Meyer A, Stadie V. [Artificial ulcer with perforating bone defect on the scalp due to repeated - scratching attacks in dementia syndrome].
Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2022;
147:720-723. [PMID:
35636425 DOI:
10.1055/a-1828-6505]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
HISTORY
We report on a 72-year-old demented patient with a palm-sized skin defect on the scalp, who has been manipulating her head several times a day with her fingers but also with sharp objects for many months.
CLINICAL FINDINGS
A 4 × 6 cm circular, cleanly granulated ulcer was visible on the high parietal surface. On general examination, the patient was little affected: no fever, no signs of inflammation around the ulcer, no evidence of meningitis.
EXAMINATIONS
There was no histological evidence of the presence of a malignant or benign tumor. A CT of the skull showed a bony defect measuring 2.6 × 3.3 cm without involvement of the dura. The whole body CT without pathological findings.
THERAPY AND COURSE
First, a protective helmet was made for the patient. Subsequently, a titanium plate was surgically inserted as a bone substitute and the defect was closed by means of transpositionoplasty. In the two-year follow-up, no tumor disease was detected.
CONCLUSION
Due to the lack of evidence of tumorigenesis in a follow-up period of two years, we evaluate the lesion as an artificial ulcer with perforating bone defect caused by repeated scratching attacks in the context of dementia syndrome.
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