Genetics and skin aging.

Skin aging is a complex process and underlies multiple influences with the probable involvement of heritable and various environmental factors. Several theories have been conducted regarding the pathomechanisms of aged skin, however fundamental mechanisms still remain poorly understood. This article addresses the influence of genetics on skin aging and in particular deals with the differences observed in ethnic populations and between both genders.

A therapeutic option in nutcracker syndrome and ovarian vein insufficiency.

Objectives: The nutcracker syndrome (NS) may lead to insufficient perirenal collaterals as well as incompetence of the left ovarian vein with consecutive ovarian vein insufficiency.

Methods: A female patient with NS and severe genital varicosis was treated with dilation of the renal vein and coiling of a left perirenal collateral vein feeding an insufficient left ovarian vein (LOV) with pelvic vein varicosity.

Results: In re-evaluation 18 month later with left renal vein (LRV) and LOV phlebography, a widely patent LRV was found.

Cutaneous infection by Mycobacterium haemophilum and kansasii in an IgA-deficient man.

Background: The prevalence of infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has steadily increased over the past decades, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Case Presentation: We present a patient with IgA-deficiency and mixed cutaneous infection by two slowly growing mycobacteria, Mycobacterium (M.) haemophilum and M.

Unilateral leg swelling: deep vein thrombosis?

Objective: We present two cases of a unilateral leg swelling of unusual aetiology as a reminder to the physician to consider causes of unilateral leg swelling other than deep vein thrombosis, lymphoedema and infectious diseases.

Case Reports: Both of our patients developed progressive leg swelling. Subsequent investigation revealed a lesion compressing the femoral vein.