A Case of Pemphigus Herpetiformis in a 12-Year-Old Male

Pemphigus herpetiformis (PH) is one of the less common forms of pemphigus. PH in children is unreported. We describe a case of a child who developed PH. Observation. A 12-year-old boy was seen at our department with erosive plaques, vesicles, and crusted cutaneous lesions associated with severe itching persisting for six months. Histologic examination showed an intraepidermal bulla containing rare acantholytic epidermal cells with eosinophilic spongiosis. Direct immunofluorescence demonstrated intercellular Ig G and C3 deposit. The serum titer of antibodies against intercellular epidermal was 1/200 UI/l. Diagnosis of PH was made, and treatment with Dapsone 2 mg/kg per day resulted in total clinical remission. However, two months later, new vesicles reappeared and treatment was begun with prednisone at a dose of 2 mg/kg daily. There was a very good response. Discussion. Childhood pemphigus herpetiformis is a rare disease, often initially misdiagnosed. It must not be forgotten that the disease is a possible cause of erosive mucocutaneous disease in children

Unusual Presentation of a Rare Tumor of the Dorsal Surface of the Foot

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF) was originally described by Keasbey in 1953 as juvenile aponeurotic fibroma, most commonly occurring in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet in children and adolescents. It usually presents as a firm, painless mass without preceding trauma. We report a case of this rare condition with an unusual presentation in a 60-year-old woman affecting the dorsal surface of the foot. It is a relatively benign condition with a good prognosis following complete surgical excision. It may have a slightly increased incidence in males. The accurate diagnosis is based only on histology but it is essential to differentiate it from other sinister lesions such as fibrosarcoma that may lead to amputation