Trends in patch-test results and allergen changes in the standard series: a Mayo Clinic 5-year retrospective review (January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2010).

Background: Patch testing is essential for identification of culprits causing allergic contact dermatitis.

Objective: We sought to identify trends and allergen changes in our standard series during 2006 to 2010, compared with our previous report (2001-2005).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patch-test results.

Patch test results may vary depending on where testing is performed: a comparison of patch test results from three geographically distinct sites in the USA.

Background: Do patch test results vary from one part of the USA to another? Few reports directly compare the results of patch testing across centers within the USA.

Objectives: Our objective was to compare results of patch testing from three geographically disparate Mayo Clinic sites in the USA to ascertain whether there are any differences in allergic patch test rates.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patch test results for patients tested with a standard allergen series using our enterprise-wide protocol for patch testing.

Photopatch testing of 182 patients: a 6-year experience at the Mayo Clinic.

Background: Photopatch testing is important for diagnosing photoallergic contact dermatitis. Although results of photopatch testing have been presented from many European centers, there have been few reports of the results of photopatch testing in the United States.

Objective: To review the Mayo Clinic's recent experience with photopatch testing, identify common photoallergens, and compare our current and previous findings.

Changing trends and allergens in the patch test standard series: a mayo clinic 5-year retrospective review, january 1, 2001, through december 31, 2005.

Objective: To present and interpret results of patch testing with the Mayo Clinic standard series over 5 years.

Design: Retrospective study. A standardized patch testing technique was used.

Contact dermatitis: diagnosing and treating skin conditions in the elderly.

Contact dermatitis is a significant cause of skin disease in geriatric patients. We discuss factors that predispose older adults to contact dermatitis, such as changes in barrier function and types of commonly contacted irritants and allergens.

Patients' perceptions of the usefulness and outcome of patch testing.

Background: Studies have shown the effect of allergic contact dermatitis on quality of life, but few address the impact of patch testing.

Objective: We sought to determine patient satisfaction with patch testing, patients' perceptions of its usefulness, dermatitis outcomes, and recall of allergens.

Methods: After patch testing, surveys were mailed to 1453 patients.

Sternal erythema: a distinctive postsurgical eruption.

Background/objective: Wound complications constitute a diverse array of surgical and dermatologic entities. We sought to describe the clinical and pathologic attributes of a series of patients in whom a distinctive thoracic surgical wound eruption developed after coronary bypass grafting.

Methods: We performed a detailed chart review, including history, surgical procedure notes, and biopsy findings, obtained from 3 patients; we examined the data and reconciled them with conventional etiologies in an attempt to discern a shared diagnosis and pathogenesis.

A baffling basaloid blain.

Cutaneous metastases may present in a variety of histologic guises simulating more common primary tumors. We present the clinicopathologic features of a case masquerading as basal cell carcinoma. Epidermotropism, vascular invasion, and the absence of stromal retraction around tumor nests prompted further investigation.

Follicular mycosis fungoides: successful treatment with oral bexarotene.

Follicular mycosis fungoides, a subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is often difficult to treat. We present a case of a female with follicular mycosis fungoides who showed an excellent response to low-dose (150 mg/m2) oral bexarotene (Targretin). To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of follicular mycosis fungoides demonstrating a response to bexarotene.