Faculty Bibliography

A 35-year-old woman presented with a four-month history of a tender umbilical nodule that bleeds during her menstrual period. Physical examination showed a hyperpigmented umbilical nodule. A biopsy specimen showed fibrotic dermis with increased numbers of blood vessels and scattered glandular structures with areas of hemosiderin deposition consistent with a diagnosis of endometriosis. Cutaneous umbilical endometriosis is rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.5 to 1.0 percent. Although anti-gonadotropin medications, such as danazol, have been used for symptomatic control, but surgical excision is the treatment of choice owing to the possibility of malignant degeneration of cutaneous endometriosis

A 42-year-old man presented with a six-month history of a slowly-enlarging ulcer on his right sole, a 30-year history of altered pigmentation of the trunk and extremities, and hyperkeratotic papules of the palms and soles. Histopathologic examination showed an invasive squamous-cell carcinoma of the right sole and hyperkeratosis with keratinocyte atypia of the left finger and left lateral foot. The clinical and histopathologic findings are consistent with chronic arsenicism, which most commonly occurs in the setting of drinking contaminated water or after occupational exposure. Evaluation should include a physical examination, basic laboratory work-up, and measurement of a 24-hour urine arsenic concentration. Vigilant surveillance for the development of cutaneous malignancies is required. Oral retinoids may be helpful in reducing hyperkeratosis secondary to chronic arsenicism

Raynaud's phenomenon is a common clinical disorder for which patients frequently seek the expertise and care of dermatologists. It is manifested by recurrent vasospasm of the fingers and toes, often associated with exposure to cold temperature or emotional stress. The phenomenon is named after Maurice Raynaud, who, as a medical student, defined the first case in 1862 as episodic, symmetric, acral vasospasm characterized by pallor, cyanosis, suffusion, and a sense of fullness or tautness, which may be painful. Despite more than 140 years of research, the pathophysiology of Raynaud's phenomenon continues to elude investigators. Accordingly, although many pharmacologic treatments have been reported, there is still no cure or gold standard therapy. Further, response to treatment varies and is difficult to predict. Recently, there has been renewed interest in finding the pathogenetic mechanisms of Raynaud's phenomenon, an effort that has led to more potential targeted therapeutics. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent breakthroughs in the pathogenesis and treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon

Sarcoidosis is an uncommon disease of granulomatous inflammation. Genetic predisposition to sarcoidosis is indicated by observations of familial clustering, increased concordance in monozygotic twins over other siblings, and variations in susceptibility and disease presentation among different ethnic groups. Published studies on sarcoidosis have investigated a variety of genetic associations. These studies used techniques ranging from classic human lymphocyte antigen genotype correlations to genome-wide linkage scans. Results have both supported and refuted disease associations with a number of genes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. Here, we review representative studies concerning the genetics of sarcoidosis. While investigations to date have failed to identify a unifying genetic signature associated with sarcoidosis, numerous studies have identified genetic associations with disease subtypes or within specific populations. These studies suggest that genetic susceptibility to sarcoidosis is complex and polygenic in nature. Future studies will help clarify the genetics of sarcoidosis and allow for the development of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic technologies

As the cultural distance between patient and physician widens, so does miscommunication. Negotiation between the belief systems of the physician and the patient may create a therapeutic environment of mutual trust and respect that increases the possibility of successful clinical outcomes

The knowledge of many specific skin diseases that predominantly affect Latinos has been increasing; however, the understanding of common skin disease in Latinos is superficial. There are few prospective studies done in the Latino population and none that differentiate between diverse Latino backgrounds. In view of the expanding Latino population in this country, such research is timely

Due to environmental factors and inadequate public health measures in many developing countries, new tropical infections, as well as infections that were previously isolated to remote locales, are becoming more prevalent in several areas of Latin America. This article discusses some tropical infections and infestations with predominantly cutaneous manifestations. Previously uncommon diseases such as gnathostomiasis, mycobacteria ulcerans infection, paederus dermatitis, Balamuthia mandrillaris infection, and human T-lymphotrophic virus 1 dermatitis are increasingly being reported. Well-known tropical infections such as bartonellosis, leishmaniasis, chromomycosis, larva migrans, and larva currens are also becoming more prevalent. On the other hand, the incidence of Hansen's disease, the quintessential tropical infection, is dwindling all over the globe thanks to a highly effective eradication campaign launched by the World Health Organization. Because of increased immigration and tourist travel, the number of cases of these diseases in the United States may escalate.