New clinical syndromes in dermatology

Dermatologists are in the unique position to be able to diagnose serious systemic diseases through skin findings; in addition, cutaneous manifestations can be associated with internal symptoms and clarify the pathogenesis and treatment of challenging new syndromes. Calciphylaxix, now renamed Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy, primarily affects patients with end-stage renal disease with concomitant hyperphosphatemia, increased calcium-phosphate product and hyperparathyroidism, skin biopsy and wound care are crucial parts of the diagnosis and treatment. Hyperhomocysteinemia may play a very important role in many cutaneous and systemic diseases including, chronic cutaneous wounds, systemic lupus erythematosus, Behcet's disease and psoriasis. Through a skin biopsy and biochemical analysis of the proteoglycans accumulation it may be possible to diagnose a new systemic mucinosis and prevent sudden death in patients with severe mitral valve prolapse. Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy is a newly described fibrosing disorder occurring in patients with end stage renal disease, the etiology and pathogenesis are still unknown, and the ultimate course of this disease has not been defined.