BACKGROUND: The clinical and histopathological classification of erythema multiforme(EM) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are difficult due to a lack of clear-cut criteria. In recent studies, some authors suggested that erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome were clinically and histopathologically different disorders. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the clinicopathological characteristics of the EM and SJS and to suggest specific findings for differentiating between the two diseases. METHODS: Fifty four patients with EM and SJS diagnosed in the Department of Dermatology of Dong-San Hcepita1 from January 1987 through to December 1996 were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The results were summarized as follows. l. In view of causal factors, 54 cases were classified as drug-induced (n=22, 41%), herpes-induced (n=16, 30%), tuberculosis (n= 2, 3%), pneumonia (n=l, 2%), unknown (n=13, 24%). 2. Fifty four cases were clinically classified as SJS (n= 29, 54%), EM minor (n=-15, 2S%) and EM major (n = 10, 18%). 3. Erythema multiforme was found to be more related to herpes (13 of 25 cases) than to drugs (3 of 25 cases), while SJS was more related to drugs (19 of 29 cases) than to herpes (3 of 29 cases). 4. Varying degrees of necroti changes of keratinocytes were found in all the cases. The severity of degree or extent of necrosis was higher in patients with SJS than EM. 5. In demial changes, EM showed differences from SJS by having a denser and deeper lymphocytic infiltrate, and increased amount of extravasated erythrocytes. CONCLUSION: Taken together, although our findings could not provide a defmite clue to determine whether EM and SJS are different distinet entities or not, this study may be useful to differentiate and to understand the pathogenesis of EM and SJS. A prospective large scaled study should be conducted to definitively characterize these entities.
Classification ; Dermatology ; Erythema Multiforme* ; Erythema* ; Erythrocytes ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; Necrosis ; Pneumonia ; Retrospective Studies ; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome ; Tuberculosis

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa(CPAN) is a benign form of rare vasculitis of small and medium-size arteries with a recurrent but benign course without systemic involvement. We experienced a 61-year-old male who had two months history of multiple deep-purpurish livedo reticularis on both lower legs. Noncutaneous manifestations including malaise, fever, myalgia, and arthritis were absent. A skin biopsy specimen from the livedo reticularis on the leg showed perivascular and trans-mural neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration of medium-sized arteries in the dermal-subcutaneous junction and fibrinoid necrosis of the vessel walls. The patient was treated with colchicine for 2months and showed markded improvement.
Arteries ; Arthritis ; Biopsy ; Colchicine ; Fever ; Humans ; Leg ; Livedo Reticularis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myalgia ; Necrosis ; Neutrophils ; Polyarteritis Nodosa* ; Skin ; Vasculitis

We herein report a case of therapy-resistant dermatomyositis treated with oral prednisolone and chlorambucil combination therapy. Concurrently, she showed cervical carcinoma in situ(CIS). Initially, we started to treat her with combination oral prednisolone, intramuscular methotrexate, hydroxychloroquin, and removal of cervical CIS. However, our patient failed to respond to these regimens. Thus, we had have another combination treatment of oral prednisolone and chlorambucil. After the treatment of this combination regimen, her recalcitrant dermatomyositis improved dramatically without recurrence. There were no significant adverse side effects with chlorambucil therapy.
Chlorambucil* ; Dermatomyositis* ; Humans ; Methotrexate ; Prednisolone ; Recurrence

We report metastatic omental hepatocellular carcinoma in two patients with post-lobectomy hepatocellular carcinoma who have had previous abdominal surgery or the rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ometal metastatic masses were similar to primary masses of the liver in pathologic findings as well as in radiologic findings.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Humans ; Liver ; Rupture

A 72-year-old woman with a pea sized, bluish, firm nodule was diagnosed as having a cellular type of dermatofibroma histopathologically. A biopsy specimen revealed a relatively well circumscribed, non-encapsulated, nodular infiltration of irregularly distributed histiocytes in the deep dermis. Foam cells were also noted. Gomoris iron stain revealed large amounts of hemosiderin deposits and some collagen were present as individual fibers in the lesion with Masson's trichrome stain.
Aged ; Biopsy ; Collagen ; Dermis ; Female ; Foam Cells ; Hemosiderin ; Histiocytes ; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous* ; Humans ; Iron ; Peas

Magnetic resonance (MR) is rapidly emerging technique that provides high quality images and potentially provides much more diagnostic information than do conventional imaging modalities. MRI is conceptually quite different from currently used imaging methods. The complex nature of MRI allows a great deal of flexibility in image production and available information, and key points are as follows. 1. MR offers a non-invasive technique with which to generate in vivo human images without ionizing radiation and with no known adverse biological effects. 2. Imaging mechanism of MRI is quite different from conventional imaging modality and for more accurate diagnostic application, It is necessary for physician to understand imaging mechanism of MRI 3. M.R. makes available basic chemical parameters that may provide to be useful for diagnostic medical imaging and more specific pathophysiologic information which are not available by alternate techniques. 4. M.R. can be produced by number of different methods. This flexibility allows the imaging technique to be applicated for particular clinical purpose. Multiplanar and three dimensional imaging may extend the imaging process beyond the single section available with current CT. 5. Future directions include efforts to; a. Further development of hard ware b. More fastening scan time c. Respiratory and cardiac gated imaging d. Imaging of additional nuclei except hydrogen. e. Further development of contrast media f. MR in vivo spectroscopy g. Real time MR imaging
Comprehension* ; Contrast Media ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Humans ; Hydrogen ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pliability ; Radiation, Ionizing ; Spectrum Analysis

Bowen's disease is an intraepidermal squarnous cell carcinoma referred to also as squamous cell carcimona in situ. Approximately two-thirds of Bowen's disease consist of solitary lesion while remaining show multiple lesions, We experienced a 68-year old male patient who had multiple erythematous pathes and plaques covered with scales and grayish crusts developing on the trunk and both lower extremities. At first, clinically we suspected psoriasis, seborrheic keratosis, eczema and mycosis fungoides, and finally histopathologic features revealed Bowen's disease showing transformation to invasive squamous cell carcinorna.
Aged ; Bowen's Disease ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Eczema ; Humans ; Keratosis, Seborrheic ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Mycosis Fungoides ; Psoriasis ; Weights and Measures

Castleman disease is a benign disorder, usually occurring within mediastinum, characterized by proliferation of lymphold tissue. The authors report a rare case of Castleman disease originating from mesenteric root. The tumor was highly vascular, proved by dynamic CT examination and splanchnic angiography.
Angiography ; Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia* ; Mediastinum

A 4-year-old boy have had widespread, multiple, dark brownish, verrucous ]papular plaques on the neck, left chest, right side of abdomen, back and penile skin since birth. Clinical features and light and electron microscopic findings were consistent with ichthyosis hystrix. The patient was successfully treated with systemic administration of etretinate and vitamin E.
Abdomen ; Acitretin* ; Child* ; Child, Preschool ; Etretinate* ; Humans ; Ichthyosis* ; Male ; Neck ; Parturition ; Porcupines* ; Skin ; Thorax ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins

No abstract available.
Olecranon Process* ; Ulna*