Peer Reviewed

Quiz

What Caused These Dyspigmented Lesions in an HIV-Infected Man?

Eric Parks, MD
Volume 46 - Issue 13 - November 2006

Dyspigmented Lesions


A 38-year-old African American man with HIV infection presents with numerous dyspigmented macules and patches on the extremities, abdomen, and chest; the lesions are Dyspigmented Lesionssmooth, nontender, and minimally pruritic. He has been noncompliant with antiretroviral therapy since his diagnosis 3 years earlier.

During the first 3 to 4 months after the HIV infection was diagnosed, the skin of the patient's extremities and trunk became intensely pruritic. Initially, he noticed no rash or lesions, then pea-sized nodules appeared in the areas of chronic scratching. Application of corticosteroid cream provided little relief. Further itching and scratching of the nodules led to the pigmentation changes shown here.

Which of the conditions in the differential is the likely diagnosis?

A. Vitiligo

B. Scabies

C. Bullous pemphigoid

D. Prurigo nodularis

E. Kaposi sarcoma

 Whats Your Diagnosis?

 

Answer on next page

 
Prurigo nodularis is characterized by numerous nodules and papules that develop after a period of intense itching and scratching. The 0.5- to 2-cm, dome-shaped, scaly lesions are often found on the arms, legs, and anterior chest; the face, palms, soles, and hard-to-reach areas--such as the back--are spared. Postinflammatory changes with dyspigmentation (as seen in this patient), scarring, and erythematous areas frequently develop in affected persons.1,2

Although the exact cause of prurigo nodularis is unknown, the condition often occurs in immunocompromised patients, such as those with underlying disorders (eg, HIV infection with a CD4 count of less than 50/µL, chronic renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, and iron deficiency). It is also more common in patients with darker skin and in those who have increased emotional stress.1,3,4

The Table lists conditions in the differential diagnosis of dyspigmented macules and patches in patients with HIV infection.5,6 Diagnosis of prurigo nodularis is primarily based on the history and clinical presentation. An underlying malignancy and hepatic or renal dysfunction can be ruled out with laboratory studies, such as a complete blood cell count and metabolic panel; the results of these studies were negative in this patient.

A biopsy specimen from the nodules reveals marked hyperkeratosis and acanthosis of the epidermis. Nerve fiber hyperplasia and patchy inflammation are also found.5,7

Treatment of prurigo nodularis is challenging; it includes a combination of counseling, antipruritic and antianxiety agents, topical and intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, and phototherapy.8 Immunomodulators, such as thalidomide, have been tried.8 Patient education about the importance of terminating the itch-scratch cycle is essential. *

Table —Selected differential diagnosis of dyspigmented macules and patches in a patient with HIV infection 
     
 Condition Characteristics 
 
 
 Vitiligo Slow progression of depigmentation; biopsy specimen shows an absence of melanocytes; no nodules are present 
 
 
 Scabies Superficial infection caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite; pruritus often at night; scaly, pruritic papules or hyperkeratotic plaques on the extremities, trunk, palms, or soles; oil preparations of skin scrapings allow visualization of the mites 
 
 
 Bullous pemphigoid Autoimmune disease that presents later in life with hard, tense bullae on any part of skin; the lesions heal with minimal or no scarring; immunofluorescence shows IgG deposits 
 
 
 Prurigo nodularis Often seen in immunocompromised patients; manifests as nodules and papules after intense scratching; postinflammatory changes (eg, dyspigmentation) are common 
 
 
 Kaposi sarcoma Frequently presents in patients with AIDS as macules and patches that progress to plaques, nodules, and nonpruritic papules; mucosal and visceral involvement is typical; biopsy specimen reveals spindle cells and erythrocyte-filled irregular spaces 
 
References

1. Han A, Koo JYM. Psychocutaneous diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP, et al, eds. Dermatology. New York: Mosby; 2003:116-117.

2. Soter NA. Nummular eczema and lichen simplex chronicus/prurigo nodularis. In: Freedberg IM, Eisen AZ, Wolff K, et al, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2003:1196-1197.

3. Maurer TA. Dermatologic manifestations in HIV infection. Top HIV Med. 2005;13:149-154.

4. Hyde JN, Montgomery FH. A Practical Treatise on Diseases of the Skin for the Use of Students and Practitioners. Philadelphia: Lea Brothers; 1909:174-175.

5. Penneys NS. Skin Manifestations of AIDS. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott Co; 1990:95-108, 143-147.

6. Mathieu ME, Wilson BB. Scabies. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:2974-2976.

7. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby; 2000:68.

8. Maurer T, Poncelet A, Berger T. Thalidomide treatment for prurigo nodularis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects: efficacy and risk of neuropathy. Arch Dermatol. 2004;140:845-849.