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European Journal of Dermatology

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Digital gangrene associated with idiopathic hypereosinophilia: treatment with allogeneic cultured dermal substitute (CDS) Volume 14, issue 3, May - June 2004

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Authors
Department of Dermatology, Wakayama Medical University, 811‐1, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641‐0012, Japan R&D Center for Artificial Skin, Allied Health Science, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan

In the present case study, the patient was a 65‐year‐old man who suddenly developed purpuric and necrotic lesions with severe pain in his fingers and toes. Laboratory investigations revealed marked eosinophilia (77.9%), but there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of parasitic infections, allergic disease, neoplasm or connective tissue disorder. The histopathological findings did not show any distinct vasculitis, but there were obliterative changes of the arterioles. The digital gangrene gradually progressed and was unresponsive to corticosteroid therapy. The patient eventually underwent amputation of the distal phalanges. We applied allogeneic cultured dermal substitute (CDS) to the skin defect. The allogeneic CDS was prepared by culturing fibroblasts on a two‐layered sponge of hyaluronic acid and atelo‐collagen. This CDS is able to release a number of cytokines including VEGF. The present case had a good clinical result.