elastin and Lichen-Planus

D-Penicillamine, a heavy metal chelator used in the treatment of Wilson's disease and other conditions, may be associated with both noncutaneous and cutaneous side effects. Some of the cutaneous lesions are due to a toxic-metabolic effect on connective tissue; some may be explained on the basis of autoimmunity; some are acute sensitivity reactions, and some are secondary to unknown mechanisms. The types of cutaneous manifestations may, in some instances, be correlated with the disease being treated and the dosage and duration of penicillamine therapy.

Topics: Autoimmune Diseases; Collagen; Dermatitis, Atopic; Drug Eruptions; Elastin; Humans; Lichen Planus; Penicillamine; Skin; Stomatitis, Aphthous

After a short compilation of the descriptions of the elastic globes offered in the literature, the results of 446 tissue specimens of five different dermatoses (lichen planus, erythematodes chronicus discoides, tuberculosis cutis luposa, basal cell carcinoma, and nervus cell nevi). An increased appearance of elastic globes was found in erythematodes chronicus discoides and tuberculosis cutis luposa, compared with the other dermatoses. Elastic globes were not limited to special areas of the body, but there were topographical preferences. Elastic globes are common in the aged. The histopathology is descripted.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Child, Preschool; Elastic Tissue; Elastin; Extremities; Face; Female; Hair; Head; Humans; Lichen Planus; Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid; Lupus Vulgaris; Male; Middle Aged; Nevus; Skin; Skin Neoplasms