Photoacoustic imaging of port-wine stains.

Background And Objective: To optimize laser therapy of port-wine stains (PWSs), information about the vasculature as well as lesion depth is valuable. In this study we investigated the use of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to obtain this information.

Study Design/materials And Methods: PAI uses pulsed light to generate ultrasound upon absorption of short light pulses by blood.

Mutations in the transcription factor gene SOX18 underlie recessive and dominant forms of hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia.

Hereditary lymphedema is a developmental disorder characterized by chronic swelling of the extremities due to dysfunction of the lymphatic vessels. Two responsible genes have been identified: the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) gene, implicated in congenital lymphedema, or Milroy disease, and the forkhead-related transcription factor gene FOXC2, causing lymphedema-distichiasis. We describe three families with an unusual association of hypotrichosis, lymphedema, and telangiectasia.

Flow cytometric assessment of clearance and relapse characteristics in psoriasis vulgaris after treatment with weekly clobetasol lotion under hydrocolloid occlusion versus twice-daily clobetasol ointment.

Clearance and relapse characteristics of clobetasol lotion under hydrocolloid occlusion once weekly versus clobetasol ointment twice daily were assessed in a comparative flow cytometric study. Quantitative analysis of markers for epidermal proliferation, differentiation and inflammation was performed on epidermal single cell suspensions prepared from 3-mm punch biopsies taken from 15 patients with psoriasis vulgaris before therapy, at clearance and 6 weeks after clearance. After treatment both therapy regimens resulted in substantial changes of all flow cytometric parameters, but clearance was induced earlier in the corticosteroid under hydrocolloid occlusion-treated group.

Hypotrichosis, lymphedema of the legs and acral telangiectasias--new syndrome?

We describe a girl of Turkish descent suffering from a peculiar combination of symptoms. The presenting complaint was bilateral lymphedema of the legs; additional symptoms include hypotrichosis, telangiectasias and angiomata limited to acral regions. We discuss the possibility that this girl suffers from Noonan/cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome.

A woman with umbilical inflammation continuing for 9 years after delivery.

We report the case of a woman who, after her second pregnancy 9 years ago, had had malodorous leakage from the umbilicus and abdominal pain despite various treatments. Bacterial culture revealed growth of hemolytic streptococcus C. The cotton-tipped swab could be introduced 6 cm in the narrow tender opening.