It is important to differentiate violaceous to dusky red papules and plaques that widely persist on the trunk and extremities because there are dermatoses that could be fatal, such as lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, drug eruptions, and graft-versus-host disease.Dyskeratotic cells only in the upper epidermis and horny layer are not well known, but it is a distinctive histopathological pattern of atypical type of rash of adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). AOSD rash is a transient salmon-colored rash that occurs and disappears with fever; however, an atypical type of rash called “persistent dermal plaque” or “persistent pruritic eruptions” has also been reported. It occurs and persists even after fever subsides.Herein, we describe a case with necrotic dyskeratotic cells in the upper epidermis and horny layer without AOSD symptoms lasting for five years.

The Department of Dermatology at Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, initially the Dermatology Department of the Private Daegu Medical Training School in 1924, commemorated its 100th anniversary in 2023.Throughout its rich history, the department has been dedicated to advancing contemporary dermatology and enhancing the well-being of local communities through exceptional research, education, and social contributions.Initially tasked with the diagnosis, treatment, and education of patients with dermatological and urological disorders, the department evolved over time. In 1958, it separated from the Urology Department to focus solely on the diagnosis, research, and education of dermatological disorders. In 1962, Dr. Soon Bong Suh became the inaugural Chief of the Dermatology Department, marking the foundation of the Kyungpook National University School of Medicine’s Dermatology Department. Our legacy of pioneering contributions extends to dermatophytic diseases, which account for a large proportion of skin disorders in Korea, where we have excelled in basic research and treatment. These achievements have played a crucial role in the advancement of dermatophytic diseases.Subsequently, we have demonstrated expertise in blistering diseases and dermatopathology, making substantial contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of refractory skin conditions. Recently, we have been at the forefront of research and interventions for chronic inflammatory skin conditions that cause significant distress in many individuals, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Our influence has also extended to severe and refractory skin disorders, including skin cancer and vascular anomalies. Striving to stay contemporary, our achievements now encompass aesthetics, including acne, pigmentation, and laser treatments. Our accomplishments have garnered widespread recognition nationwide, engendering high expectations for future advancements.

A 54-year-old man presented to our outpatient clinic with generalized pruritic millet-sized vesicles, pustules, and crusts on the whole body over the past 10 years, which were more dominant in the lower extremities. Due to the difficulty in diagnosis, a series of histopathologic examinations were conducted during the treatment course, and the findings were similar: subcorneal pustules with neutrophils, superficial perivascular and dermal infiltration of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils, with no sign of acantholysis. The patient was treated with cyclosporine, prednisolone, doxycycline, colchicine, sulfasalazine, and acitretin; however, his condition did not improve. After showing a dramatic improvement with dapsone, he was finally diagnosed with subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD).Various medications commonly used in inflammatory and immunobullous skin diseases were tried but failed to improve the condition; the patient showed a dramatic response only to dapsone. Due to its rarity, careful attention and repeated biopsies are required for diagnosing SPD.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) mainly results from esophageal lesions in the developed world. By contrast, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a less frequent cause of NCCP than peptic ulcer disease in China and Japan. Therefore, both esophageal lesions and stomach and duodenal lesions are likely to be important causes of NCCP in Korea. We used upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to evaluate lesions of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum in NCCP patients after cardiac chest pain was ruled out by coronary angiography (CAG). METHODS: From the patients who underwent CAG between 2004 and 2008, we identified 89 patients who had normal CAG or minimal disease. We retrospectively analyzed the endoscopic findings of these 89 patients who were diagnosed with NCCP. RESULTS: At endoscopy for the 89 patients, the percentages of GERD, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer were 20.2% (n=18), 14.6% (n=13), and 3.3% (n=3) respectively. Of the 16 cases diagnosed as peptic ulcer, 11 were evaluated by biopsy or the Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) test for suspected Helicobacter pylori infection. Six (54%) cases were positive for H. pylori and five (46%) were negative. CONCLUSIONS: In Korea, the incidence of peptic ulcer disease (17.9%) as a cause of NCCP is similar to that of GERD (20.2%). Consequently, we should perform endoscopy to determine the cause of NCCP.
Biopsy ; Chest Pain ; China ; Coronary Angiography ; Duodenal Ulcer ; Duodenum ; Endoscopy ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Esophagus ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Incidence ; Japan ; Korea ; Peptic Ulcer ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach ; Stomach Ulcer ; Thorax