[Actinomycosic mycetoma of the foot in Morocco due to Actinomycetes viscosus]

We present the case of an actinomycotic mycetoma of the foot due to Actinomycetes viscosus. It evolved for nine years on the foot of a 26-year-old patient from a rural environment: Douar Inezgane (city in southern Morocco). Bacteriological study of the skin and grains confirmed the diagnosis. It showed positive bacilli on direct examination and on Gram staining and in positive culture. Histological study showed a polymorphous granulomatous inflammation without signs of malignancy with actinomycotic grains. Then we retained the diagnosis of primary cutaneous actinomycosis without visceral locations. The treatment was based on antibiotics: penicillin G by intravenous infusion for five weeks, relayed orally by amoxicillin associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for long periods. After six months of treatment, we observed a favorable outcome with reduction of the swelling, nodules, lymphadenopathy, fistula's number and extension of time of issue of grains. The current follow up is 15 months. The primary cutaneous actinomycosis is still relevant in Morocco.

[Xanthoma disseminatum with asymptomatic multisystem involvement]

BACKGROUND

Xanthogranulomas belong to non-Langerhans histiocytosis of the second group in the Histiocyte Society classification. They comprise a heterogeneous group of rare entities frequently involving cutaneous tropism. Xanthoma disseminatum belongs to this group of non-Langerhans histiocytosis. We report a case of xanthoma disseminatum (XD) in which localized skin and mucous impairment revealed multisystem involvement.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 28-year-old man presented with a two-year history of progressive yellow-orange and infiltrated xanthomatous papulonodular lesions of the face. Lesions of the oral mucosa and genital region were seen, with no functional repercussions. No ophthalmic or other complications were found. Histopathology showed a dense histiocytic infiltrate within the dermis with Touton giant cells, foamy multinucleated giant cells and inflammatory cells, without necrobiosis. Histiocytes were positive for CD68 but negative for CD1a. Gastric and lung involvement was seen and was confirmed at histology. Bone scintigraphy showed suspicious left ulnar hyperfixation suggesting bone involvement. No monoclonal gammopathy or diabetes insipidus was seen. Our patient was treated with corticosteroids 1mg/kg/day and thalidomide 100 mg/day. The outcome was marked by regression and exfiltration of the cutaneous lesions from the second week of treatment, with subsidence continuing at 3 months.

DISCUSSION

This case involves a very rare form of xanthoma disseminatum. The localized facial skin lesions revealed multifocal non-Langerhans histiocytosis that was in fact asymptomatic. The diagnosis of XD was based on clinical, histological and immunohistochemical criteria. Xanthoma disseminatum is a non-Langerhans histiocytic proliferation first described by Montgomery in 1938. This rare entity is characterized by skin and mucous membrane xanthomatosis in which the facial involvement is common, together with diabetes insipidus and normal lipid metabolism. The prognosis is determined by the presence of mucosal xanthomas and visceral involvement. Thus, all xanthogranulomas involving multiple lesions warrant screening for visceral involvement. Diagnosis of this entity can be difficult and is usually based on clinical and histopathological findings. In addition, treatment is complex and non-consensual.

[Renal ultrasound in fat necrosis]

Subcutaneous fat necrosis is an uncommon disease that may be complicated with potentially fatal hypercalcemia or with nephrocalcinosis. We report on the case of a patient with a history of significant perinatal asphyxia, hospitalized for a urinary tract infection. Lesions of subcutaneous fat necrosis were noted, with asymptomatic hypercalcemia at 3.9mmol/L. A renal ultrasound was performed and showed echogenic medullary pyramids bilaterally, consistent with nephrocalcinosis and left nephrolithiasis. The treatment of hypercalcemia included hyperhydration, a diuretic and corticosteroids. Progression was characterized by the total regression of skin lesions and normalization of serum calcium. Hypercalcemia is a rare complication of subcutaneous fat necrosis. It develops within days to weeks after the appearance of skin lesions. Nephrocalcinosis appears after several weeks or months. Hypercalcemia must be treated in due time to avoid the impact on the kidney.