Disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis: hyperinfection during medical immunosuppression.

Hyperinfection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis in iatrogenically immunosuppressed patients is becoming more frequently observed. Here, we review the relevant literature and present a recent case of hyperinfection syndrome of S stercoralis in a patient chronically treated with systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate for dermatomyositis. The patient was born in Guatemala but no history of Strongyloides infection was documented.

Erythrokeratoderma variabilis successfully treated with topical tazarotene.

Erythrokeratoderma variabilis, also known as Mendes da Costa syndrome, is a genodermatosis belonging to the group of diseases known as the erythrokeratodermias. Erythrokeratoderma variabilis is characterized by two distinctive manifestations: well-demarcated, variable, transient, figurate patches of erythema, and localized or generalized hyperkeratotic plaques. Treatments include topical retinoic acid, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid in petrolatum, but all have been reported to have limited, variable success rates.

Scrotal ulceration as a consequence of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Induction therapy with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), an oral vitamin A derivative, has been shown to improve the short and long-term outcome of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML). Common side effects include headache, fever, dry skin, and bone pain, and approximately 25% of treated patients experience ATRA syndrome, which includes fever, dyspnea, weight gain, pulmonary infiltrates, and pleural or pericardial effusions. Scrotal ulcerations due to ATRA are rare with 16 previously documented cases, most of whom were Asian.