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F Aloi

Publications and source records attributed to F Aloi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

The -174 G/C polymorphism of the interleukin-6 gene promoter is associated with peripheral artery occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: high plasma levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) are found in patients with atherosclerotic disorders. Recently, a common polymorphism of the IL-6 gene promoter, influencing the transcription rate of the gene, has been described and associated with atherosclerosis of carotid and coronary arteries. The objective of this study was to test whether IL-6 gene promoter polymorphism is associated with peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) in a case-control study. METHODS: IL-6 gene promoter polymorphism was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme analysis in 84 patients affected by PAOD and 183 controls. RESULTS: the distribution of IL-6 genotypes was: patients with PAOD: 44 GG, 30 GC, 10 CC; control subjects: 53 GG, 80 GC, 50 CC. The GG genotype was significantly more common in the PAOD group (p<0.0001), while the CC genotype was significantly more common in control patients (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: this study indicates a strong association between IL-6 gene polymorphism and PAOD and support the hypothesis that IL-6 and IL-6 gene polymorphism are important in the pathophysiology and evolution of ischaemic diseases of the lower limbs.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

The K469E polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene is a risk factor for peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays a crucial role in lymphocyte migration and activation, and is considered important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. K469E is a common polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene with potential functional significance. The aim of the present case-control study was to evaluate the association between this polymorphism and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). ICAM-1 gene polymorphism was examined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis in 75 Italian subjects affected by PAOD and 227 controls. The distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes in patients affected by PAOD was 32.1% EE, 50.6% EK, and 17.3% KK. The distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes in control subjects was 17.2% EE, 55.1% EK, and 27.7% KK. The EE genotype was significantly more common in patients than controls (P = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the presence of the EE genotype significantly increases the risk of PAOD (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-8.4; P = 0.004). This is the first study documenting a role of the ICAM-1 gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of a cardiovascular disease, such as PAOD. Our data support the hypothesis that inflammatory mechanisms are important in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases with an atherosclerotic basis.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

The clinicopathologic spectrum of rhinophyma.

We report the results of a clinicopathologic study of 17 patients with rhinophyma in different stages of evolution, with particular attention paid to the severe form of this disease. On the basis of clinical features, we identified 2 groups of patients: the first group (12/17 patients) included patients with the common form of rhinophyma, whereas the second one (5/17 patients) included patients with the severe form of the disease. There was no link between the clinical aspect and the duration of the disease. Microscopic examination of specimens obtained from the classic type of rhinophyma substantially showed the histopathologic features of fully developed rosacea, except for the presence of prominent sebaceous hyperplasia. The second group showed a very different histologic pattern displaying marked dermal thickness, absence of folliculosebaceous structures, sclerotic collagen bundles with large amounts of mucin, and spreading telangiectasia. The inflammatory infiltrate was inconspicuous, with numerous interstitial spindle and bizarre cells. Most of the interstitial cells were reactive to factor XIIIa. The severe form of rhinophyma shares many histologic characteristics with elephantiasis caused by chronic lymphedema.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Immature myeloid precursors in chronic neutrophilic dermatosis associated with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Sweet syndrome (SS) associated with myeloproliferative disorders has been considered an inflammatory process mediated by neutrophils in which immunologic mechanisms are operative. The authors report the case of a 68-year-old man suffering from a myelodysplastic syndrome, who presented with a relapsing skin eruption resembling SS. Histopathologically, the skin infiltrates showed prominent neutrophilic features masking the underlying malignant process. Extensive immunophenotypic studies of skin revealed the presence of a few immature myeloid cells intermingled with an overwhelming infiltrate of neutrophils. The atypical cells in the skin had a phenotype identical to that of leukemic cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. Whether or not immature myeloid cell precursors constitute a specific infiltrate of leukemia cutis or are a result of recruitment of circulating leukemic cells to this area of inflammation is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with plaques.

We report on the clinical and histopathologic findings of four patients who had asymptomatic, erythematous to violaceous plaques symmetrically distributed on the upper aspect of the thighs, lateral chest, and in two cases also on the abdomen and flexor surface of the elbows. All of the patients were women; two of them had arthritis, which in one case was associated with an autoimmune disorder, and another had autoimmune thyroiditis. Histopathologically, all cases showed similar changes consisting of an interstitial granulomatous dermatitis involving mostly the lower reticular dermis. Histiocytes were the predominant cellular component, arranged interstitially and in small palisades around foci of degenerated collagen bundles in concert with large numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis can present different clinical expressions, including linear cords, papules, and, as in our cases, plaques. This peculiar histopathologic pattern falls into the spectrum of cutaneous extravascular necrotizing granuloma, a condition that is often associated with systemic autoimmune disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Dermatofibroma with granular cells: a report of two cases.

We describe two examples of an unusual variant of dermatofibroma (DF) in which areas of granular cells were a prominent feature. The diagnosis of DF was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and by ultrastructural studies. Granular cell changes can be observed in numerous benign and malignant cutaneous tumors of different cellular lineage. Cellular granularity is a nonspecific phenomenon characterized by intracytoplasmic accumulation of lysosomes and may cause diagnostic difficulties. Traumatic factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of cellular granularity.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Spindle cell hemangioma.

A 27-year-old woman presented with multiple nodules closely grouped on her right upper distal extremity. The lesions, dating from childhood, increased slowly in time. Microscopic examination of one nodule showed the histologic features of spindle cell hemangioendothelioma (SCH). At the periphery of the nodule there were also some features of the so-called sinusoidal hemangioma. Clinically, SCH can present as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions in zonal distribution. When the lesions are multiple, the diagnosis of Maffucci's syndrome should be considered. SCH may be interpreted as a reactive process secondary to thrombosis and recanalization occurring in angiomatous lesions with different clinical presentations. Spindle cells are probably mesenchymal cells modified by blood pressure. For this entity the term hemangioma seems to be preferable to that of hemangioendothelioma.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma: a report of two cases.

We report the clinical, histological and immunological features of two cases of multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma (MCAH) in women of 32 and 53 years of age, respectively. Clinically, MCAH occurs mostly in middle-aged women and consists of crops of reddish-purple, dome-shaped papules especially on the limbs. Histologically, the reticular dermis presents an increased number of small vascular channels with plump endothelial cells embedded in a fibrohistiocitic stroma with numerous bizarre multinucleate cells. Bizarre multinucleated cells are not specific to MCAH; they can be observed in numerous other cutaneous conditions. However, MCAH presents quite distinctive clinico-pathological findings and may be easily differentiated from other cutaneous disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Inflammatory type cutaneous metastasis of bladder neoplasm: erysipeloid carcinoma].

BACKGROUND: Skin metastasis from transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is quite uncommon. Especially, the inflammatory type of skin metastasis with features of carcinoma erysipeloid is a rare event. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old man with bladder carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy developed 6 months later red to violaceous papules, indurated plaques and edema in the perigenital area. The initial presumptive diagnosis was irritative contact dermatitis and cellulitis. Histologic examination of a skin biopsy disclosed dilated lymphatic vessels filled with neoplastic cells resembling transitional cells. COMMENT: Although carcinoma erypeloid is most commonly caused by breast carcinoma, it has also been linked to other carcinomas. Dermal lymphatic involvement is an essential feature shared by cases of inflammatory carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Carcinoma erysipeloid may be caused by bladder carcinoma. Skin metastases are generally present in the late stages of this disease and indicate a poor outcome.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

Actinic lichen planus simulating melasma.

A 23-year-old Italian woman presented with asymptomatic, symmetric, hyperpigmented patches on her face. The dermatosis became exacerbated in summer and closely resembled melasma. The histologic examination and immunofluorescence studies revealed typical features of lichen planus. Actinic lichen planus mimicking melasma is a rare dermatosis occurring mostly in women of oriental origin. The differential diagnosis of further facial melanoses will be discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Psoriatic erythroderma: a histopathologic study of forty-five patients.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting opinions about the diagnostic value of skin biopsy in erythrodermic psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to establish the specificity of the histopathologic changes of psoriatic erythroderma. METHODS: We reviewed 52 skin biopsies from 45 erythrodermic patients having a final diagnosis of psoriasis on the basis of combined clinical and laboratory data, in addition to response to therapy and follow-up. In 5 patients, erythroderma was the presenting sign of psoriasis. A control group of nonpsoriatic erythrodermic patients was also included in the study. RESULTS: Among the group of patients with a discharge diagnosis of psoriatic erythroderma, the histopathologic changes were specific for psoriasis in 40 cases (88%). The changes of early macular and squamous lesions of psoriasis were more often found in the biopsy specimens of our series than those of fully developed or late lesions of psoriasis. They included mainly slight epidermal hyperplasia, focal disappearance of the granular layer, mounds of parakeratosis and extravasated erythrocytes within edematous dermal papillae associated with perivascular and interstitial infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes. CONCLUSION: When features of early lesions of psoriasis are found during the evaluation of a biopsy specimen from a patient with a clinically nonspecific erythroderma, the dermatopathologist should be aware that this patient could have psoriasis and a renewed anamnesis and a close follow-up should be made.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Dermoid cyst of the penis.

A dermoid cyst of the penis has not been documented previously in the literature. We report a young Caucasian who had an important swelling of the penis dating back several months. On examination a subcutaneous mass on the dorsal aspect of the shaft and prepuce was present. A cutaneous sinus discharging purulent material was also noted above the mass. Laboratory tests including serology for syphilis and bacteriologic examination were negative. An excisional biopsy revealed a nodular lesion in the subcutaneous tissue with tufts of hair emerging from the surface. Histopathologic examination disclosed granulation tissue containing fragments of hair surrounded by granulomatous infiltrate. Serial sections allowed identification of a subcutaneous cyst. The wall was epidermoid and connected with several pilosebaceous units. A sinus tract lined by stratified squamous epithelium contiguous with the epidermis was also noted. Clinical and histopathologic differential diagnoses are discussed. Evidence for a congenital origin of this condition is given.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma with perifollicular mucinosis.

An 8-year-old boy had a congenital, solitary verrucous lesion on his ear that histologically showed numerous maloriented infundibulocystic structures from which radiated immature sebaceous lobules as well as hair germs with rudimentary papillae. The surrounding stroma was fibrillary, containing large quantities of mucin. We conclude that perifollicular mucinosis, considered to be specific to Carney's syndrome, can also be observed in solitary folliculosebaceous hamartoma.

Child↗
PubMed1996

Malignant cellular blue nevus: a clinicopathological study of 6 cases.

BACKGROUND: Malignant cellular blue nevus (MCBN) is a rare entity due to the malignant transformation of a preexisting cellular blue nevus (CBN). OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The clinical and pathologic features of 6 patients with MCBN are described. RESULTS: Three tumors were located on the scalp, 2 on the trunk and 1 on the neck. The lesions, present from birth or childhood, had enlarged rapidly in the last months before excision. Histologically, there was a dermal proliferation of spindle and epithelioid atypical melanocytic cells. Some of them were heavily pigmented. Numerous atypical mitoses were seen. In 2 cases, foci of necrosis were detected. In 2 cases, remnants of CBN were also noted. MCBN has a poor prognosis and may be difficult to differentiate from so-called atypical blue nevus, metastasis of malignant melanoma and malignant transformation of combined nevus. CONCLUSIONS: CBN may represent a precursor of malignant melanoma. In MCBN, malignant changes seem to occur in clear cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Perianal cytomegalovirus ulcer in an HIV-infected patient.

A 51-year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome presented with a perianal ulcer. Histologically there were numerous cytomegalic inclusions within endothelial cells and stomal fibroblasts. Cytomegalovirus within infected cells was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. No cytopathic typical of Herpes simplex were detected. The ulcer resolved completely after a treatment with ganciclovir.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1996

Cellular neurothekeoma.

We describe the histological and immunohistochemical findings of two cases of cellular neurothekeoma, a recently recognized benign neoplasm considered to be of neural origin. Morphologically they were characterized by a dermal proliferation of plexiform fascicles and small nests of pale eosinophilic, epithelioid or spindle-shaped cells which ramified in an ill-defined pattern between collagen bundles. Scant to moderate amounts of mucin were detected only in the plexiform lobules. Purely myxoid and cellular lobules concurred in these neoplasms. Immunohistochemically, both neoplasms exhibited focal immunoreactivity of the cells for factor XIIIa, providing further evidence for perineural differentiation. Problems of differential diagnosis with other plexiform neoplasms of uncertain origin are discussed.

Adult↗