[Confluent and reticulate papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud: a retrospective study of 9 cases].
BACKGROUND
Confluent and reticulate papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud is a rare entity and a subject of controversy in terms of nosology. It has occasionally been regarded as a peculiar variant of acanthosis nigricans, pityriasis versicolor or amyloidosis.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss confluent and reticulate papillomatosis and its diagnostic criteria as a distinct entity.


METHODS
Retrospective study from 1994 to 2005 based on photographic files from 2 dermatology wards at the Saint Louis Hospital, Paris. Files containing a precise clinical description of the rash and at least one mycological element were included.


RESULTS
Nine cases were included (6 females, 3 males). These patients showed clinical features comprising elementary lesion, distribution and topography corresponding to the classical description; histology was also consistent with confluent and reticulate papillomatosis, with no signs of amylosis and negative fungal samples or failure of antifungal treatment. One patient was presenting associated acanthosis nigricans. Doxycycline was efficacious in 4 cases in which it was evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
Confluent and reticulate papillomatosis is a definite entity and is not a superficial fungal disease. It must be distinguished from pityriasis versicolor as well as acanthosis nigricans and cutaneous amyloidosis. The therapeutic efficacy of oral cyclines (doxycycline or minocycline) appears to be an important distinguishing feature that can serve as a diagnostic criterion.
Riaux
A
A
Service de Dermatologie 1, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris.
Bourrat
E
E
Pinquier
L
L
Morel
P
P
Dubertret
L
L
Petit
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010212:Papilloma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*
D004318:Doxycycline