Archives of Dermatology

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010010012

This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables. Abstract International Congress of Chemotherapy.— The 12th International Congress of Chemotherapy will be held July 19-24,1981, in Florence, Italy. Antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral chemotherapy and immunology and immunotherapy will be discussed. The deadline for abstracts is Feb 15, 1981. There will be pharmaceutical, technical, and publication exhibits related to chemotherapy.For further information, write to Secretariat, 12th International Congress of Chemotherapy, Via della Scala, 10, Florence, Italy, 50123. Report on Meeting of International Committee of Dermatology.— The International Committee of Dermatology met at the Hotel New Otani, Tokyo, April 19-20, 1979, to examine the site and to discuss the organization and scientific aspects of the 16th International Congress of Dermatology. The confirmed dates for the congress are May 23-28, 1982. It was decided that all the abstracts of the papers that will be presented at the congress, as well as the proceedings, will be published. The abstracts should be ready to

Bonnetblanc, J. M.;Delrous, J. L.;Catanzano, G.;Licout, A.;Roux, J.

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010005002pmid: 7458369

Abstract To the Editor.— We read with interest the article by Trau et al in the Archives (1980;116;433-434) about a new case of multiple clear cell acanthoma. We have observed a similar case with unusual locations and regressive evolution. Report of a Case.— A man born in 1927 was initially seen in our dermatology department in February 1979 with multiple tumors of five years' duration. More than 50 lesions were noted, mainly on the legs, but a few were observed on the anterior part of the chest, one on the dorsum of the right wrist, and one about 2 cm in diameter in the perianal region. The tumors were either squamous or showed a smooth surface. The tumor in the perianal region and four others from the legs were removed. Microscopic examination showed the changes in all five lesions. The ultrastructural study mainly showed keratinocytes filled with glycogen, as previously described. References 1. Desmons F, Breuillard F, Thomas P, et al: Multiple clear cell acanthoma (Degos): Histochemical and ultrastructural study of two cases . Int J Dermatol 1977;16:203-213.Crossref 2. Degos R, Civatte J: Clear cell acanthoma: Experience of eight years . Br J Dermatol 1970;83:248-254.Crossref 3. Ebner H, Erlach E: Das klarzellakanthoma: Klinik, histologie und ultrastruktur . Dermatologica 1974;149:155-162.Crossref

Aldrich, Tim E.;Nash, Renee

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010005003

Abstract To the Editor.— Malignant melanoma makes up 1.4% of the cancer cases in the United States (4.6/100,000 men).1 In southern Florida, however, it accounts for 3.6% of the cancer cases.2 This differential occurrence of melanoma has generally been attributed to sunlight exposure.3 Other possible causative factors such as hormones4 and genetics5 have been incriminated. Although geographic patterns in the occurrence of melanoma have been observed,6 no clustering (other than familial) has been described. The occurrence of three cases of malignant melanoma among law enforcement officers in a single municipality in southern Florida is, therefore, remarkable. The patients were employed at the same place (a sheriff's office that had 715 employees). Using person years of exposure (2.5 years) and a crude expected incidence rate (adjusted to the Florida proportion), the three cases represent a 14.2-fold occurrence of melanoma over the expected normal incidence for this group of References 1. Cancer Incidence, 1969-1971 . National Cancer Survey, No. 74-637. US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, 1974. 2. Aldrich TE, Healey JE: Cancer in Florida: A suggestion of lowered risk . J Natl Med Assoc 1980;72:993-996. 3. Sunlight and melanoma . Lancet 1971;1:172-173. 4. Sadoff L, Winkley J, Tyson S: Is malignant melanoma an endocrinedependent tumor? Oncology 1973;27:244-257.Crossref 5. Clark WH Jr, Reimer RR, Greene M, et al: Origins of familial malignant melanomas from heritable melanocytic lesions: `The B-K mole syndrome.' Arch Dermatol 1978;114:732-738.Crossref 6. Blot WJ, Brinton LA, Fraumeni JF Jr, et al: Cancer mortality in US countries with petroleum industries . Science 1977;198:51-53.Crossref

Baran, Robert

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010005001

Abstract To the Editor.— I believe there are some misunderstandings in the articles written concerning twenty-nail dystrophy.1,2This syndrome can be classified under two main groups taking into account the luster of the nail.In the first group, there is loss of nail luster because of roughness, and there is excess longitudinal ridging.3 For this condition, we have coined the term "vertical striated sandpaper twenty-nail dystrophy."4,5In the second group, twenty-nail dystrophy shows shiny nail plates with opalescence, longitudinal ridging, and a finely stippled appearance of the nail.6Alopecia areata, which may be seen in both groups, is usually associated with a uniformly distributed sandpaper twenty-nail dystrophy.Letters will be published as space permits and at the discretion of the editor. All components of letters, including references, must be typewritten, double-spaced. Do not include more than five references and two figures in duplicate. Letters should not exceed References 1. Horn RT Jr, Odom RB: Twenty-nail dystrophy of alopecia areata . Arch Dermatol 1980;116:573-574.Crossref 2. Hazelrigg DE, Duncan WC, Jarratt M: Twenty-nail dystrophy of childhood . Arch Dermatol 1977;113:73-75.Crossref 3. Wilkinson JD, Dawber RPR, Fleming K, et al: Twenty-nail dystrophy . Arch Dermatol 1979;115:369.Crossref 4. Baran R, Dupré A: Vertical striated sandpaper nails . Arch Dermatol 1977;113:1613.Crossref 5. Baran R, Dupŕe A, Christol B, et al: L'ongle grésé peladique . Ann Dermatol Venereol 1978;105:387-392. 6. Scher RK, Fischbein R, Ackerman AB: Twenty-nail dystrophy: A variant of lichen planus . Arch Dermatol 1978;114:612-613.Crossref

Papa, Christopher M.

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010006005

Abstract Prominent Philly physician, Perusing professional print, Perceives `P's' power position As papers' proclaiming plinth. Princely phonetic pervasive, Proceeding perpetually, Persisting, pulsating, persuasive Posh, peripatetic `P.' Put plosive plumage past, Peroxided and paled-hue, Poor `P's' now exposed protoplast, Panjandrum Schamberg's nailed you.1 References 1. Schamberg IL: `P' alliteration in dermatology . Arch Dermatol 1980;116:622.Crossref

Ayres, Samuel;Mihan, Richard;Scribner, Morton D.

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010006006

Abstract To the Editor.— In the article "Toxic Doses of Vitamin A for Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris," by Randle et al, in the Archives (1980;116:888-892), a new treatment for pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is advocated. Six patients were given 1 million units of vitamin A daily for five to 14 days, resulting in massive exfoliation and side effects requiring hospitalization. The response was apparently spectacular.We have achieved comparable results both in PRP and Darier's disease through the synergistic action of large but nontoxic doses of vitamins A and E, without any undesirable side effects or need for hospitalization.1 We obtained complete or almost complete control in four patients with PRP and in three of four patients with Darier's disease, administering an average adult daily dose of 800 to 1,600 IU of vitamin E in the form of D-α-tocoferol acetate and 100,000 IU of water-dispersible vitamin A. Response was slower, but References 1. Ayres S Jr, Mihan R, Scribner MD: Synergism of vitamins A and E with dermatological applications . Cutis 1979;23:600-603, 689-690.

Headley, John L.;Pilest, Nissan;Posnikoff, Jack;Spence, Clarence H.

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010006004

Abstract To the Editor.— Primary lesions of syphilis are typically described as solitary, painless, round-to-oval, ulcerated papules with firmly indurated borders. If the ulcers are covered with crust, removal of this crust will reveal a clean granulating base. Reference texts often state that multiple chancres may be seen, but are unusual.1,2Because a number of patients have come to us with nonclassic chancres, we serially examined male patients with penile ulcers during a six-month period (October 1979 to March 1980) to determine what constituted the typical chancre. Sixty-three male patients were included in the series based on positive darkfield examinations. Chancres were evaluated for multiplicity of lesions, pain on manipulation, purulent exudate, and lack of firm induration. Thirty-three patients (52.4%) had multiple chancres. The average number of lesions was 2.5, with a range of one to six. Substantial pain on palpation was noted in 26 (45.6%) of 57 patients, purulent References 1. Grimble AS: McLachlan's Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of Venereal Disease . Edinburgh, E & S Livingstone, 1969, p 12. 2. King A, Nicol C: Venereal Diseases . Philadelphia, FA Davis Co, 1969, p 15. 3. Randazzo SD: Über das Fehlen Serologischer Reaktionen bei der heutigen Primärsyphilis . Minerva Dermatol 1962;37:139-144. 4. Notowicz A, Menke HE: Atypical primary syphilitic lesions of the penis . Dermatologica 1973;147:328-333.Crossref 5. Kresbach H: Zum gegenwärtigen Bild der Frühsyphilis . Z Hautkr 1968;43:109-118.

Yaffee, Howard S.

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010007008

This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables. Abstract To the Editor.— In the May issue of the Archives (1980;116:515) Millns et al described a patient who had Grover's disease and positive cutaneous immunofluorescent microscopy findings. They commented that their patient had a "benign monoclonal gammopathy."Recently, a patient whom I had treated 20 years ago for proved allergic contact dermatitis was referred to me at the age of 73 years with a peculiar papular eruption and chronic lymphatic leukemia. The patient complained of severe itching, but he said it was not severe enough to prevent sleep.He had had a knee replacement operation in 1977 before the onset of his disease for degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis. In 1979, a WBC count of 12,200/cu mm led to a hematologic investigation. His platelet count was 70,000/cu mm. The serum electrophoretic pattern was normal. The hepatitis antigen was absent in the serum. Rheumatoid arthritis factor was 1:280. Bone marrow studies confirmed

Schwartz, Robert A.;Jeter, Wayburn S.

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010007009

Abstract To the Editor.— Psoriasis vulgaris is a common skin disorder that is often frustrating to treat. Although its cause is unclear, a defect in cell-mediated immunity has been postulated.1-3 This encouraged us to undertake treatment of a patient who had psoriasis with human transfer factor. Report of a Case.— A 55-year-old man had had psoriasis for more than 25 years. He first noted the disorder at age 24 years with the appearance of multiple intensely pruritic plaques about the size of quarters that spread during a two-month period to involve much of his scalp, elbows, knees, and other areas of the trunk and extremities. At that time, the only medication he was taking was morphine sulfate, employed to treat a World War II orthopedic injury. He denied the recent use of lithium carbonate. There was no family history of psoriasis.His psoriasis had been recalcitrant to treatment but had References 1. Krueger GG, Hill HR, Jederberg WW: Inflammatory and immune cell function in psoriasis—a subtle disorder: I. In vivo and in vitro survey . J Invest Dermatol 1978;71:189-194.Crossref 2. Guilhou JJ, Meynadier J, Clot J, et al: Immunologic aspects of psoriasis: II. Dissociated impairment of thymus-dependent lymphocytes . Br J Dermatol 1976;95:295-298.Crossref 3. Glinski W, Obalek S, Langner A, et al: Defective function of T lymphocytes in psoriasis . J Invest Dermatol 1978;70:105-110.Crossref 4. Huestis DW, Fletcher JL, White RF, et al: Citrate anticoagulants for platelet pheresis . Transfusion 1977;17:151-155.Crossref 5. Jeter WS, Reed RE, Soli TC, et al: Transfer factor to Coccidioides immitis in cattle , in Ajello L (ed): Coccidioidomycosis . Miami, Symposia Specialists, 1977, pp 359-363. 6. Jeter WS, Kibler R, Soli TC, et al: Oral administration of bovine and human dialyzable transfer factor to human volunteers , in Khan A, Kirkpatrick CH, Hill NO (eds): Immune Regulators in Transfer Factor . New York, Academic Press Inc, 1979, pp 451-460. 7. Jeter WS, Kibler R, Stephens CAL: Oral administration of dialysable transfer factor to tuberculin to human volunteers . J Reticuloendothel Soc 1977;22:46a.

Copeman, P. W. M.

1981 Archives of Dermatology

doi: 10.1001/archderm.1981.01650010007007

Abstract To the Editor.— I agree with Greer et al, who exhorted us in their article in the February Archives (1980;116:213-214) that "oxalosis with vascular involvement should be included in the long list of causes of livedo reticularis."I also came to that conclusion after seeing the two patients of Jansen et al1 in 1974 and said so in 1975.2 References 1. Jansen LH, Groenevelt JJ, Van der Meer JB: Deposits of calcium oxalate in the skin in two patients suffering from oxalosis caused by primary hyperoxaluria . Arch Dermatol Forsch 1974;250:323-324.Crossref 2. Copeman PWM: Livedo reticularis: Signs in the skin of disturbance of blood viscosity and of blood flow . Br J Dermatol 1975;93:519-529.Crossref