Interferons Key features ■ Human cells produce three antigenically distinct forms of interferon (IFN), originally described as leukocyte (α), fibroblast (β), and immune (γ) ■ Recombinant DNA technology can produce large quantities of highly purified human IFN ■ IFNs have…
Key features ▪ Because of the frequency of skin involvement in systemic diseases, cutaneous manifestations often prove helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis ▪ Skin signs of systemic disease can be specific, e.g. cutaneous lupus, cutaneous sarcoidosis, in part because…
Evidence Levels: A Double-blind study B Clinical trial ≥ 20 subjects C Clinical trial < 20 subjects D Series ≥ 5 subjects E Anecdotal case reports Open full size image Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a histological term that denotes vasculitis…
Evidence Levels: A Double-blind study B Clinical trial ≥ 20 subjects C Clinical trial < 20 subjects D Series ≥ 5 subjects E Anecdotal case reports Open full size image Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by cutaneous…
Evidence Levels: A Double-blind study B Clinical trial ≥ 20 subjects C Clinical trial < 20 subjects D Series ≥ 5 subjects E Anecdotal case reports Open full size image Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotizing vasculitis that predominately involves…
Key Points A thorough examination of the intraoral soft tissues, including palpation, is necessary to detect the subtle signs of systemic disease as well as localized problems such as leukoplakia. Autosomal dominant cancer syndromes may present with diverse mucous membrane…
Key Points Several systemic disorders can affect both the heart and the skin. Cutaneous findings may serve as a diagnostic clue for many of these conditions. Dermatologists and cardiologists must be aware of the multisystem aspects of such disorders in…
Key Points Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that affects patients of all ages and ethnic groups. Thorough multisystem evaluation of all patients is essential, as sarcoidal inflammation may be clinically quiescent while causing significant damage. Cutaneous…
Key Points The cutaneous changes of hepatic disease may be related to primary diseases of the liver, cutaneous diseases with associated hepatic abnormalities, disorders with changes in many organs, including the liver and skin, and medications with direct effects on…
Key Points Cutaneous metastases are not uncommon, and are usually a late finding with poor prognosis. Cutaneous metastases can be the first sign of an internal malignancy or of extranodal disease in a known malignancy. Breast cancer is the most…