Search

Objective: To describe the clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging features, management and outcome of canine cases with presumed optic neuritis of non‐infectious origin that were presented to a UK referral centre from January 2000 to December 2015. Materials and Methods: The clinical database was searched for optic neuritis. Dogs with acute‐onset vision impairment, systemic immunosuppressive treatment and follow‐up of ≥6 months were included. Information collected included: age; gender; breed; clinical signs and duration; physical, ophthalmic and neurological examination findings; concurrent systemic disease; and results of electroretinogram, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, polymerase chain reaction and serology testing for Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and canine distemper virus, haematology and serum biochemistry profiles, abdominal ultrasound, thoracic radiography, treatment and outcome. Results: Twenty‐eight dogs were included, with a total of 48 affected optic nerves. Age at presentation ranged from 6 months to 10.5 years. Fundoscopic evidence of optic nerve disease was present in 34 of 48 (71%) optic nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of 32 of 48 (67%) nerves and contrast enhancement of 28 of 48 (58%) nerves. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis performed in 25 of 28 (89%) dogs revealed pleocytosis (>5 nucleated cells/uL) in 11 of 25 (44%) and increased protein (>0.35 g/L) in 11 of 25 (44%). Immunosuppressive prednisolone was administered to all dogs. Prednisolone was used alone in 9 of 28 (32%) dogs; the remaining 19 dogs received a combination of prednisolone with cytosine arabinoside, cyclosporine and/or azathioprine. Vision was recovered in 24 eyes (50%) of 18 affected dogs. Clinical Significance: A positive response to treatment was observed in 64% of dogs with presumptively diagnosed optic neuritis treated with immunosuppressive medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of tinea incognito (TI) appears to have increased over recent years, although no large series of cases has been reported in children. The aim of this study was to analyse the main epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of TI diagnosed in children in comparison with other tineas. We undertook a retrospective study of 818 tineas diagnosed in children in a referral hospital between 1977 and 2006, concentrating on TI. Of the 54 TI diagnosed, 85% were in the last 15 years. Most children were older than 9 years of age. The most usual clinical forms were tinea corporis (46.3%) and tinea faciei (38.9%). Topical steroids alone had been used to treat 68.5% of the cases. Direct examination was positive in 91.5% of the cases examined. Culture was positive in 85.2% of cases. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton mentagrophytes (44.4%). This is the largest case series of childhood TI reported to date. TI has increased over recent years and important differences were found between these TI and the other tineas in children over the same period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common mycological infection in childhood. The epidemiology of TC varies depending on the geographical area and the time of study, and although it is an important public health problem in our area, only a few long-term studies have focused on children. The aim of this study was to analyse the main epidemiological, clinical and microbiological features of TC in children over 30 years and compare these features with those of other tineas. We undertook a retrospective study of 818 tineas in children at a referral hospital in southern Spain diagnosed between 1977 and 2006, concentrating on TC. Of the 444 TC diagnosed, 61.5% were in boys. Most children (66.9%) were aged 4-9 years. Twelve patients were immigrants. Inflammatory clinical forms were present in 18.2% of cases. At the time of diagnosis, 10.4% of the cases had been treated with antifungal agents. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was Microsporum canis (63.5%). We report the largest study of TC in Spain. Our results were very similar to those in other national studies, noting a predominance of non-inflammatory cases of TC caused by zoophilic dermatophytes. Although the species of the causal dermatophytes have not varied substantially in this period, the increasing number of immigrants may lead to a change in the aetiology of TC in the future. The number of cases referred to the dermatology department who have already been treated shows a lack of communication between primary care and dermatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which offers information about pigmented mammary Paget's disease.

Examines the allergic content of Cistus ladanifer plant as a cause of contact dermatitis. Determination of immunoglobulin-E with RAST tests; Application of a patch test with a rockrose leaf and with C. ladanifer extract to atopic dermatitis; Compatibility of skin biopsy with contact dermatitis.