Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. In patients with chronic AA, hair loss occurs because of the insidious destruction of the stem cells in the hair bulge and hair-bulb matrix along with the attack of the cytotoxic T cells and infiltration of the T-helper 17 cells. Cyclosporine (CsA) inhibits the action of calcineurin in hair stem cells and subsequently induces the inhibition of the nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 and expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4, thereby stimulating hair regrowth.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term therapeutic outcomes of low-dose systemic CsA treatment in patients with chronic AA, relative to their initial severity of AA. Methods: A total of 98 outpatients with chronic AA, who were treated with low-dose systemic CsA, were included in the study. Results: Among the 98 patients, 72 (73.5%) had more than 50% hair regrowth, while 30 patients (30.6%) had more than 90% hair regrowth after 18 months of CsA treatment. Patients with a lower initial severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score demonstrated better treatment outcomes than those with a higher initial SALT score. Conclusion Patients with chronic AA who were treated with low-dose, systemic CsA experienced significant hair regrowth with fewer side effects. Therefore, the use of low-dose, systemic CsA is recommended in the treatment of patients with chronic AA.

PURPOSE: To determine the radiologic features of primary malignant tumors of the fallopian tube. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By observing six computed tomograms and one MR image, we determined the radiologic features of seven pathologically proven primary malignant tumors of the fallopian tube. The location, size, internal appearances (cystic/mixed/solid) of the tumor were analysed, and the presence or absence of ipsilateral ovary, hydrosalpinx, intrauterine fluid collection, pelvic ascites and lymphadenopathy were determined. RESULTS: All seven tumors were located in unilateral adnexa. Their mean diameter was 3.5 (range, 1.5-6) cm, and their morphological appearance was solid in five cases and mixed in two. In no case were ipsilateral ovaries identified. Hydrosalpinx was noted in four cases (57%) and intrauterine fluid collection in five (71%). Pelvic ascites and lymphadenopathy were each observed in one case (14%). CONCLUSION: Although it is difficult to differentiate between primary malignent tumors of the fallopian tube and other adnexal tumors, a pelvic mass with hydrosalpinx and intrauterine fluid collection suggests a primary malignant tumor of the fallopian tube.
Ascites ; Fallopian Tubes* ; Female ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Ovary

Alopecia areata is a chronic organ-specific autoimmune disease and it could be associated with other autoimmune diseases. We, herein, report a case of alopecia areata in a patient with a thymoma without myasthenia gravis. Multiple hairless patches rapidly developed 6 weeks before the first visit on the patient who had been newly diagnosed with thymoma 2 weeks before the hairless patches occurred, and thymectomy was done 2 weeks before visiting dermatologic department. She had no symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis, and there were no abnormal findings on neurologic exams and acetylcholine receptor autoantibody was not detected in serum. Scalp biopsy showed numerous lymphocytic inflammations around hair follicles and in immunohistochemical staining, the aggregation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was observed around hair follicles and FoxP3+ T lymphocytes were rarely observed around hair follicles. The patient refused any treatment and her hairless patches were completely recovered 3 months after thymectomy, without being recurred 3 years after thymectomy. On the basis of both clinical manifestations and histologic findings, we concluded that alopecia areata in the patient had developed in association with thymoma and was recovered rapidly after thymectomy.

Background: Avoiding causative allergens is important for controlling the clinical course of atopic dermatitis (AD). Allergen sensitization is influenced by many factors, such as the environmental factors. Although socioeconomic development, climate, and lifestyle have changed and the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased in Korea over the past few decades, there is little information about changes in common allergens over time. Objective: This study aimed to identify the trends of common allergens in patients with AD over a 10-year period based on the results of the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,414 patients with AD (603 adults and 811 children) over a period of 10 years. The serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE levels of 41 allergens were determined using the MAST. Results: House dust and house dust mites were the most prevalent allergens in both adult and pediatric patients during the 10-year period; however, the percentage of higher-class responses has decreased in recent years. The number of patients sensitized to house dust, cats, and egg whites increased, whereas that of patients sensitized to cockroaches, storage mites, beef, and rice decreased for both adults and children. No significant changes were observed in the total number of sensitizing allergens over time. Conclusion Common allergens in patients with AD have change over time. Based on the findings of this study, physicians and patients should consider changing their disease prevention and management strategies.

A 47-year-old man with a 25-year history of Crohn’s disease, presenting asymptomatic erythematous scaly patches (size, 1∼3 cm in diameter) on his back, left hand, right wrist, left ankle, and left sole, visited our clinic. Histopathological examination of the lesions revealed Bowen’s disease. Herein, we report a rare case of multiple Bowen’s disease in the skin, away from the anogenital region, in a patient with Crohn’s disease.