[Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma CD30(+) ALK(+)]

We present a case of primary systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, which manifested itself through skin involvement in a 32-year-old man. Only the third histological investigation with immunophenotyping resulted in the correct diagnosis of CD30(+) ALK(+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma. After combined chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy, complete remission of the disease was achieved and one year after completion of therapy no relapse occurred. The diagnostic pitfalls and therapeutic options are discussed.

Hidradenitis suppurativa treated with combination of infliximab and dapsone

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent painful nodules, which leads to forming an abscess and sinus tracts, together with pustulation and hypertrophic scarring in the areas of apocrine sweat glands. Systemic and local antibiotic therapy, together with corticoid therapy, sulphonates, retinoids and surgical treatment with incisions and drainage belongs to actual treatment possibilities. Biological therapy represents the absolute peak in the treatment last years, mostly TNFα-inhibitors. Even though their very good short term effect is described, long term keeping up the good long effect of the treatment is not achieved with satisfaction. This is the reason to reach for traditional therapeutic possibilities combined with biological treatment in cases of torpid and resistive disease. In the following article a case report of a patient with hidradenitis suppurativa treated subsequently with combination of TNFα-inhibitors and dapson (Fig. 6, Ref. 19).

Systemic therapy of psoriasis: methotrexate

Methotrexate is the first line therapy for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis all over the world. It has immunosupressive and anti-inflammatory effects. If we want to use it, we have to know its mechanism of action and also its possible toxicity and how to cope with it (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 14).

Dermatitis herpetiformis in siblings

Two Caucasian sisters, XZ and YZ, suffered from DH. However, the clinical course of their diseases was different; patient XZ, contrary to her sister YZ, suffered besides dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) also from coeliac disease (CD) and an autoimmune thyroid disease. The sisters were ordered to adhere to gluten-free diet and dapsone was prescribed, however, patient XZ developed a hypersensitivity to dapsone. The HLA typing disclosed that they were homozygous and that they shared HLA alleles DQB1*0201. Our results confirm the known association of DH to other autoimmune disorders and its well established association the HLA-DQB1*0201 allele. Although DH is generally not regarded as a familial disease our case report suggests its familial character (Fig. 3, Ref. 10). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.