Allergic contact granuloma due to palladium following ear piercing.

Two cases of sarcoidal-type allergic contact granuloma due to metals in ear piercing are presented, the first to palladium (Pd) only, and the second to Pd and possibly also to other metals. Both the patients developed papulonodular lesions at the helices following ear piercing, which after 3-4 weeks, became more granulomatous and very resistant to treatment. Indeed, repeated intralesional injections with corticosteroids produced only a temporary regression of the lesions.

Detection of basophil-activating IgG autoantibodies in chronic idiopathic urticaria by induction of CD 63.

Background: Approximately 40% to 50% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) have functional IgG autoantibodies against FcepsilonRIalpha or IgE, which induce histamine release from basophils and cutaneous mast cells. A positive autologous serum skin test response is believed to reflect the presence of these autoantibodies.

Objective: We sought to further define the functional properties of and develop a sensitive functional assay for detection of autoantibodies in patients with CIU.