Erythema multiforme in a patient with T cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Atypical cutaneous targetoid lesions after bone marrow transplant

A 69-year-old man with esophageal EBV-positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma status post allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) five months prior presented to his oncologist with three days of maculopapular rash that was initially diagnosed as grade 1 graft-versus-host disease and started on oral prednisone. However, due to worsening of the rash, the patient presented to dermatology clinic, where skin biopsy revealed a diagnosis of erythema multiforme (EM). The patient improved with the use of topical steroids. This case highlights the atypical morphology of post-BMT EM and the potential causes for this atypical appearance.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management

Cutaneous drug reactions are the most common type of adverse drug reaction. These reactions, ranging from simple pruritic eruptions to potentially life-threatening events, are a significant cause of iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening cutaneous drug reaction. Although progress has been made in the management of SJS through early detection, prompt hospitalization, and immediate cessation of offending agents, the prevalence of permanent disabilities associated with SJS remains unchanged. Nevertheless, despite being a problem that is global in scope, government and health care agencies worldwide have yet to find a consensus on either diagnostic criteria or therapy for this disorder. Here, we provide the internist and emergency room physician with a brief review the SJS literature and summarize the latest recommended interventions with the hope of improving early recognition of this disease and prevention of permanent sequelae and mortality that frequently complicate SJS.

Controversy: are systemic steroids indicated in the treatment of erythema multiforme?

The treatment of erythema multiforme major with systemic steroids became established during the 1950s. Recently, two retrospective case reviews comparing steroid-treated and nonsteroid-treated groups of patients with erythema multiforme found that these agents may be associated with complications. As a result, many clinicians have become uncertain as to the appropriate therapy of this disease entity. We successfully treated the condition with steroids in two children and one adolescent. The controversy over the potential efficacy of such therapy for erythema multiforme persists, however.

Immunohistochemical studies of major histocompatibility antigens in a case of the bare lymphocyte syndrome without immunodeficiency

A case of the bare lymphocyte syndrome without apparent immunodeficiency was observed. The patient had, in addition, ichthyosis vulgaris and sinobronchial disease. A pustular lesion developed at first on the anterior aspect of lower part of the left leg. This lesion gradually increased in size and evolved into giant indurated, irregular adjoining plaques. On biopsy, the histologic findings were similar to necrobiosis lipoidica. No human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens were detected on peripheral mononuclear cells; however, HLA-DR antigens were present on B lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical studies disclosed defective expression of class I antigens in the non-lesional skin, but positive expression was demonstrated in the lesional area. HLA-DR antigens were expressed on keratinocytes and on most infiltrating inflammatory cells in the affected skin. It is therefore speculated that class I antigen appearance and mononuclear cell infiltrate each induces the other and that together they play an important role in the formation and enlargement of the skin lesion.