Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica (Bazex syndrome)

Acrokeratosis neoplastica (Bazex syndrome): Report of two cases and literature review

The skin often reflects the presence of internal diseases. Acrokeratosis neoplastica (Bazex syndrome) is a unique skin manifestation characterized by its erythematous hyperkeratosis with yellowish, adherent scales on the palm, sole, or other acral locations. There is a potentially high association between Bazex syndrome and malignant pathology, especially squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). To date, various skin conditions have been recognized as diagnostic indicators of insidious malignancies. The recognition of paraneoplastic dermatoses has a strong potential for prompt cancer detection and early therapeutic intervention. Here we describe clinical and forensic cases of Bazex syndrome that are associated with SCC of the glottis and lung. Bazex syndrome has been reported to be associated with a variety of cancers in addition to SCC. We review the clinical manifestations of Bazex syndrome and include updated knowledge on disease pathogenesis.

Bazex Syndrome (Acrokeratosis Paraneoplastica): A Narrative Review of Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, and Therapeutic Approaches

Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica, also known as Bazex syndrome, is a relatively understudied yet clinically important dermatological condition that is inextricably associated with squamous cell carcinoma, predominantly of the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Manifesting as unique psoriasis-like cutaneous lesions, Bazex syndrome functions as an early warning signal for underlying malignancies, underscoring the urgent need for its timely diagnosis and intervention. Notwithstanding its clinical relevance, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning its pathogenesis are not fully understood. To address these gaps, this comprehensive literature review undertook a meticulous search across reputable databases such as EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Web of Science. Our analysis ventures into multiple putative pathogenic pathways, including shifts in Th2 immune responses, aberrant secretion of growth factors, and immunological reactions to tumor-specific antigens. We also detail the clinical phenotypes of Bazex syndrome and their chronological linkage with the corresponding malignancies. Finally, the review evaluates the therapeutic effectiveness of various approaches, including but not limited to targeted cancer treatments, PUVA therapy, and topical corticosteroids. This synthesis aims to arm healthcare providers with a nuanced understanding of Bazex syndrome, facilitating more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment paradigms.

Annular and acral/facial dyskeratotic paraneoplastic disorders

Annular and acral/facial dyskeratotic paraneoplastic disorders are inflammatory dermatoses that occur in association with distant cancers but are not precursors, extensions, or metastases of them. There are four classical entities under this rubric: two gyrate entities, erythema annulare centrifugum and erythema gyratum repens, and two acral/facial dyskeratotic entities, acrokeratosis paraneoplastic (Bazex syndrome) and tripe palms. Each of these entities may also occur in association with another etiopathogenesis and may present either as a classical entity or as a barely recognizable disease. We discuss these entities, their associated causes, and their differential diagnoses in turn.

An Unusual Encounter of Skin Condition Mimicking Acrokeratosis Paraneoplastica (Bazex Syndrome)

Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica is a rare paraneoplastic skin disease in which there are erythematous violaceous, scaly plaques on the hands, feet, and acral locations. There is a relationship between various carcinomas of the aerodigestive tract and skin eruptions. These were the pioneering work done pertaining to a clinical entity that was showing some inter-relationship between a skin condition and carcinoma anywhere inside the body. Bazex syndrome is mostly associated with carcinomas of the upper aero-digestive tract, but other malignancies were also being reported. In this case, the patient was in advancing age with cachexic features along with liver and lung lesions which prompted us to investigate histologically for evidence of malignancy which came out to be negative. In our case, lungs showed features of pulmonary edema with normal histology. When we examined the liver, gross lesions were present but no evidence of malignancy was noted and the liver showed normal parenchyma histologically. Specimens taken from hand and foot showed hyperkeratosis along with bacterial colonies in the overlying epidermis. The spleen showed red pulp with congestion and hemorrhage. Similarly, sections from the kidneys were showing interstitial inflammation and congestion of blood vessels. Specimens from the brain and heart showed unremarkable histology.

A Review of Nail Changes in Acrokeratosis Paraneoplastica (Bazex Syndrome)

Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica (Bazex syndrome) is a rare paraneoplastic dermatosis associated with internal malignancies. Clinical presentation is characterized by erythematous or violaceous scaly plaques involving the digits, nose, ears, palms, and soles. Nail changes commonly present concurrently with cutaneous manifestations. In this review, we characterize nail changes associated with acrokeratosis paraneoplastica. A total of 48 cases were analyzed. Nail findings were nonspecific, with the most common being nail plate thickening, onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis, longitudinal ridging, discoloration, and nail plate loss. In most patients, nail changes involved the majority of fingernails and toenails and most often appeared prior to the diagnosis of malignancy. The most common associated underlying malignancies were squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. A diagnosis of acrokeratosis paraneoplastica should be considered in patients with onychodystrophy involving multiple nails with accompanying atypical psoriasiform dermatoses. Screening for internal malignancies may significantly decrease morbidity and mortality for these patients.