Mónica Caetano | Search PubMed

PubMed2006

Leukemia cutis resembling a flare-up of psoriasis.

Leukemia cutis represents a skin infiltration by leukemic cells. Clinically it can mimic a wide variety of dermatoses. We describe the case of a 64-year-old man with psoriasis who presented with a 4-day history of erythematous, slightly scaly, asymptomatic plaques distributed on the trunk and upper-extremities, and associated asthenia, myalgias, and anorexia. A skin biopsy revealed a leukemic infiltrate. Studies of peripheral blood and bone marrow provided a diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia. This case report shows the importance of the clinical suspicion for the diagnosis of leukemia.

Bone Marrow↗

PubMed2005

[Erysipelas].

Erysipelas is an acute dermo-hypodermal infection (non necrotizing) of bacterial origin, mainly group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus. The lower limbs are affected in more than 80% of the cases and the identified risk factors are disruption of cutaneous barrier, lymphoedema and obesity. Diagnosis is clinical and based upon the association of an acute inflammatory plaque with fever, lymphangitis, adenopathy and leukocytosis. Bacteriology is usually not helpful because of low sensitivity or delayed positivity. In the atypical forms erysipelas must be distinguished from necrotizing fasciitis and acute vein thrombosis. Penicillin remains the gold standard treatment, although new drugs, given their pharmacodynamic profile, may be used. Recurrence is the main complication, being crucial the correct treatment of the risk factors.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗