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Biomedical subjects

J Bhawan

Publications and source records attributed to J Bhawan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Multiple cellular neurothekeomas--a case report and review on the role of immunohistochemistry as a histologic adjunct.

BACKGROUND: Cellular neurothekeoma is a relatively rare, benign cutaneous neoplasm, which usually presents as a solitary papule or nodule involving the head and neck area of young adults. Multiple neurothekeomas have not, to date, been known to occur. METHODS: We report a 30-year-old, otherwise healthy, male who presented with multiple neurothekeomas (15) in the head and neck area over a period of 12 years. RESULTS: While the unifying feature of all biopsied (10 of 15) lesions was the presence of epithelioid cells--the lesions differed in their cellularity and the degree of sclerosis of the stromal component. Antigenic profiling of the lesional cells revealed expression of vimentin, NKI/C3, PGP 9.5, factor XIIIa and CD68 but not S100, HMB45, MelanA, EMA, MSA, desmin, CD57 or NGF-R. CONCLUSIONS: This case report is the first to document the occurrence of multiple cellular neurothekeomas. An unusual histologic feature of some of the biopsied lesions was the presence of a markedly sclerotic stroma.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Cutaneous neuroendocrine adenoma: an uncommon neoplasm.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasms are typically malignant. Benign cutaneous neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon. METHODS: We report the case of a 32-year-old female who presented with a granular mass in the right external auditory canal. RESULTS: Microscopic examination of a shave biopsy revealed a poorly circumscribed neoplasm with glandular differentiation. While cytologic atypia and mitotic activity were not evident, pagetoid spread was observed. Immunohistochemistry was indicative of neuroendocrine origin. CONCLUSIONS: This case report of neuroendocrine adenoma indicates that this entity should be entertained in the repertoire of conditions affecting the external ear.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous metastases from thyroid carcinomas, although uncommon, have been previously reported and are usually found in association with evidence of disseminated disease. METHODS: We report a 75-year-old male who presented with a 4-cm reddish violaceous nodule on the left temple and a clinical history significant for papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. RESULTS: Microscopic examination of a 4-mm punch biopsy revealed a poorly circumscribed neoplasm with focal epidermal connection and multiple cystic cavities and papillary projections. CONCLUSIONS: This case report describes a solitary cutaneous lesion as the first evidence of disseminated neoplastic disease in a patient with no other clinical evidence of concurrent metastases. The histology of the lesion was unusual in that it mimicked a primary cutaneous neoplasm.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Tazarotene cream for the treatment of facial photodamage: a multicenter, investigator-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel comparison of 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% tazarotene creams with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream applied once daily for 24 weeks.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of 4 concentrations of tazarotene cream in the treatment of facial photodamage. DESIGN: Prospective weekly multicenter, investigator-masked, randomized, parallel-group study. SETTING: University hospitals and clinical research centers. PATIENTS: Three hundred forty-nine subjects with facial photodamage. INTERVENTION: Daily topical application of tazarotene cream (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%) compared with its vehicle and with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream. RESULTS: Tazarotene cream and tretinoin cream significantly improved mottled hyperpigmentation and fine wrinkles. At week 24, treatment success rates based on global responses were 67% (39 of 58 subjects) with 0.1% tazarotene, 52% (30 of 58 subjects) with 0.05% tazarotene, 36% (21 of 58 subjects) with 0.025% tazarotene, 41% (24 of 59 subjects) with 0.01% tazarotene, 55% (32 of 58 subjects) with 0.05% tretinoin, and 22% (13 of 58 subjects) with vehicle. Local adverse events, although more frequent with tazarotene at higher concentrations, were generally mild to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Tazarotene in a cream formulation is safe and is associated with positive changes in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2001

Tumor of the follicular infundibulum with sebaceous differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Tumor of the follicular infundibulum (TFI) is a relatively rare tumor which clinically presents as a solitary keratotic papule usually on the head and neck which on microscopic examination typically reveals a plate-like fenestrated epithelial tumor composed of pale staining cells. METHODS: We describe a new variant of TFI. An 80-year-old male with a history of multiple basal cell carcinomas and a squamous cell carcinoma presented with a 2-year history of a red, scaly, slightly elevated plaque on the lateral aspect of his right buttock. RESULTS: Histopathological examination revealed plate-like reticulate epithelial outgrowths of large and pale cells with foci of sebaceous differentiation and numerous colloid bodies. Differential diagnosis included superficial basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous and ductal differentiation, tumor of the follicular infundibulum, an unusual fibroepithelioma of Pinkus or an eccrine fibroadenoma with sebaceous differentiation. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates a hybrid adnexal tumor with histologic features common to both tumor of the follicular infundibulum and superficial epithelioma with sebaceous differentiation.

Acrospiroma↗
PubMed2001

New insights into the applicability of T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement analysis in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Detection of clonal T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method is a marker for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) although it can be seen in some benign dermatoses. To determine the accuracy of histologic criteria alone as well as the adjuvant diagnostic role of TCR gene rearrangement for the diagnosis of CTCL, we studied 100 patients with cutaneous T-cell infiltrates by both histology and TCR gene rearrangement. METHODS: The histologic features of the 100 patients were first reviewed by two independent dermatopathologists and their confidence in the diagnosis of CTCL was assigned one of four levels. Then the specimens were analyzed for TCR gene rearrangement either on paraffin-embedded or fresh-frozen tissue by PCR/denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). RESULTS: The clonality was detected in 100% (15/15) diagnostic of, 84.6% (11/13) consistent with, 57.6% (19/33) suggestive of CTCL. In 9 cases TCR gene rearrangement was compared between formalin-fixed and fresh specimens of the same individual, but with different degrees of histologic confidence (no lower than suggestive). In all cases fresh specimens were positive. In 5 of the cases (2-diagnostic, 2-consistent, 1-suggestive) formalin-fixed specimens were positive as well, and in 4 cases (1-consistent, 3-suggestive) formalin-fixed specimens were negative. When TCR gene rearrangement was studied in eight cases on sequential biopsies from the same patient, the clonality was detected in only one or two biopsies in four cases in which the histologic confidence was low (suggestive or nondiagnostic). The TCR gene rearrangement study showed identical banding patterns in lesions from different clinical stages in most patients. However, we observed that in one case, oligoclonal-banding pattern was seen in initial biopsy with histopathologic consistent with CTCL, while monoclonal banding pattern in more advanced lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Our data have demonstrated that TCR gene rearrangement studies by PCR/DGGE are consistently positive regardless of tissue fixation (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded vs. fresh-frozen tissue) and biopsy site when the histologic degree of confidence is very high (diagnostic). So, it may be of less importance as an adjuvant to histopathologic diagnosis for the cases with diagnostic CTCL histology. However, TCR gene rearrangement studies are particularly important in earlier cases with less conclusive histology, which provides strong confirmatory evidence of an evolving CTCL. In these cases, multiple biopsies may be required to establish the diagnosis and analysis of fresh tissue is suggested to increases the sensitivity. Moreover, our observation also suggested that some CTCL might not be monoclonal de novo, but oligoclonal instead.

Clone Cells↗
PubMed2001

Laser resurfacing-induced hypopigmentation: histologic alterations and repigmentation with topical photochemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Hypopigmentation is a relatively common side effect of CO2 laser resurfacing. Little is known regarding the histologic features of the areas of pigmentation loss. To date, hypopigmentation is considered a permanent complication of this procedure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the histologic features of hypopigmentation caused by laser resurfacing and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical psoralen photochemotherapy. METHODS: Ten patients were included in this pilot study. Four had baseline biopsies performed. Histologic parameters assessed included epidermal melanin, dermal melanophages, perivascular inflammation, Mel-5 immunostaining for melanocytes, and dermal fibrosis. Seven patients were treated twice a week with topical photochemotherapy utilizing 0.001% 8-methoxypsoralen. RESULTS: All of the biopsy specimens demonstrated varying quantities of epidermal melanin and residual epidermal melanocytes. Mild perivascular inflammation was evident in two specimens. Superficial dermal fibrosis was noted in all biopsy specimens. Topical photochemotherapy induced moderate to excellent repigmentation in 71% of the treated patients. Adverse effects were minimal. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation suggest that hypopigmentation induced by laser resurfacing may result from a suppression of melanogenesis rather than destruction of area melanocytes. The preliminary data further suggest that hypopigmentation caused by laser resurfacing can be effectively treated by topical photochemotherapy.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed2001

An unusual melanocytic lesion associated with eccrine duct fibroadenomatosis and syringoid features.

The intimate association of nevomelanocytic nevi with eccrine ducts commonly seen in congenital nevi was emphasized by Mishima, who described as eccrine-centered nevi those lesions characterized by nevomelanocytic cells predominantly proliferating around and within the eccrine sweat duct walls. However, there were no changes in the overlying epidermis, dermis, or eccrine acrosyringeal or dermal duct proliferation in these lesions. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy with a 1-year-history of a 0.6-cm diameter single tan papule on the right heel, clinically thought to be a Spitz nevus. Histopathologic examination revealed a compound nevomelanocytic nevus associated with epidermal hyperplasia, thin anastomosing cords of acrosyringeal epithelium extending within the dermis, and eccrine ductal proliferation in a syringoma-like pattern associated with a dense fibrous stroma. Features that distinguish our case from eccrine-centered nevus are that the latter lacks epidermal and eccrine duct hyperplasia and a dense fibrous stroma. The location of the lesion on the heel in our case suggests the possibility that the pathologic changes observed could result from repetitive trauma.

Adenoma, Sweat Gland↗
PubMed2001

Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy.

This report details the histopathologic findings in a unique fibrosing disorder that recently emerged among patients with renal disease. The affected patients were initially identified among recipients of renal transplants at a single institution, but later cases at other centers were identified, and included patients receiving renal dialysis for a variety of different kidney diseases. The cutaneous changes consisted largely of indurated plaques and papules on the extremities and trunk. Systemic findings seen in scleromyxedema, which the condition resembles in some respects, were absent. By routine microscopy, the findings range from a very subtle proliferation of dermal fibroblasts in early lesions, to a florid proliferation of fibroblasts and dendritic cells in fully developed cases. Thick collagen bundles with surrounding clefts are a prominent finding, and a variable increase in dermal mucin and elastic fibers was usually evident with special stains. CD-34 positive dermal dendrocytes were floridly abundant, with dendritic processes aligned with elastic fibers and around collagen bundles in a dense network. Factor XIIIa and CD-68 positive mono-and multinucleated cells are also present in increased numbers. Electron microscopy highlighted increased elastic fibers closely apposed to dendritic cell processes. The entire dermis was commonly involved, with increased spindle cells, collagen, mucin, and elastic fibers extending through the subcutis along the septa of fatty lobules. In some instances, the process resembled a sarcoma on histopathologic examination. The recent emergence of this condition and the apparent clustering of cases in specific dialysis centers initially suggested a possible infectious and/or toxic agent. To date, however, no such agent has been identified. We propose the term "nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD)" until a specific cause can be identified.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Two cases of Kaposi's sarcoma mimicking Stewart-Treves syndrome found to be human herpesvirus-8 positive.

Although angiosarcoma is the most frequent tumor arising in the clinical setting of chronic lymphedema, as in Stewart-Treves syndrome, Kaposi's sarcoma has also been reported in this setting, although rarely. We describe two women who developed Kaposi's sarcoma in the lymphedematous arm many years after surgery for breast cancer. Case 1 is a 92-year-old and Case 2 is an 81-year-old; they underwent left total mastectomy and axillary node dissection for infiltrating breast carcinoma in 1981 and 1982 respectively. At that time, neither patient received further treatment. Except for persistent lymphedema, both women did well until over fourteen years later when each noted the development of several purple asymptomatic plaques on the edematous arm. In both, the clinical diagnosis at the time of biopsy was angiosarcoma. However, histologic findings in both cases were typical for Kaposi's sarcoma. In addition, a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of a 233bp segment of KSHV/HHV8 was performed on DNA extracted from the paraffin-embedded specimens and both cases were positive for this sequence. Histologic sections of both cases were also tested for KSHV by in situ hybridization and demonstrated a positive signal in the lesional cells in each case.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Cutaneous and paranasal aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient.

A 26-year-old Libyan woman presented with asymptomatic nodulo-ulcerative skin lesions present for 1 year. Three years prior to presentation, she had experienced a nasal discharge followed by the development of a nodule in the nasal cavity and a plaque on the hard palate. These lesions had gradually increased in size and ulcerated, resulting in perforation of the nasal septum and palate. Two years later, the patient noticed the appearance of skin lesions: a nodule on the right thumb and numerous nodulo-ulcerative lesions on the extremities. General physical examination was normal with no significant lymphadenopathy. Examination of the oral cavity revealed perforation of the distal nasal septum, with a perforated nodular plaque involving the entire palate, associated with subluxation of the upper incisors (Fig. 1a). On skin examination, multiple firm nodules and nodulo-ulcerative lesions with a central eschar and raised margins were observed. The lesions ranged in size from 0.5 to 5 cm and were distributed on the right hand and fingers, left upper arm (Fig. 1b), left calf, and right thigh. Routine laboratory investigations (liver function tests, serum calcium, electrolytes, lipid profile, urine and stool culture studies) were normal. Immunoelectrophoresis disclosed normal levels of immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, and IgM. Serologic studies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis, and a tuberculin test, were all negative. A Giemsa-stained tissue smear was negative for Leishmania tropica organisms. Radiological studies disclosed a slight haziness of the maxillary sinuses with perforation of the nasal septum. A chest X-ray was normal. Histopathologic examination of biopsies taken from both the palate and from ulcerated and nonulcerated skin lesions was performed, and all showed similar findings. The biopsy of a nonulcerated skin lesion showed pseudoepitheliomatous epidermal hyperplasia with neutrophilic microabscesses (Fig. 2a). A dermal diffuse and nodular granulomatous mixed infiltrate of lymphocytes, histiocytes, giant cells, numerous eosinophils, and neutrophilic microabscesses was seen in all tissues examined. Septate hyphae were present both within giant cells and free in the dermis (Fig. 2b). The hyphae were branching at a 45 degrees angle and were positive on periodic acid-Schiff and Grocott methenamine silver stains (Fig. 2c). Fungal culture studies of material taken from an ulcerated skin lesion grew Aspergillus flavus. Blood cultures were negative for Aspergillus sp. or other microorganisms. The patient was treated with intravenous amphotericin B, but the medication was discontinued due to her intolerance to the drug. She was subsequently lost to follow-up.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effect of daily versus intermittent sunscreen application on solar simulated UV radiation-induced skin response in humans.

BACKGROUND: Acute and chronic skin damage occurs as a consequence of solar UV radiation exposure. To diminish such skin damage, the dermatologic community advocates the daily use of sunscreens as part of a sun avoidance strategy. OBJECTIVE: We determined the effectiveness of a sunscreen product with a sunscreen protection factor (SPF) of 15 applied daily in preventing UV-induced histologic damage in human skin compared with the protection afforded by sunscreens with equal or higher SPF applied intermittently. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects were exposed to 2 minimal erythema doses of solar-simulated UV on 4 consecutive days. Three sunscreen products were applied to the buttock of each subject. One SPF 15 product was applied daily before exposure to UV and, to simulate intermittent product use, an SPF 15 or SPF 29 product was applied on 3 of 4 days, with one missed application on days 2, 3, or 4. Skin biopsy specimens were taken and processed for routine and immunohistochemical staining. Changes in number of sunburn cells and Langerhans cells as well as degree of inflammatory infiltrate and lysozyme immunostaining were determined. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in the number of sunburn cells, degree of inflammation, and intensity of lysozyme staining, and there was a decrease in the number of Langerhans cells at sites where sunscreen application was missed as compared with unirradiated control and daily SPF 15 sunscreen-treated sites. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that daily use of a sunscreen reduces the skin damage produced by UV exposure compared with intermittent use of equal or higher SPF products. The daily application of sunscreens in appropriate quantities reduces the harmful effects of solar UV radiation on skin. Compliance is essential for maximal benefit of sunscreens.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome presenting as lichenoid dermatitis.

Papular acrodermatitis of childhood (Gianotti-Crosti syndrome) is an uncommon, self-limited disease characterized by an erythematous papular eruption symmetrically distributed on the face and limbs and mild lymphadenopathy, thought to be of viral origin. The histopathologic findings are nonspecific and include focal parakeratosis, mild spongiosis, superficial perivascular infiltrate, papillary dermal edema, and extravasated red blood cells. Interface changes with some basal vacuolization may be present, but are not a conspicuous feature. We present a 2 1/2-year-old boy with multiple papules and plaques on the face and extremities and cervical lymphadenopathy. Histopathologic analysis showed compact orthokeratosis, focal parakeratosis, hypergranulosis, psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia, and a dense lichenoid lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with extensive exocytosis of mononuclear cells. Immunoperoxidase staining with CD 1 a revealed clusters of Langerhans cells in the epidermis and in the papillary dermis. In view of the clinical findings, a diagnosis of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome was made. Although there are a few reports describing a lichenoid pattern of infiltration in Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, this histologic pattern is not widely known. This case is presented to illustrate the fact that Gianotti-Crosti syndrome can present as lichenoid dermatitis, and, especially in children, should be added to the differential diagnoses of lichenoid infiltrates.

Acrodermatitis↗
PubMed2000

Extramammary Paget disease with underlying hidradenoma papilliferum: guilt by association?

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a heterogenous entity representing either an intraepidermal adenocarcinoma in situ with apocrine differentiation or an expression of underlying malignancy of the skin or of the intestinal or genitourinary tract. The coexistence of EMPD with a benign underlying hidradenoma papilliferumn (HP) is, however, exceptional. We present the case of a 79-year-old woman with diffuse and patchy gray-white lesions involving her left vulva as well as an underlying 0.7-cm asymptomatic firm nodule. Histologically, the epidermis and dermis showed features characteristic of EMPD and HP, respectively. Malignant transformation in HP giving rise to EMPD in the overlying epithelium has been reported. In our case, however, failure to demonstrate continuity between the two lesions together with the lack of cytologic atypia, mitoses, and necrosis in the HP lends additional support to the possibility that the HP is "innocent" and that its association with EMPD is thus coincidental. A common histogenetic derivation of these two lesions from the mammary-like glands or from related germinative cells in the epidermis is suggested to explain this rare presentation.

Adenoma, Sweat Gland↗
PubMed1999

Imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation: four cases and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Hyperpigmentation is a side effect of several medications, including amiodarone, bleomycin, chlorpromazine, and minocycline. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical and light microscopic findings in 4 patients with imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation and to better understand its origin. METHODS: All 4 patients underwent a skin biopsy for light microscopy. In 1 patient, a biopsy specimen was obtained for electron microscopy. Tissue from patient 1 was analyzed with a mass spectrophotometer, and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis was performed on tissue from patients 1 and 2. RESULTS: All 4 women had been taking imipramine for at least 2 years. Hyperpigmentation occurred in a photodistribution on the face, arms, and backs of the hands. Light microscopy in all cases demonstrated golden-brown granules in the superficial dermis, which were strongly positive for Fontana-Masson stain. Electron microscopy demonstrated areas of electron-dense inclusion bodies within macrophages, which were distinct from melanosomes. Mass spectrophotometric and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis of the electron-dense bodies showed the presence of sulfur atoms, and no peak corresponding to that expected for imipramine was found. A peak closely corresponding to phaeomelanin, a sulfur-containing compound, was found. CONCLUSION: Hyperpigmentation is a side effect of long-term imipramine use. It may result from the deposition of melanin in an unusual form. The melanin pigment is possibly complexed with a metabolite of imipramine, and does not represent the deposition of imipramine in its native form.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Systematized porokeratotic eccrine and hair follicle naevus: report of a case and review of the literature.

We report a unique case of a congenital keratinocytic naevus associated with severe alopecia, onychodysplasia and palmoplantar involvement in a 13-year-old girl. The lesions, consisting of scaly, spinous and verrucous papules and plaques, mainly followed Blaschko's lines and have remained unchanged since birth. The predominant histopathological picture was that of a column of parakeratosis overlying the eccrine ostia and hair follicles. This is the first case of a systematized keratinocytic naevus characterized by histopathology of eccrine and hair follicle porokeratosis and a widespread bilateral involvement. This may be a distinct entity to be included in the differential diagnosis of linear, hyperkeratotic dermatoses. We suggest its classification as systematized porokeratotic eccrine and hair follicle naevus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Basal cell carcinoma with massive ossification.

We report a case of basal cell carcinoma with massive ossification in a 66-year-old white man. Ossification in various benign and malignant neoplasms have been reported including basal cell carcinomas, in which ossifications are seen in small foci or peripheral rim of the tumor. However, in our case, massive ossification is seen throughout the tumor, and only small areas of the periphery of the tumor show diagnostic histology. Therefore, this case might have presented a diagnostic difficulty or been misdiagnosed as an osteoma cutis if a smaller incisional or punch biopsy had been performed. The phenomenon of bone formation itself is not specific for any diagnostic entity, and therefore an underlying lesion should be carefully sought in case of secondary ossification.

Aged↗