Infections by VZV, the virus that causes chickenpox and herpes zoster, usually are diagnosed by the classic clinical presentations. In immunocompromised patients, however, the atypical presentation can make the diagnosis more challenging. Although varicella typically follows an uncomplicated course in children, adults and immunocompromised patients can develop complications involving several organs; some complications may be fatal. Prevention of disease with the vaccine is ideal. When varicella or zoster infection does occur, proper treatment should be initiated, depending on the age and immune status of the patient.

Antiviral Agents↗

PubMed2002

Treatment of a large superficial basal cell carcinoma with 5% imiquimod: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Large superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) may be difficult to treat surgically due to the potentially large resulting defect after removal. Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, when applied topically, has been demonstrated to be successful in treating superficial BCCs. There is no published experience on the treatment of larger superficial BCCs (greater than 2 cms2) with imiquimod at this time. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and histologic regression, as well as the short- and long-term effects of topical imiquimod on large superficial BCC. METHOD: A 52-year-old white female with a 30 cm2 biopsy proven superficial BCC of 28 years duration on the right dorsal arm was treated with 5% imiquimod three times a week for 12 weeks. Clinical follow-up was conducted 1, 4, 6, and 10 months after treatment, as well as histologic assessment of recurrence at 4 months after treatment. RESULTS: Apparent clinical and histologic clearance was achieved. The treatment was well-tolerated and the patient completed the treatment schedule without a rest period, despite erosion of the lesion in the last week of treatment. CONCLUSION: This report describes the first case of a large superficial BCC (30 cm2) successfully treated with topical imiquimod and with a 10 month follow-up.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2002

Surgical Pearl: behold the lowly cup.

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Dermatology↗

PubMed2002

Pleomorphic sclerotic fibroma: a case report and literature review.

Pleomorphic sclerotic fibroma is a benign neoplasm exhibiting features of sclerotic fibroma and pleomorphic fibroma. We report another such case. The tumor presented as a firm, 0.5-cm, flesh-colored papule on the forehead of a 72-year-old white man for an unknown duration. Histologic examination revealed a neoplasm in which the superficial portion showed features of a pleomorphic fibroma, the deeper portion showed features of a sclerotic fibroma, and a transitional area was present in between. We propose that pleomorphic fibroma, sclerotic fibroma, and pleomorphic sclerotic fibroma form a spectrum. Pleomorphic sclerotic fibroma may be used as a broad diagnostic term to encompass the spectrum.

Aged↗