1/3. antibodies to cytoplasmic antigens in lupus erythematosus. Serologic marker for systemic disease.Seven patients with classic cutaneous lupus erythematosus are described. Three of these patients had features satisfying four of the American Rheumatism association (ARA) preliminary criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Their sera, however, lacked antinuclear antibodies but demonstrated precipitating antibodies reactive against cytoplasmic RNP (La) and non-nucleic acid (Ro) antigens. Four additional ANA-negative patients lacking significant skin disease but having a lupus-like multisystem disease were found to have antibodies to soluble cytoplasmic antigens. Thirty-three of 130 ANA-positive SLE patients, but none of 16 discoid lupus patients, possessed these anticytoplasmic antibodies. These findings suggest that antibodies to Ro and La may be a marker for systemic disease in ANA-negative patients with 1) cutaneous lupus and 2) a distinct subpopulation of patients with a lupus-like syndrome without skin disease.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = antigen (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/3. Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. A generalized lymphoproliferative disorder with cutaneous manifestations.Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AIBL) is a recently described, systemic disorder characterized by an excessive proliferation of transformed lymphocytes, possibly the result of chronic antigenic stimulation, frequently by drugs. Cutaneous involvement, usually in the form of a pruritic, generalized, maculopapular rash, occurs in about 40% of cases. We saw a patient with AIBL who had an unusual, primarily plaque- and nodular-type of skin involvement and who had been receiving drugs not previously reported as being associated with this disorder. Because cutaneous involvement is a frequent, presenting complaint, dermatologists should be able to recognize this unusual, clinicopathologic entity.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.16666666666667keywords = antigen (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/3. Recurrent disseminated histoplasmosis.A patient who has had three distinct recurrences of disseminated histoplasmosis over 22 years is presented. Measurements of cellular and humoral immune response to histoplasmin antigens were compared with previously reported data. Although initially sulfisoxazole therapy led to regression of disease, over the past 13 years she has required three courses of amphotericin b, each time with resolution of signs and symptoms. Despite minimal evidence of a cellular or humoral immune response to this organism, the patient has done well. Although disseminated histoplasmosis is often a fatal disease, this woman has tolerated the infection well.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.16666666666667keywords = antigen (Clic here for more details about this article) |