CD123 immunohistochemistry for plasmacytoid dendritic cells is useful in the diagnosis of scarring alopecia.

Background: Distinguishing types of lymphocytic scarring alopecia is often difficult because of the overlapping features. Recently, the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) was demonstrated and further shown to help distinguish lupus from other dermatoses.1-6 This study aims to determine if the presence and distribution of PDCs can aid in the diagnosis of scarring alopecia.

Epidermolysis bullosa nevus in a patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a case report.

We present a case of a 6-year-old girl with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB) who presented with a large pigmented lesion clinically concerning for melanoma. After histological examination and fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis, diagnosis of EB nevus was performed. EB nevi are benign melanocytic neoplasms with histological findings similar to recurrent nevi occurring in all types of EB.

Correlation of USMLE Step 1 scores with performance on dermatology in-training examinations.

Background: Although United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 was not designed to predict resident performance, scores are used to compare residency applicants. Multiple studies have displayed a significant correlation among Step 1 scores, in-training examination (ITE) scores, and board passage, although no such studies have been performed in dermatology.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if this correlation exists in dermatology, and how much of the variability in ITE scores is a result of differences in Step 1 scores.

Cutaneous rosai-dorfman disease persisting after surgical excision: report of a case treated with acitretin.

Objective: Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease is rare, and there is a lack of literature on clinical evidence for treatment options. The objective of this report is to illustrate that acitretin may be effective in treating cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease.

Design: A patient with cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease refractory to antibiotics, steroids, and surgical excision was treated with acitretin for a period of four months and was closely monitored for improvement in the lesion.