnant woman after treatment with oral corticosteroids as monotherapy

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by neoplastic α/β T cells infiltrating subcutaneous tissues in a lobular pattern. Few data support the optimal treatment regimen for patients, given the rarity of this condition, and even fewer data describe treatment when diagnosed during pregnancy. We describe a case of SPTCL in a pregnant patient who achieved clinical remission after treatment with corticosteroid monotherapy. Our case suggests that corticosteroids should be considered as first-line treatment in pregnant patients with SPTCL.

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas with large cell predominance-primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma

In this review, we present clinical features and detailed histopathologic, immunologic, and molecular information regarding primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type which together represent two of the three most common types of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma recognized in the current WHO classification system.^1,2 Overall, B-cell lymphomas represent 19-27% of primary cutaneous lymphomas in most large European and American studies^3-6 and together, primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type account for approximately 2/3 to ¾ of these cases.^5,7-11 Both subtypes can contain a high content of large B-lymphocytes, although most cases of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphomas exhibit a range in cell size and cytology. Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma, a less commonly-encountered EBV-negative primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma composed of large cells, will be more briefly discussed in this report as well.

Neutrophil-rich subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn: A potential mimic of infection

BACKGROUND

The inflammatory infiltrate seen in biopsy specimens obtained from patients with subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN) has classically been described as consisting mostly of histiocytes. However, we encountered patients with SCFN whose biopsy specimens revealed mostly neutrophils, prompting infection to be an initial consideration.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to describe cases of SCFN in which neutrophils formed the majority of the infiltrate at our institution and in the literature.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with SCFN reported at our institution and a literature review of SCFN.

RESULTS

Thirteen cases of SCFN were identified at our institution. In 2 of 13 cases, neutrophils composed >75% of the inflammatory infiltrate, and both lesions were 1 day old. From the literature review, neutrophils were mentioned as a component of the infiltrate in 10 of 124 cases, but in none were neutrophils described as forming the majority of the infiltrate.

LIMITATIONS

This study is limited by its retrospective nature and small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophils can comprise most of the inflammatory cells in patients with SCFN, especially early in the course of the disease. This variant of SCFN can be easily mistaken for infection.

Outcomes after diagnosis of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome before 30 years of age: a population-based study

IMPORTANCE

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) are rare in children and young adults, and thus the incidence and outcomes in this patient population are not well studied.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence and outcomes of MF/SS in patients diagnosed before 30 years of age.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective study of 2 population-based cancer registries-the California Cancer Registry (n = 204) and 9 US cancer registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (SEER 9; n = 195)-for patients diagnosed with MF/SS before 30 years of age.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Overall survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The risk of a second cancer was assessed by calculating the standard incidence ratio (SIR) comparing observed cancer incidence in patients with MF/SS with the expected incidence in the age-, sex-, and race-standardized general population.

RESULTS

The incidence of MF/SS is rare before 30 years of age, with an incidence rate of 0.05 per 100,000 persons per year before age 20 years and 0.12 per 100,000 persons per year between ages 20 and 29 years in the California Cancer Registry. At 10 years, patients with MF/SS had an overall survival of 94.3% (95% CI, 89.6%-97.2%) in the California Cancer Registry and 88.9% (95% CI, 82.4%-93.2%) in SEER 9. In SEER 9, there was a significant excess risk of all types of second cancers combined (SIR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.55-6.45), particularly lymphoma (SIR, 12.86; 95% CI, 2.65-37.59) and melanoma (SIR, 9.31; 95% CI, 8.75-33.62). In the California Cancer Registry, the SIR for risk of all types of second cancers was similar to that in SEER 9 (SIR, 3.45; 95% CI, 0.94-8.83), although not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Young patients with MF/SS have a favorable outcome, despite a strong suggestion of an increased risk of second primary cancers. Prolonged follow-up is warranted to definitively assess their risk of developing second cancers in a lifetime.

Mycosis Fungoides

This article is a comprehensive review of mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The first portion of the article introduces epidemiologic features of MF. Next, the clinical presentation is described, followed by the microscopic features. This article addresses how to establish a diagnosis of MF and includes a discussion of the utility of ancillary testing, such as immunohistochemistry and T-cell clonality testing. The differential diagnosis is also discussed, with attention to how to distinguish MF from histopathologic mimics. The final section of the article discusses prognosis and risk of disease progression in MF.

Expression of CD31/PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) by blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms

IMPORTANCE

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare malignant neoplasm with cutaneous manifestations and a rapidly progressive clinical course. The diagnosis relies on characteristic clinicopathologic and immunopathologic features. However, the overlap of immunophenotypic features with other cancers, as well as newly discovered interpersonal and intrapersonal phenotypic variations, renders the identification of BPDCN challenging. A greater understanding of the proteins expressed by BPDCN might facilitate its recognition and provide insights into its clinical behavior.

OBSERVATIONS

In 7 of 9 patients at 4 tertiary care institutions, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated strong CD31/PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) expression by neoplastic cells. Combined with similar findings observed in 1 former patient, 8 of 10 cases of BPDCN were CD31/PECAM-1 positive.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Expression of CD31/PECAM-1 by BPDCN adds new information about the antigenic profile of this unusual neoplasm. CD31/PECAM-1 influences multiple cell functions including adhesion, apoptosis, coagulation, host response, and protein synthesis that might affect clinical features of BPDCN such as hemorrhage, aggressive tumor growth, and resistance to therapy. Therefore, the potential role of this molecule in the tumor formation and progression of BPDCN warrants additional exploration.

SOX-10 expression in cutaneous myoepitheliomas and mixed tumors

BACKGROUND

SOX-10 expression can be demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in salivary gland myoepitheliomas, but its expression in cutaneous myoepitheliomas and in cutaneous mixed tumors with prominent myoepithelial cells has not been studied.

METHODS

We assessed the staining pattern of SOX-10 in five cutaneous myoepitheliomas and six cutaneous mixed tumors with a prominent myoepithelial component among both the myoepithelial cells and cells lining lumens. In addition, we examined the staining of S100, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiTF), keratin cocktail, HMK903, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA).

RESULTS

SOX-10 positivity was seen in three of five (60%) cutaneous myoepitheliomas and in the myoepithelial cells of all cutaneous mixed tumors. SOX-10 expression on the cells lining the glandular structures in mixed tumors was variable. All myoepitheliomas and mixed tumors stained positively with S100 and negatively with MiTF. Pan-keratin, HMK903, SMA and EMA showed variable expression.

CONCLUSIONS

SOX-10 is a relatively reliable marker for staining cutaneous myoepitheliomas. Cutaneous myoepitheliomas are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and the addition of SOX-10 to the repertoire of stains that can label this tumor is of practical utility. These results further support that cutaneous myoepitheliomas and cutaneous mixed tumors exist on a morphologic and immunophenotypic spectrum.

Immunohistochemical prognostication of Merkel cell carcinoma: p63 expression but not polyomavirus status correlates with outcome

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) represents a cutaneous malignancy with high associated mortality. Numerous studies have attempted to define characteristics to more accurately predict outcome. Two recent studies have demonstrated that Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) seropositivity correlated with a better prognosis, while a third study revealed no difference. Expression of p63 by tumor cell nuclei has been shown to be associated with a worse prognosis in a European cohort. To better understand the relationship between prognosis and MCPyV or p63 status, we used immunohistochemistry to evaluate both attributes in 36 US patients with MCC. Our results show that when considered as a binary variable, p63 expression represents a strong risk factor (p < 0.0001, hazards ratio (HR) = ∞) for shortened survival. In addition, our results show that MCPyV status does not correlate with survival (p = 0.6067, HR = 1.27). Our study corroborates the European observation that p63 immunoexpression is useful as a prognostic tool. Larger studies will need to be performed in order to determine whether p63 status should be included in MCC staging, since our study is limited by its relative small size.

Maintenance of peripheral tolerance through controlled tissue homing of antigen-specific T cells in K14-mOVA mice

Immunological tolerance is crucial to avoid autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; however, the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. To study peripheral tolerance to skin-associated Ags, we generated new transgenic mice expressing a membrane-bound form of OVA in skin under the human keratin 14 (K14) promoter (K14-mOVA mice). In contrast to other transgenic mice expressing similar self-Ags in skin, adoptive transfer of Ag-specific T cells does not induce inflammatory skin disease in our K14-mOVA mice. OVA-specific T cells transferred into K14-mOVA mice are activated in lymphoid tissues, undergo clonal expansion, and eventually acquire effector function. Importantly, these Ag-specific T cells selectively up-regulate expression of E-selectin ligand in cutaneous lymph nodes but not in mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen, demonstrating that expression of endogenous self-Ags in skin dictates imprinting of skin tissue homing in vivo. However, an additional inflammatory signal, here induced by tape stripping, is required in K14-mOVA mice to induce T cell migration to skin and development of inflammatory skin disease. Depletion of regulatory CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells did not provoke homing of transferred T cells to skin under steady-state conditions, indicating that these cells are not the key regulators for inhibiting T cell homing in K14-mOVA mice. Both skin-derived and lymph node-resident CD8alpha(+) dendritic cells are responsible for Ag presentation in vivo and induce tolerance to skin Ags, as we show by selective depletion of langerin(+) and CD11c(+) dendritic cells. Taken together, controlled skin homing of T cells is critical for the maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance to epidermal self-Ags.

Basal cell carcinomas arising within multiple trichoepitheliomas

Although trichoepitheliomas (TEs) are commonly regarded as benign tumors of follicular origin, the natural history of multiple familial trichoepitheliomas (MFT) and their risk for malignancy has been unclear. We describe a 57-year-old male with numerous skin-colored firm papules and plaques present on the central face since 6 years of age. Recently, some lesions had enlarged and ulcerated. Other family members were similarly affected. Biopsies from multiple lesions showed TEs both alone and associated with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the same section, suggesting the secondary development of BCCs within TEs. Many prior reports of BCCs arising within TEs in patients with presumed MFT were likely misdiagnosed cases of nevoid BCC. This report is a compelling example of MFT in which BCCs evolved secondarily. Awareness of the potential for the evolution of carcinoma in patients with MFT is important in the management of these patients.

The exanthem of dengue fever: Clinical features of two US tourists traveling abroad

BACKGROUND

Dengue fever is the most common identifiable cause of acute febrile illness among travelers returning from South America, South Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Although the characteristic exanthem of dengue fever occurs in up to 50% of patients, few descriptions of it are found in the dermatology literature, and discussions of how to distinguish the dengue exanthem from other infectious disease entities are rare. Chikungunya fever is an emerging infectious disease now seen in returning US tourists and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dengue fever in the appropriate patient.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to report two cases of dengue fever among returning US tourists, provide a review of dengue fever, offer an extensive differential diagnosis of dengue fever, and raise awareness among dermatologists of chikungunya fever.

METHODS

This study includes clinical findings of two returning travelers, one who traveled to Mexico and the other to Thailand, complemented by a discussion of both dengue fever and its differential diagnosis.

LIMITATIONS

Limited to 2 case reports.

CONCLUSION

Dengue fever should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever and rash in the returning traveler. Dermatologists should be aware of the distinctive exanthem of dengue fever. Recognition of the dengue fever rash permits a rapid and early diagnosis, which is critical, as dengue fever can progress to life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Effects of age on ranking for reduction in work force

A laboratory experiment tested the hypothesis that age and written descriptions of performance affected simulated evaluations for reduction in work force. 56 supervisors and managers attending night school reviewed written descriptions of seven individuals' performance. Seven different ages ranging from 25 to 63 years were paired with each individual's performance in a within-subject Latin square design. Each subject rated seven simulated individuals on 10 attributes and made recommendations in the form of comparative rankings for a simulated reduction in force. Chronological age effects on performance rankings were not found. Statistically removing rating components (work performance and sociability) from rankings using an analysis of covariance also yielded no age-related bias but did indicate that the subjects were able to distinguish among performance descriptions. These findings are discussed in relation to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.