Metastatic volume: an old oncologic concept and a new prognostic factor for stage IV melanoma patients.

BACKGROUND: The last melanoma staging system of the 2009 American Joint Committee on Cancer takes into account, for stage IV disease, the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the site of distant metastases. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to compare the significance of metastatic volume, as evaluated at the time of stage IV melanoma diagnosis, with other clinical predictors of prognosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicentric study. To establish which variables were statistically correlated both with death and survival time, contingency tables were evaluated. The overall survival curves were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Metastatic volume and number of affected organs were statistically related to death. In detail, patients with a metastatic volume >15 cm(3) had a worse prognosis than those with a volume lower than this value (survival probability at 60 months: 6.8 vs. 40.9%, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier method confirmed that survival time was significantly related to the site(s) of metastases, to elevated LDH serum levels and to melanoma stage according to the latest system. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that metastatic volume may be considered as a useful prognostic factor for survival among melanoma patients.

The blue globular pattern in dermoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a frequent benign epithelial skin tumor. Generally its diagnosis is clinical, however SK can sometimes clinically simulate a melanocytic lesion; therefore we need dermoscopy to reach a correct diagnosis. Milia-like cysts and comedo-like openings are the common dermoscopic features of SK, but it is not a rare finding that SK can display one or more dermoscopic patterns suggestive of a melanocytic origin. OBJECTIVES: We describe a case series of SKs with a blue globular pattern simulating a melanocytic lesion. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 224 SKs seen during 2011 at the Dermatoscopy Unit of the Department of Dermatology, University of Rome 'Sapienza'. RESULTS: Five SKs showed a blue globular pattern, without the SK main features generally seen in dermoscopy; globules were multiple, round or oval, well-demarcated, small and medium-sized, blue-colored and equally distributed within the lesion. Histopathologic examination was consistent with acanthotic SK. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of the blue globular pattern can be helpful for the dermoscopic diagnosis of SK, especially when its common dermoscopic features are absent.

Antibacterial activity of methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in the treatment of a cutaneous ulcer.

We describe a 79-year-old female with a chronic venous ulceration infected by Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis and not responsive to conventional treatments. The patient was treated with Methyl-Aminolaevulinate Photodynamic Therapy (MAL-PDT). After four weeks the cutaneous swabs become negative and we observed a significant clinical improvement. Therefore we suppose that MALPDT could represent a valid therapeutic option in the treatment of infected chronic ulcers.

Bromhidrosis induced by sphingomonas paucimobilis: a case report.

Bromhidrosis is a clinical disorder characterized by excessive or abnormal foul axillary odour due to the interaction of apocrine glands with micro-organisms which causes a serious personal and social handicap for affected people. We present the case of a 50-year-old caucasian female with bromhidrosis. The patient referred that this symptom had begun two months previously. Her past treatments included antibacterial soap, topical antibacterial agents and perfumes, but none of these relieved the patient of the odour. A cultural examination of axillary smear was carried out and it revealed the presence of ciprofloxacin sensible Sphingomonas paucimobilis. Therefore the patient was treated with ciprofloxacin and after 1 week the infection resolved completely.

A cutaneous infection caused by Brevundimonas vesicularis: a case report.

Brevundimonas vesicularis is a non-fermenting gram-negative bacillus, aerobic and motile. This microorganism is ubiquitous in the environment and has rarely been implicated in human infections. We present the second case of cutaneous infection caused by B. vesicularis in an immunocompetent patient.

Cutaneous cryptococcosis in a patient affected by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a case report.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection, the incidence of which is increased in the immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungus that mainly infects the lungs and the central nervous system, possibly involving different organs. Cutaneous cryptococcosis is classified into localized infection, usually occurring after traumatic inoculation (primary cutaneous cryptococcosis) and cutaneous manifestation due to hematogenous dissemination (secondary cutaneous cryptococcosis), mostly in patients with underlying immunosuppression. We report a case of cutaneous cryptococcosis in a patient affected by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Dermoscopy of a plantar combined blue nevus: a simulator of melanoma.

Dermoscopy allows early detection of melanoma also on acral volar skin. The majority of melanocytic nevi on palms and soles may show three major dermoscopic patterns: the parallel-furrow pattern, the lattice-like pattern, and the fibrillar pattern. Melanomas at these sites are characterized by the parallel ridge pattern. We present the case of a 59-year-old woman who had an oval papule of bluish color, measuring 0.6 x 0.9 cm, localized on her left sole, that had been present, unchanged, for more than 10 years. Dermoscopy showed a parallel ridge pattern. The histopathological examination revealed a combined blue nevus. We present this case to underline that on acral volar skin also intradermal nevi, such as combined blue nevi, may dermoscopically exhibit a parallel ridge pattern, simulating melanoma.

Epidemiology of dermatophytic infections in Rome, Italy: a retrospective study from 2002 to 2004.

In the present study, we determined the incidence of dermatophyte species causing superficial mycoses among outpatients referred to the Department of Dermatology of the "La Sapienza" University of Rome between 2002 and 2004. Of the 3160 subjects studied, 1275 (40.3%) were positive for fungal infection, but only 252 (19.7%) of these had infections caused by dermatophytes. The dermatophyte most frequently isolated was Microsporum canis. Our epidemiological data were compared with those obtained previously by other authors in the same geographic area. For the first time we described an inversion of the T. rubrum/T. mentagrophytes ratio, the latter being more frequently encountered. We also observed the emergence of M. audouinii.

Pulmonary mycobacteriosis in a patient affected by mycosis fungoides: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Among patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), sepsis and pulmonary infections are the first cause of death. We report on a patient with CTCL who, after more than 10 years of aggressive antineoplastic treatments, showed extensive pulmonary infiltrations on staging CT scan. Repeated CT scans were inconclusive for an infectious process, and the patient was still asymptomatic. The diagnosis of mycobacteriosis was made on the microbiologic exam of bronchoalveolar lavage. Specific treatment was started with contemporary dosage reduction of chemotherapy. After six months of antibiotic treatment the pulmonary lesions improved, whereas CTCL progressed. Therefore, a new antineoplastic regimen was started obtaining control of CTCL, without aggravation of the pulmonary lesions. We highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls encountered when pulmonary mycobacteriosis complicates the course and treatment of CTCL.

[Paracoccidioidomycosis of the central nervous system: case report]. / Paracoccidioidomicose do sistema nervoso central: relato de caso.

The involvement of the central nervous system in paracoccidioidomycosis is more frequent than previously thought. The first reference to the possibility that Paracoccidioides brasiliensis could affect the central nervous system was by Pereira & Jacobs in 1919. Since then, a great number of other studies has showed this form of clinical behavior and, in some of them, the frequency has ranged 27.27%. We report a clinical case of a 34-year-old white Brazilian woman admitted because of bacterial pneumonia. In the sixth day of admission, the patient developed cerebellar symptomatology with nausea, vomiting, dysmetria and gait disturbance. Central nervous system computer tomographic scanning disclosed a hypodense lesion in the right cerebellar hemisphere. The patient was submitted to surgery with total excision of the lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of neuroparacoccidioidomycosis. Coadjuvant treatment with sulfamethoxazole-trimetoprim was introduced. The patient had a good outcome and was discharge 30 days after surgery.

Quality assurance and colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Little is known concerning the usefulness and feasibility of quality assurance programs in gastrointestinal departments. The aim of this study was to identify the indicators of quality in colonoscopy, to check their use in clinical practice, and to identify their threshold values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in four endoscopic units. In the first phase, a questionnaire was used to identify the indicators that were considered important and easy to record; in the second phase, the selected items were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: Data from 603 colonoscopies were evaluated. The selected indicators were: rate of cecal intubation, rate of examinations with normal findings, rates of complications, appropriateness of indications, use of a washing machine for disinfection, duration of the disinfection procedure, rate of procedures repeated due to poor colon cleansing, rate of operative procedures, length of waiting time, rate of procedures performed for follow-up of known disease, experience of the operator, and rate of procedures performed with the patient under conscious sedation. A striking difference emerged between the technical standards at three centers, which were fairly good, and the standard at the fourth center, which was less satisfactory. The length of the waiting time was high in all centers, as well as the rate of examinations conducted with an inappropriate indication. The rate of procedures performed under conscious sedation varied widely between the centers. CONCLUSIONS: The study of the indicators of quality of colonoscopy is feasible and easy to perform in clinical practice, and can be useful for quality assurance programs.

[Topical beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) in intestinal inflammatory diseases: the results of a multicentre trial]. / Beclometasone dipropionato topico nelle malattie infiammatorie intestinali: risultati di un'indagine multicentrica.

The authors assessed the efficacy and tolerability of BDP in an open protocol using rectal enemas and suppositories and in a double-blind protocol vs mesalazine using rectal enemas. A total of 47 patients suffering from ulcerous rectocolitis were enrolled in the study and treated for 42 days while undergoing endoscopic, histologic and clinical controls. In conclusion, the authors affirm that BDP may represent a useful new therapeutic instrument in the treatment of slight to moderately severe forms of inflammatory intestinal disease.

Are we correctly using the inhibitors of gastric acid secretion and cytoprotective drugs? Results of a multicentre study.

AIM: To evaluate indications and frequency of prescriptions of pH-modifying and cytoprotective drugs in hospital departments. DESIGN OF THE STUDY: Multicentre cohort transverse relevation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On a randomly selected day the clinical charts of 3685 inpatients were reviewed by a gastroenterologist and data were collected concerning the drug used, its dosage and indications for the prescription. RESULTS: 26.8% of hospitalized patients were under treatment on the day of the study. Ranitidine was the most frequently prescribed (73.9%). The purpose of treatment was cure of acute disease or symptoms in 27% of cases and prevention of peptic damage in 73%. Fear of development of stress mucosal lesions (28%) and therapy with other drugs (56%) motivated prophylactic treatment in the majority of cases. The examination of clinical charts failed to demonstrate any need for treatment in 51.4% of the patients. Disparities in the frequency of prescription between different departments and hospitals were found. CONCLUSION: Criteria used for prescription of drugs for peptic diseases in hospitalized patients should be strictly monitored to avoid excessive and unmotivated use also in general practice.

Evidences of 4-hydroxynonenal involvement in modulation of phagocyte activities.

The peroxidative breakdown of membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to the production of various carbonylic compounds: among these, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) displays many biological properties related to neutrophil functions. It stimulates rat and human polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell migration and has been detected during inflammation. The aim of this study was to elucidate and well characterize the mechanism of action of HNE. We observed that micromolar HNE concentrations that influence migration do not stimulate differently from many other chemoattractants the human PMN chemiluminescence (CL) induced by opsonized zymosan or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Higher HNE concentrations inhibit the light emission of stimulated PMN. Addition of 0.5 mM L-arginine (L-arg), the substrate of nitric oxide synthase, into the incubation medium had the effect of modifying human CL. In fact, HNE at 10-6 M, a concentration which is ineffective in absence of L-Arg, at 10-5 M reduces CL emission of PMA-stimulated human PMN. These observations have been confirmed by electron-spin resonance (ESR) analysis. HNE, according to other stimuli, induced PMN phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PL-C). All these results considered together suggest the conclusion that HNE represents an interesting endogenous molecule that plays a role as an inflammatory mediator involved a) in the recruitment of phagocytic cells at the inflamed area, and b) in the modulation of respiratory burst and of nitric oxide (NO) production.

Biphasic diurnal periodicity in bleeding from peptic ulcer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if there was periodicity in the manifestations of gastrointestinal bleeding (hematemesis and melena). METHOD: This is a multicenter prospective study carried out in the Endoscopy Units of eight hospitals. At the time of the emergency endoscopy, the following data were collected: age, sex, endoscopic diagnosis, solar hour of the first hematemesis (vomiting of bright red or tarry black material) and of the first melena (black or bloody soft stools), and any drugs taken during the week before the bleeding episode, regardless of the dose. RESULTS: 806 patients were studied. Bleeding was from peptic ulcer in 405 patients (50%), from esophageal varices in 197 (24%), and from other sources in the remainder. Analysis using single cosinor statistics showed a nonrandom distribution in bleeding from peptic ulcer, whether presenting first with hematemesis (p = 0.02) or melena (p = 0.03). There were two peaks at 6:45 AM and 6:45 PM for hematemesis and at 7:25 AM and 7:25 PM for melena, representing a biphasic diurnal (ultradian) rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that bleeding due to peptic ulcer has a biphasic diurnal periodicity. This has potential importance for the pathogenesis of bleeding, for the management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and the administration of drugs known to cause peptic ulcer bleeding.

Binding of the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is produced during peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It exerts a chemokinetic effect on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Investigations of this mechanism were performed. The results indicate that [3H]-HNE binding to PMN results both in non-specific bonds to the numerous SH groups of the cells and in binding to a saturable, reversible and specific HNE site. Scatchard analysis revealed that this is a single site with an apparent affinity constant of 319 nM and a density of 1.57 pmol (10(6))-1 cells. This specific binding site may be involved in the chemokinetic effect of HNE.

Familial aggregation of inflammatory bowel disease in northern Italy: a multicenter study. The Gruppo di Studio per le Malattie Infiammatorie Intestinali (IBD Study Group).

To assess the familial aggregation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Italy, the family pedigrees of 411 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 241 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) seen at 14 participating hospitals were studied. Sufficient information was obtained on 97% of 3752 first-degree relatives, 80% of 8869 second-degree relatives, and 74% of 5791 cousins. Thirty-six propositi (5.52%) had a total of 44 affected relatives (16 CD, 28 UC). The prevalence of IBD was higher in first- than in second-degree relatives and cousins (791, 112, and 163 in 100,000, respectively). A strong intrafamilial disease concordance was observed, with 26 cases of UC and 6 of CD among relatives of UC patients and 10 cases of CD and 2 of UC among relatives of CD patients. The prevalence of UC among first-degree relatives of UC patients and that of CD among first-degree relatives of CD patients was 680 and 531 in 100,000, respectively. In conclusion, there is a high degree of familial aggregation for IBD in Italy, with a strong intrafamilial disease concordance.