Citations

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis (NEH) is a benign neutrophilic dermatosis not well recognized beyond an association with malignancy. Although the disease is commonly reported in adults with malignancy, this association is uncommon in children. The diagnosis of NEH is predominantly based on histologic findings to exclude alternative diagnoses for adults, but biopsy is not usually required for children.MethodsA retrospective study was performed of adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with NEH at three Mayo Clinic sites from January 1, 1992, to January 1, 2022. The aim of this study was to elucidate risk factors for NEH and its clinical characteristics, treatment options, and natural course. Clinical information and pathologic results were collected from health records. Available pathologic slides were reviewed with a dermatopathologist.ResultsOf 47 patients identified, 33 had either histologic or clinical confirmation of the diagnosis; 21 were adults (64%), and 12 were children (36%). Most adults (16/21; 76%) had underlying malignancy and received chemotherapy. Five adults (24%) were classified as having idiopathic NEH, and they were younger and had higher NEH recurrence rates than the other adults. Only one pediatric patient (8%) had underlying malignancy. For 10 children (83%), NEH was preceded by strenuous activity. Initial findings of idiopathic NEH were palmoplantar eruptions for both adult and pediatric patients, whereas malignancy‐associated NEH commonly involved the face and axillae.ConclusionsAmong adults, NEH is commonly associated with malignancy and chemotherapy. Among children, idiopathic NEH occurs primarily after overexertion, and malignancy is highly unlikely to be the cause of NEH.

AbstractIgA vasculitis is a small‐vessel vasculitis subtype with increased risk of systemic involvement. We aimed to investigate if any light‐microscopic features can predict the presence of perivascular granular IgA deposits on direct immunofluorescence (DIF) microscopy. We performed a retrospective search of cutaneous pathology reports from our internal and consultation practice (January 1, 2010–October 5, 2021) with a diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and accompanying DIF. A blinded dermatopathologist reviewed standard microscopy slides for predetermined histopathological features. Fifty‐six biopsies (48 patients) and 56 biopsies (42 patients) met inclusion criteria for IgA+ and IgA−, respectively. The presence of eosinophils and mid and deep dermal inflammation were statistically more associated with IgA− (41/56 [73.2%] and 31/56 [55.4%], respectively) than IgA+ cases (28/56 [50.0%] and 14/56 [25.0%]; p = 0.049 and 0.006, respectively, chi‐squared test). Other microscopic criteria recorded were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05, chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests). In this retrospective study of 112 cases, we found that while the absence of eosinophils and absence of mid‐ and deep inflammation were correlated with increased likelihood of IgA perivascular deposition on DIF, no other histopathological features on light microscopy tested could reliably predict the presence of IgA perivascular deposition on DIF. Therefore, DIF remains a necessary component for the accurate diagnosis of cutaneous IgA vasculitis.

AbstractSeveral studies have documented correction of dysmotility in several regions of the gastrointestinal tract based on electrical stimulation of extrinsic nerves supplying those regions. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Ma et al. (2023) document the effect of transcutaneous neuromodulation applied by acustimulation at ST36 for ineffective esophageal motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. In addition to motor effects, there were also significant effects on GERD symptoms, raising the question whether extrinsic electrical nerve stimulation of the gut can reduce symptoms through effects that target sensation. This brief review summarizes evidence regarding the application of electrical acustimulation, transauricular electrical stimulation, and sacral electrical or magnetic stimulation to reduce abdominal or pelvic pain.

AbstractBackgroundGastroparesis is a complex, challenging gastrointestinal disorder presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, especially nausea and vomiting, with significant impact on patients' quality of life. After ruling out mechanical obstruction, it is essential to identify delay in gastric emptying for definitive diagnosis. The most common causes are idiopathic (no identified etiology), diabetes mellitus, and postsurgical status. Management of gastroparesis focuses on dietary modifications and treatment directed to symptom relief. Unfortunately, approximately one‐third of patients are refractory to pharmacological therapy, and the effectiveness of the few nonpharmacological options has been questioned.PurposeExtensive review of the literature identifies several uncertainties or controversies regarding the differential diagnosis based on the spectrum of symptoms, the lack of availability of reliable diagnostic test, and questions regarding effective therapeutic options. In this review, we discuss ten controversies regarding gastroparesis: clinical presentation, diagnosis, overlap syndromes, pathophysiology, etiology, as well as pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic options. In addition, we briefly review studies exploring pathological, inflammatory, and molecular disturbances affecting the intrinsic neuromuscular elements that may be involved in the pathophysiology of gastroparesis and may constitute possible therapeutic targets in the future. Finally, we tabulate future research opportunities to resolve these controversies in the management of patients with gastroparesis.