Key Points
HVLL is a chronic EBV+ lymphoproliferative disorder of childhood with risk to develop systemic lymphoma. The disease shows favorable response to conservative therapy despite the presence of a T- or NK-cell monoclonal proliferation.
Dermoid cysts (DCs) are benign cutaneous tumors that tend to persist and grow. The aim of this study was to examine the clinicopathologic features of congenital DCs. We present a case series of 75 children with a clinicopathologic diagnosis of DC. Seventy-two cysts were located on the head, one on the neck, and two on the trunk. Six cysts were located along the midline. Eight patients had symptoms other than changes in cyst size. Imaging studies were performed on 15 patients. Surgical excision was the primary treatment in all 75 cases. Neurosurgery and ophthalmology services were involved in the care of some patients. Histopathologic studies reported a foreign body giant cell reaction in 17 of the cysts. No recurrence was documented. DCs can remain stable for years, but they can become symptomatic as a result of enlargement and rupture or, more rarely, as a result of extension into surrounding tissues. Physicians should be aware that certain locations have a higher risk of DC extension, and adequate diagnostic investigations should be performed before their complete resection.
Dermatitis artefacta is a factitious disorder in which there is deliberate conscious production of skin lesions. There are only a few reports that evaluate instances of dermatitis artefacta in the pediatric population. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the characteristics of patients with this disorder who were seen at the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City. The records of all patients diagnosed with dermatitis artefacta from January 1980 to December 1999 were analyzed. There were 29 patients (25 females, 4 males). The upper limbs and the face were the most commonly involved areas. Superficial erosions were the most frequent initial event, and residual lesions consisted of scars and crusts. Time taken to diagnosis was on average 10 months. Half of the patients were lost to follow-up. No correlation was found between the length of time from the disease onset to diagnosis, the type of lesions, and the clinical outcome. Twelve patients had an associated systemic disorder. The possible association with chronic disease has not been sufficiently stressed and demonstrates the importance of providing psychological support for these patients. Psychiatric diagnoses were anxiety, depression, and personality disorder. No correlation was found between the psychiatric diagnosis and the outcome of dermatitis artefacta. A young age at presentation, which has been considered important as a favorable prognostic sign, could not be demonstrated in our patients.
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