Josef Kyrle

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Josef Kyrle (December 8, 1880 - 1926) was an Austrian pathologist and dermatologist who was a native of Schärding.

He studied medicine at the University of Graz, and afterwards was an assistant to Anton Weichselbaum (1845-1920) at the clinic of pathological anatomy at the University of Vienna. In 1907 he was an assistant to Ernst Finger (1856-1939) at the dermatology clinic in Vienna, and in 1918 he attained the title of professor extraordinarius.

Kyrle specialized in microscopic and histological research of skin disorders. His name is associated with "Kyrle's disease", which is also known as "hyperkeratosis penetrans". In 1916 Kyrle referred to this condition as hyperkeratosis follicularis et parafollicularis in cutem penetrans, and it is characterized by keratotic plugs that develop in hair follicles and eccrine ducts, and penetrate the epidermis and extend into the dermis. This disorder is often associated with diabetes mellitus and renal failure.

He also performed investigations concerning the use of Jauregg's malaria therapy for treatment of syphilis in its early stages, and with Dr. Weichselbaum performed important studies involving the origin and development of the islets of Langerhans in the fetus.