Chronic venous disease.

Identifying characteristic cutaneous findings is important in determining the appropriate management of certain venous diseases. The health care provider should be familiar with the classic description of patterns and distributions of skin manifestations, such as varicose veins, stasis dermatitis, palpable cord, petechiae, and telangiectasias. In addition to the gross appearance of the skin, a skin biopsy may help elucidate a diagnosis.

Rituximab: a review of dermatological applications.

The treatment of many dermatological disorders, such as autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases, consists of the use of systemic corticosteroids alone or in combination with other steroid-sparing immunosuppressants. Often, these treatment regimens are sufficient to control disease activity with relatively few side effects if monitored by a diligent physician. Some patients, however, may be refractory to treatment or develop intolerable side effects from therapy.

Vascular endothelial growth factor regulates reendothelialization and neointima formation in a mouse model of arterial injury.

Background: The rate of reendothelialization is critical in neointima formation after arterial injury. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent endothelial mitogen, has been advocated for accelerating endothelial repair and preventing intimal hyperplasia after percutaneous coronary interventions. However, the precise mechanism of action of VEGF treatment and the physiologic role of endogenous VEGF after arterial injury are not well described.