Biomedical subjects

R A Cloutier

Publications and source records attributed to R A Cloutier.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Redefining Rowell's syndrome.

Rowell's syndrome is believed to be a distinct and rare clinical entity originally described as lupus erythematosus associated with erythema multiforme-like lesions with immunological findings of speckled antinuclear antibodies, anti-La antibodies and a positive test for rheumatoid factor. We report two additional patients with Rowell's syndrome and review all the diagnostic criteria found in the literature. In view of the inconsistent findings of some of the diagnostic features, we propose that major and minor criteria be used to diagnose Rowell's syndrome.

Erythema Multiforme↗

PubMed2000

Calciphylaxis: seven new cases.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a rare condition occurring most frequently in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is characterized by vascular calcifications with a large variety of skin lesions. Even though this entity was first reported almost 50 years ago, the pathogenesis is still not well understood. OBJECTIVE: Having retrieved seven new cases from a single tertiary care hospital, the disease occurs probably more frequently than reported until now. The potential mechanism of action in this disease is discussed, particularly the hypercoagulability state. We also review potential treatments described in the literature. METHODS: Seven patients with calciphylaxis that occurred at the Hôtel-Dieu hospital between 1992 and 1998 were identified and their case histories reviewed and analyzed. CONCLUSION: Although hyperparathyroidism and imbalance of calcium-phosphorus homeostasis are paramount for calciphylaxis to occur, other mechanisms must be involved because the disease manifests itself in only a minority of ESRD patients. As the majority were under anticoagulation therapy and as we found abnormalities of the coagulation pathway in one patient, we suggest emphasizing these phenomena in the future. Along with evaluation of putative risk factors (abnormalities of the calcium:phosphate axis, diabetes), a detailed evaluation of the coagulation system should be done in every patient with calciphylaxis until more data are available.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Recurrence of erosive pustular scalp dermatosis after a skin graft].

INTRODUCTION: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is a rare and chronic dermatosis of unknown etiology with non specific histology and without effective treatment. It affects mostly old women. We have observed a 80 year-old male suffering from an erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp following application of 5 p. 100 fluorouracile cream (Efudex) and his resistance to various treatments including skin graft. OBSERVATION: An 80 year-old man had been suffering, for many years from recurrent episodes of pustules, erosions and crusts of the scalp, following treatment with 5 p. 100 fluorouracile cream for skin lesions diagnosed as actinic keratosis. Different topical and systemic treatments were tried without much improvement. A skin graft of the scalp lesional area was finally done, showing a severe recurrence as a Koebner's reaction. Despite this recurrence, we have observed an easier control with a topical mixture of steroid and antibiotic. CONCLUSION: This recurrence of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp following skin graft had never been previously observed before, showing that removing affected skin did not control the disease, suggesting that anti-inflammatory agents probably originating from trauma persist.

Aged↗