Cidofovir gel as treatment of follicular spicules in multiple myeloma

JAMA Dermatol. 2015 Jan;151(1):82-4. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.1616.

Abstract

Importance: The cause of follicular spicules in multiple myeloma (MM) is not known.

Observations: We present a case of follicular spicules in a patient with MM, which is very reminiscent of trichodysplasia spinulosa caused by a polyomavirus. No trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus could be isolated from the skin lesions; however, the spicules were positive for Merkel cell carcinoma virus, which is also a polyomavirus.

Conclusions and relevance: Follicular spicules in MM are probably not caused by the trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated virus. Merkel cell polyomavirus could contribute to the origin of this dermatosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / virology
  • Cidofovir
  • Cytosine / administration & dosage
  • Cytosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cytosine / therapeutic use
  • Gels
  • Hair Follicle / pathology
  • Hair Follicle / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Merkel cell polyomavirus / isolation & purification
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / virology
  • Organophosphonates / administration & dosage
  • Organophosphonates / therapeutic use*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Polyomavirus Infections / virology
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / virology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Gels
  • Organophosphonates
  • Cytosine
  • Cidofovir