Atypical exanthems: morphology and laboratory investigations may lead to an aetiological diagnosis in about 70% of cases.

Background: Besides the six classical exanthems, other exanthems may occur, differing in morphology and causative agent (atypical exanthems). Their aetiological diagnosis is difficult but crucial for both the patient and community concerning issues such as time off school, immunizations, and risks for pregnant women and immunocompromised patients.

Objectives: To investigate whether morphology, associated symptoms and laboratory results can help to determine the aetiology of atypical exanthems.

Argon laser treatment of cutaneous multiple angiokeratomas.

Background: Angiokeratomas are cutaneous vascular lesions with common clinical and histological features: dark red to black papules and ectasia of upper dermis vessels, respectively. Multiple angiokeratomas are difficult to treat because they are often too extensive for surgery and cautery, procedures frequently leading to hemorrhage and scarring.

Objective: Our report is designed to evaluate the efficacy of argon laser photocoagulation in the treatment of multiple angiokeratomas.

[Splash rash dermatitis. A case].

The Authors report a case of a folliculitis developed in a woman who used a spa with hydrojet circulation. This dermatitis is due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can colonizes the closed-cycle water systems.

Falsely elevated urinary level of vanillylmandelic acid induced by griseofulvin.

A 6-year-old girl with mild hepatitis was found to have an elevated urinary level of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), but no cause for the elevation was found. The patient was receiving griseofulvin for treatment of tinea capitis, and this drug was suspected of causing a falsely elevated urinary VMA level. Four other patients receiving griseofulvin were also found to have elevated urinary VMA levels.

Recurrent digital fibromatosis of childhood. An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of two cases.

Two cases of recurrent digital fibromatosis of childhood were studied by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, using rabbit anti-actin antisera. The tumor cells were typical myofibroblasts, containing inclusion bodies and bundles of microfilaments. Immunohistochemistry showed the presence of actin in these cells, thus proving the myofibroblastic nature of the tumors.