Project description:Granuloma annulare (GA) is a common inflammatory cutaneous disorder characterized by macrophage accumulation and activation in the skin. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood and there are no reliably effective treatments. Its potential health implications, if any, are unknown. Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) we show that in GA, CD4+ T cells over-produce interferon (IFN)-g resulting in inflammatory polarization of macrophages and in altered extracellular matrix (ECM) production induced by the activity of oncostatin M, an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine, on fibroblasts. This mechanism identifies Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy, as both IFN-g and OSM signal via the JAK-STAT pathway. Indeed, treatment of five patients with severe, longstanding GA with tofacitinib (a JAK1/3 inhibitor) resulted in clinical and histologic disease remission in three patients and marked improvement in the other two. Treatment was associated with suppression of pathogenic cytokine activity in the skin and dissolution of macrophages. We also found that severe GA was associated with hypercytokinemia in plasma of patients, and JAK inhibition normalized this hypercytokiemia. Together, our results highlight the constitutive activity of the JAK-STAT pathway in GA as a result of IFN-g and OSM and identify JAK inhibitors as a potential molecularly targeted treatment for this disorder.
Project description:Granuloma annulare (GA) is a common inflammatory cutaneous disorder characterized by macrophage accumulation and activation in the skin. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood and there are no reliably effective treatments. Its potential health implications, if any, are unknown. Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) we show that in GA, CD4+ T cells over-produce interferon (IFN)-g resulting in inflammatory polarization of macrophages and in altered extracellular matrix (ECM) production induced by the activity of oncostatin M, an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine, on fibroblasts. This mechanism identifies Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy, as both IFN-g and OSM signal via the JAK-STAT pathway. Indeed, treatment of five patients with severe, longstanding GA with tofacitinib (a JAK1/3 inhibitor) resulted in clinical and histologic disease remission in three patients and marked improvement in the other two. Treatment was associated with suppression of pathogenic cytokine activity in the skin and dissolution of macrophages. We also found that severe GA was associated with hypercytokinemia in plasma of patients, and JAK inhibition normalized this hypercytokiemia. Together, our results highlight the constitutive activity of the JAK-STAT pathway in GA as a result of IFN-g and OSM and identify JAK inhibitors as a potential molecularly targeted treatment for this disorder.
Project description:PurposeGranuloma annulare (GA) is a rare clinical entity that does not classically arise from the peri-orbital area in adults. The purpose of this case report is to present a 69-year-old female with GA of the orbit. As well, the pathological and immunohistochemical features of these tumors will be discussed.ObservationsOne case of GA of the orbit was identified from a tertiary ophthalmology referral centre. Clinical and histopathological features of the case were reviewed. Other cases of GA were also retrieved from the literature and addressed in this report.Conclusion and importanceGranuloma annulare is a rare orbital lesion in adults. It is known to typically arise on the hands and feet of children. This lesion must be distinguished from necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG), which is a progressive peri-orbital dermatosis seen in middle age men and women. GA is thought to be a benign, often self-resolving condition, whereas NXG tends to be linked to other systemic conditions and may have a poorer prognosis.Differentiating this rare orbital tumor from necrobitotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is essential, as both a systemic work-up and follow-up must be appropriately arranged. A comprehensive description of pathognomonic microscopic features of GA and NXG is reviewed to achieve the correct diagnosis.
Project description:This investigation demonstrates the use of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for the treatment of disseminated granuloma annulare (GAD), a rare and chronic inflammatory skin disease. In this case, progressive GAD was treated with DMF, resulting in significant improvement of skin lesions within 5 weeks and complete healing within 7 months. Clinical response was associated with a reduction in inflammatory cells, including both T cell subsets (CD4+ > CD8+), CD183+/CXCR3+ cells, Langerhans cells (CD1a+), myeloid DCs, M1- and M2-like macrophages and the activation marker HLA-DR in immunohistochemical analysis. These findings support the use of DMF as a promising treatment option for this rare skin condition.
Project description:Breast cancer can present as a wide range of cutaneous lesions at the time of diagnosis or months to years after a known diagnosis of breast cancer. Cutaneous sequela of breast cancer, including metastasis, have a diverse range of clinical appearances. Here, we describe the case of a 59-year-old female with stage IV metastatic inflammatory breast carcinoma presenting with a chronic worsening rash on her anterior chest wall. Biopsy results demonstrated metastatic carcinoma cells within the dermal lymphatics, consistent with primary breast cancer. To our knowledge, based on a thorough review of the literature, no previous case reports detailing cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer have identified a rash mimicking granuloma annulare. The present case highlights the importance of early dermatologic referral if any abnormal or persistent lesions appear in a patient with a history of or current treatment for breast cancer.
Project description:BackgroundGranuloma annulare is a chronic noninfectious granulomatous skin condition with variable clinical presentations. Generalized granuloma annulare, defined as widespread disease with >10 skin lesions, accounts for 15% of all cases. Numerous associated diseases have been controversially discussed, most importantly diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, thyroid disease, malignancy and systemic infections.ObjectivesThe objective of our study is to describe disease characteristics, treatment outcome and associated diseases in patients treated at the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital Zurich during the last 20 years.MethodsThe hospital database was searched for patients with generalized granuloma annulare in the last 20 years (January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2017). Overall, 61 patients, 14 males and 47 females, were included in our study. The mean age was 58 years at first consultation. The diagnosis was verified clinically and histologically.ResultsGeneralized granuloma annulare occurred at a mean age of 55 years, more commonly in females. Pruritus was absent in 51% of all patients. Metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterinemia and hypertriglyceridemia were present in 10.5, 8.2 and 4.9%, respectively. Thyroid disease was present in 9.8% and malignant disease in 23%, including colorectal cancer, lymphoproliferative disease, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, basal cell carcinoma and gynecological malignancy. Therapy was initiated in 92%, while second- and third-line therapy was performed in 70 and 39%, respectively. Benefit during therapy (e.g., full and partial remission) was achieved in 39.3% during first-line, in 39.4% during second-line and in 33.8% during third-line treatment. Topical corticosteroids were the most commonly prescribed treatment, mostly leading to stable disease (46.6%). Combined full and partial remission occurred in a large proportion of patients receiving UVA1 (45%), PUVA (63.6%) and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (100%).ConclusionsGeneralized granuloma annulare is a mostly asymptomatic and benign disease with a strong tendency for treatment resistance. We suggest to screen all patients for dyslipidemia, thyroid disease and malignant disease. While randomized trials are needed, we suggest topical corticosteroids as the first-line treatment, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for persistent solitary lesions and, if further treatment is needed, UVA1 or PUVA.