Epidermodysplasia verruciformis A.K.A. Lewandowsky-Lutz dysplasia or Tree Man Illness

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis

A.K.A. Lewandowsky-Lutz dysplasia

or

Tree Man Illness

Tree Man Illness is a rare autosomal recessive disease, meaning the genes can be found on any autosome except sex chromosomes, in which the individual affected has a high susceptibility to HPVs (human papillomaviruses) of the skin. This susceptibility causes the growth of macules and papules, from which the nickname Tree Man Illness is derived.

Tree Man Illness

Caused by an inactivating PH mutation in either the EVER1 or EVER2 genes.

Both are on chromosome 17 and are adjacent to each other.

Other genes have been connected to the disease, although it is rare with no specific gene being more specifically diagnosed than another.

Believed to not be contagious, as doctors who have made contact with affected individuals did not become infected.

Etiology

Genetic Disease

Growths are caused by HPV-2

Same HPV that causes warts

Nearly all cases have been in Indonesia

Disease itself does not directly cause the growths.

Epidemiology

Patient Signs:

Various possible diagnostics

Benign Form: Flat, wart-like lesions over the body.

Malignant Form: Shows a higher rate of polymorphic skin lesions and development of cutaneous tumors.

Cutaneous lesions=typically all over the body.

In rare cases=only one region of the body.

Symptoms:

Thick Warts

Cover body and inside the skin

Skin hardens and thickens as old skin is replaced.

Hands and feet become difficult to use

Grow contorted branches that grow up to three feet in length.

Patient Signs and Symptoms

Immune system tests through a blood sample.

White Blood Cell level=similar to AIDS.

Weakness to fighting infections.

HPV tests are NOT associated with the same HPV virus of Tree Mans.

Genetic Analysis

Tests

Surgery=Temporary Solution

Varied Outcomes:

At least twice a year

Rare recurrences.

Suggested Treatments:

.5-1 gram per day of Acitretin for 6 months.

Interferons with retinoids

Triggers an antitumor response.

Cimetidine

Calcipotriol

Salicylic Acid

Chemotherapy

Medical Treatments

Early diagnosis to prevent tumor development.

Dont live in Indonesia.

Prevention

Only 1 true cured patient.

Life expectancy: no data on estimation.

Weak Immune System

Quality of Life:

Very Difficult

Possible need for constant medical treatment.

-Lon Toader

Prognosis

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Who was displayed in the photos?

Bede

Dede

Edde

Nene

2. Which of the following has not been

recommended as a potential treatment?

a. Interferons with retinoids

b. Cimetidine

c. Calcipotriol

d. Vicodin

CYR???

3. What are the growths that affect individuals with Tree Mans Illness?

a. Extra limbs

b. Tree Branches

c. Warts

d. Callused skin

4. Who was the disease named after?

a.Felix Lewandowsky and Wilhem Lutz.

b.Felix Baumgartner and William Lutz.

c.Felix Levondowsky and Willham Lutz.

d.Felix Lovelessky and Willie Lutz.