Background: Alopecia is a burgeoning area of patient interest and dermatologic investigation. Alopecia following a solid organ transplant has been relatively unexplored, despite the potential for significant symptomatic and psychological impact on patients posttransplant. Objective: We set out to study alopecia in patients following solid organ transplants, including presentation, etiology, evaluation, and management. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent solid organ transplant without a preceding history of alopecia at a single center between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020, to record new alopecia diagnoses posttransplant. Demographic data, transplant type, immunosuppressive regimen, and type of alopecia were all collected. Results: Between 2011 and 2020, a total of 3,732 patients underwent a solid organ transplant with a median age of 58 (range: 18-82) years. Sixty-two percent were men, 72.5% were White, and 8.4% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Out of 3,732 patients who underwent a solid organ transplant, 39 (1%) subsequently developed alopecia. Risk of alopecia was higher in females (hazard ratio [HR] = 12.26, P < .001), Hispanics (HR = 2.49, P = .043), and pancreas transplant patients (HR = 24.26, P < .001). Limitations: This is a retrospective review. Conclusion: In this study, alopecia was rare after a solid organ transplant, but further investigation is needed to assess for potential underdiagnosis of alopecia following transplant and the higher risks reported in certain populations.
COVID-19-Associated Cutaneous Ulcerations in a Patient with PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum: A Case Report
PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS) encompasses rare disorders characterized by vascular malformations and predisposition to thrombotic complications. COVID-19 has been associated with diverse cutaneous manifestations through endothelial dysfunction and microvascular thrombosis. We present a 33-year-old female with PROS and extensive capillary malformations who developed multiple cutaneous ulcerations on her affected right leg exclusively during COVID-19 infection in 2020, with complete resolution following recovery. Preexisting endothelial abnormalities and thrombotic predisposition in PROS may create heightened vulnerability to COVID-19-induced vascular injury, explaining why cutaneous manifestations occurred exclusively in zones of capillary malformation. This susceptibility may be mediated by the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ Protein kinase B/ mechanistic target of Rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway, which regulates cell growth and vascular homeostasis, is constitutively activated in PROS, and is exploited by SARS-CoV-2 during infection. Clinicians managing patients with vascular malformations should be aware of this potential interaction.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: retrospective case-control study of 54 patients from a tertiary care center
AbstractBackground/ObjectivesTrisomy 21 has known associated clinical phenotypes, including skin and soft tissue concerns. However, the overall prevalence and types of findings are largely unclear.MethodsA retrospective review of children with trisomy 21 and one or more dermatologic diagnoses, seen from 1/1/1994 to 7/1/2016, was performed to record dermatologic diagnoses. If one or more diagnoses were confirmed, further data were collected, including demographics, medical specialty, referrals to dermatology, treatment, complications, and follow‐up.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐four patients with a diagnosis of trisomy 21 aged 18 years or younger were confirmed to have one or more dermatologic diagnoses. In a total of 479 dermatologic diagnoses, superficial mycoses (12%), skin and soft tissue infections (10%), dermatitis (8%), and folliculitis (8%) were most common. Diagnoses were most commonly made as an outpatient (91%) and by general pediatrics (45%) or dermatology (25%). A significant difference (P < .05) in the frequency of various diagnoses made by different specialties was observed. A significant difference (P < .05) in the treatments recommended by different specialties was also observed. Referrals to dermatology were infrequent (6%). However, a frequent change in diagnosis (61%) or treatment (68%) for patients referred to dermatology was observed.ConclusionsChildren with trisomy 21 are most commonly diagnosed with superficial mycoses, skin and soft tissue infections, dermatitis, and folliculitis. The majority of diagnoses were made by general pediatricians and although dermatology referral was rarely necessary, consultations often resulted in change of diagnosis and/or treatment, supporting consideration of early and frequent dermatology referral.
A rare case of childhood mucous membrane pemphigoid involving the oral and genital mucosa
AbstractMucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare chronic immunobullous disease that involves the mucous membranes and may result in significant scarring and complications if diagnosis is delayed. MMP typically occurs in elderly patients, with very few cases reported in children. Here, we present a 12‐year‐old female patient with childhood‐onset oral and genital MMP, clinically suspected to be lichen sclerosus, but eventually diagnosed as MMP after multiple supportive biopsies and confirmatory direct immunofluorescence. Although treatment was challenging, the combined use of systemic corticosteroids, dapsone, and mycophenolate mofetil was ultimately successful in achieving disease control.
Cutaneous sarcoid‐like drug reaction caused by an anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor
AbstractAnaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearranged lung cancers represent 4% to 6% of all pulmonary adenocarcinomas, and echinoderm microtubule associated protein like 4 (EML4)‐ALK fusions are the most common subgroup. Herein, we report a case of two successive drug reactions due to ALK inhibitors. A 69‐year‐old female with stage IVB EML4‐ALK fused lung adenocarcinoma developed a generalized morbilliform eruption 10 days after starting alectinib. Skin biopsy findings were consistent with a drug reaction. Her findings resolved after alectinib was discontinued. Another ALK inhibitor, lorlatinib was started and she developed multiple asymptomatic cutaneous and oral nodules 4 months later. Biopsies from these nodules showed sarcoidal granulomas without evidence of metastases or infection. ALK inhibitors are associated with numerous adverse events, including various cutaneous eruptions. However, a sarcoidal drug reaction involving the skin has not been reported. Identification of drug reactions to targeted therapy can avoid long‐term sequelae and misinterpretation of the clinical findings as disease progression or infection.
Serum triamcinolone levels during intensive, inpatient wet‐dressing therapy
AbstractAcquired progressive lymphangioma (benign lymphangioendothelioma) is a rare lymphatic anomaly of unclear pathogenesis. Excision is generally advised for local disease, although other therapies have been tried. This report describes a unique case of extensive acquired progressive lymphangioma involving the abdomen, genitalia, and lower extremity of a 1‐year‐old boy. Rapid progression and multisite involvement required exploration of nonsurgical options for management.
Treatment of severe drug reactions by hemodialysis
AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal treatments such as hemodialysis and plasma exchange are lifesaving measures in the treatment of drug poisoning. This treatment method generally is not used for severe cutaneous and systemic drug reactions.MethodsHere, we describe three cases wherein hemodialysis therapy was instrumental in reversing the adverse drug reaction.ResultsIn the cases of severe cutaneous drug reactions reviewed, patients presented with linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Salvage treatment with hemodialysis therapy drastically influenced the course of disease, resulting in remission.ConclusionsThis novel and highly effective treatment option is not considered in current algorithms for adverse drug reactions. Hence, in addition to the rarity of these reactions, the main limitation of the study is the small number of patients. Hemodialysis can substantially alter the prognosis and, in some cases, be a lifesaving treatment for patients with severe adverse cutaneous drug reaction associated with systemic toxicity.
Benzalkonium Chloride: A Known Irritant and Novel Allergen
Background Benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a detergent and preservative found in health care and household products, is an established irritant, yet BAK is seldom considered to cause allergic contact dermatitis. We have, however, observed positive patch test reactions more often than is typically reported. From 2001 through 2005 and 2006 through 2010, BAK was among the top 10 most frequent allergens in our standard series. Objective The aim of this study was to review the Mayo Clinic experience from 2000 to 2012 with patch testing to BAK. Methods An electronic patch test database was used to acquire results of patients who underwent patch testing for BAK 0.1% aqueous after it was introduced to the standard series in 2000 until 2012. Previous reports (1998–2000, 2001–2005, 2006–2010) from our institution were also reviewed. Conclusions Our study showed BAK to be an allergen of increasing importance. From 1998 through 2000, 2001 through 2005, and 2006 through 2010, the rate of allergic patch test results to BAK increased. More than half of the reactions in each period studied were graded as macular erythema, with at least one third of all reactions deemed to be relevant. Irritancy rates were consistently low.