Histological characterization of age-related skin changes following the use of picosecond laser: Low vs high energy.

Fractional lasers have become widespread in dermatology owing to their efficacy and safety. Comparative analysis of histological features after laser rejuvenation using a 1064-nm fractionated handpiece picosecond laser with different energy fluence levels (1.1 or 2.1 J/cm2 ). An open-label, study of 28 women aged 36 to 60 years with signs of age-related photodamage and skin changes of the face and neck was conducted using a fractional picosecond 1064 nm laser in low vs high fluence. The clinical assessment at 3 weeks showed more pronounced effect on facial skin rejuvenation with the higher fluence of 2.1 J/cm2 compared to 1.1 J/cm2 . The effect and safety of laser rejuvenation using a picosecond laser has been shown with more pronounced histological effects at higher fluences.

Diagnostic challenge in desmin cardiomyopathy with transformation of clinical phenotypes.

Desmin cardiomyopathy is a rare cause of congestive heart failure. Its clinical manifestation in adulthood often is associated with conduction disorders and a neuromuscular phenotype. Only a few cases have been reported, with early manifestation in childhood mostly due to severe cardiomyopathy dilation and conduction abnormalities. However, the disease can result in the variety of clinical phenotypes, including hypertrophic, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. This report describes the first case of desmin cardiomyopathy with early manifestation in adolescence and transformation of several clinical phenotypes over time, representing sufficient difficulties for the correct clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease at an early stage.