A multicentric study on dermoscopic patterns and clinical-dermoscopic-histological correlates of basal cell carcinoma in Indian skin.

BACKGROUND: Literature on the dermoscopic patterns of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in India is limited. AIM: To describe the dermoscopic pattern and dermoscopic-histopathological correlation in a large cohort of patients with BCC from India, with a particular focus on skin of colour (SOC). METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted under the aegis of the Dermatoscopy Society of India. Clinical details were collected, and two lead authors independently analysed dermoscopic images of BCC for a predefined set of characteristics. Histopathological slides/blocks were reviewed, and dermoscopic-histological correlation attempted. RESULTS: In total, 143 patients with BCC and skin phototypes IV-VI were included. The mean largest BCC diameter was 3.10 ± 3.68 cm and there was a significant but weak association between duration and largest dimension of the lesion (Spearman ρ = 0.33, P < 0.01). Nearly half of the cases were diagnosed with pigmented BCC and the most common histological subtype was nodular BCC (37.9%). Dermoscopically, blue-grey dots and arborizing vessels were the most common features (60.0%). Pigmentary changes were found in the majority of cases, and included blue-white veil, blue-grey ovoid nests and maple leaf-like areas. A third of our patients had short linear telangiectasia, polymorphic vessels and regular dotted vessels, and another third exhibited a dermoscopic rainbow effect. Arborizing vessels were significantly more common with micronodular (78.9%) and nodular variants (74.1%, P = 0.05), whereas regular dotted vessels (68.4%, P = 0.04), blue-white veil (84.2%, P = 0.02) were significantly associated with micronodular variant. CONCLUSION: The dermoscopic patterns of blue-white veil and regular dotted vessels are indicators towards micronodular BCC in SOC and can help in prioritizing treatment.

Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta in skin of color: new observations by dermoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis lichenoides is an uncommon skin disease that presents in three different forms: pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA), pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) and febrile ulceronecrotic-Mucha-Habermann disease. These represent a spectrum of a disease. PLEVA presents as skin eruption of multiple, small, red papules that develop into polymorphic lesions with periods of varying remissions, as well as possible sequels of hyper/hypopigmentation and varicella-like scars. Diagnosis of this condition is mainly clinical, and sometimes clinical differentiation from other conditions may be a difficult task that often requires histological analysis. In this study, PLEVA lesions were examined by dermoscopy, and the significance of specific dermoscopic findings was investigated in order to facilitate their differentiation from other inflammatory conditions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate dermoscopic patterns in PLEVA and to correlate these patterns with histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at S. Nijalingappa Medical College, Bagalkot. It was an observational case series study and patients were selected randomly. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. PLEVA lesions in early and late phases were evaluated. A manual DermLite 3 (3Gen, San Juan Capistrano, CA) dermoscope attached to a Sony (Cyber Shot DSC-W800, Sony Electronics Inc., San Diego, California, USA, digital, 14 mega pixels) camera was employed. Histopathology was done to confirm the diagnosis. Data was collected and analyzed. Results were statistically described in terms of frequencies and types of dermoscopic patterns. RESULTS: There was a total of 14 patients; 8 males and 6 females. Mean age of patients was 19 years. Mean duration of disease was 7 months. Dermoscopy in early-phase lesions revealed amorphous brownish areas around the hair follicles, dotted vessels, and scaling. Dermoscopy in late-phase lesions showed whitish-structureless areas and central white crust within whitish-structureless rim with scale, focal bluish-grayish areas or centrifugal strands irregularly distributed along the periphery and yellow structures. Red dots and hemorrhage were seen at the center and glomerular vessels at the periphery. CONCLUSION: PLEVA demonstrates specific dermoscopic patterns that correlate well with histologic changes. New dermoscopic findings are described. Thus, dermoscopy is a good diagnostic tool in the clinical diagnosis of PLEVA.

Hypertrophic lichen planus versus prurigo nodularis: a dermoscopic perspective.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic lichen planus (HLP) classically involves shin and ankles and is characterized by hyperkeratotic plaques and nodules. Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic neurodermatitis that presents with intensely pruritic nodules. Histopathology of HLP and PN demonstrate epidermal hyperplasia, hypergranulosis, and compact hyperkeratosis. The dermis shows vertically arranged collagen fibers and an increased number of fibroblasts and capillaries in both conditions. Moreover, basal cell degeneration is confined to the tips of rete ridges, and band-like infiltration is conspicuously absent in HLP. Therefore, both conditions mimic each other clinically, which makes diagnosis difficult. Hence, there is a need for a diagnostic technique to differentiate both conditions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dermoscopic patterns in HLP and PN and to study these patterns histopathologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at S. Nijalingappa Medical College in Bagalkot. It was an observational case series study. Ethical clearance and informed consent was obtained. A Dermlite 3 dermoscope (3Gen, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA) attached to a Sony Cyber Shot camera DSC-W800 (Sony Electronics Inc., San Diego, California, USA) was employed. Histopathology was done to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 10 patients each with HLP and PN. HLP was seen in 8 males and 2 females. PN was observed in 7 females and 3 males. Dermoscopy of HLP demonstrated pearly white areas and peripheral striations (100%), gray-blue globules (60%), comedo-like openings (30%), red dots (40%), red globules (10%), brownish-black globules (30%), and yellowish structures (90%). In PN, red dots (70%), red globules (60%), and pearly white areas with peripheral striations (100%) were observed under dermoscopy. CONCLUSION: Both HLP and PN demonstrated specific dermoscopic patterns which can be demonstrated on histopathologic findings. The authors propose that these patterns are hallmarks of each condition. Thus, dermoscopy is a good diagnostic tool in the differentiation of HLP and PN.

Trichoscopy: The Best Auxiliary Tool in the Evaluation of Nevus Sebaceous.

INTRODUCTION: Nevus sebaceous (NS) presents as alopecia and yellowish discoloration during infantile stage. In adult stage, lesions become verrucous. Importantly, various appendageal tumors such as trichoblastoma, syringocystadenoma papilliferum and basal cell carcinoma develop during this stage. Hence it is very important to follow the course of NS for early detection of neoplasms. Trichoscopy, being in vivo diagnostic technique, can be utilized in this condition. as it demonstrates specific trichoscopic patterns. Patterns of NS on trichoscopy are evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was conducted in SN Medical College, Bagalkot. It is a case series study. Ten patients with NS were studied using polarised dermoscopy. All NS lesions were subjected to histopathology for confirmation of diagnosis. Correlation of histopathological changes and trichoscopic patterns was done. Data were tabulated in Microsoft excel sheet. The results are presented in proportions and percentages. RESULTS: Total of 10 patients including 6males and 4 females were present in the study. The mean age was 20years. Two patients were with childhood stage and 8 patients were with adulthood stage of NS. Trichoscopy showed 'cobble stone pattern' in 20% and 'cerebriform pattern' in 80% of patients. Histopathological features showed numerous and hyperplastic sebaceous glands with primordial hair follicles which were consistent with NS in all the patients. CONCLUSION: Trichoscopy helps in the diagnosis of NS with specific patterns. Yellowish globules in the cobblestone pattern and cerebriform patterns are specific to childhood and adult stages of NS respectively. Hence, trichoscopy is good, non-invasive diagnostic technique in NS. Authors strongly recommend regular trichoscopic examination of NS.

Dermoscopic evaluation of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: A preliminary observation.

BACKGROUND: Depigmented skin lesions are of great concern in the society, especially in the Indian subcontinent. These comprise many infective and inflammatory conditions that cause apprehension and anxiety among patients due to the social stigma attached to these conditions. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) appears similar to many depigmented lesions and differentiation of IGH from these conditions is difficult clinically as well as histopathologically. METHODS: Clinically suspected IGH were included in the study. All IGH lesions were confirmed by histopathology. Clinical data and dermoscopic patterns were analyzed and presented in proportions and percentages. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the study with 16 females and 14 males. Dermoscopy showed amoeboid, feathery, petaloid and nebuloid patterns in 12, 7, 6 and 1 patients respectively. Four patients had combination of these patterns. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopy of IGH revealed consistent patterns. Hence, we propose these patterns were specific to IGH and help clinician to differentiate many depigmented skin lesions from IGH in clinical practice. However, histopathology must be done for confirmation of diagnosis. Further studies on dermoscopy of IGH with histopathology correlation are proposed.

A serpentine inside eccrine spiradenoma: a new trichoscopic sign.

Trichoscopy being an in vivo technique aids in magnification of cutaneous structures with appropriate pattern and color. A female presented with erythematous tumor on scalp. Histopathology showed features of eccrine spiradenoma. Authors evaluated trichoscopic patterns in eccrine spiradenoma. It demonstrated specific trichoscopic pattern in the form of linear red structure appearing as 'serpentine'. Authors believe that this new trichoscopic pattern is hallmark of eccrine spiradenoma and can be utilized in the diagnosis.

Trichoscopy in trichotillomania: a useful diagnostic tool.

INTRODUCTION: Trichotillomania (TTM) is characterized by patchy alopecia of hair bearing areas. This is because of compulsive urge to pull the hair. Scalp is the most common site for pulling hair. Usually, patients may have only small areas of baldness, in severe forms, tonsure pattern of baldness is observed. Diagnosis is by history and clinical examination. However, it is difficult to differentiate from other causes of noncicatricial alopecia. Here, authors observed trichoscopic patterns and evaluated their importance in the diagnosis of TTM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in S. Nijalingappa Medical College, Bagalkot, from January 2014 to July 2014. Ten patients with clinically suspected TTM were included in the study. Informed consent was taken and ethical clearance was obtained. Dermlite3 dermoscope was used with Sony camera attachment to save the images. Histopathological examination was conducted in all the patients to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 34 years. Most common symptom was patchy loss of hair in the frontal area (100%). Common trichoscopic feature was decreased hair density and broken hairs. Trichoptilosis (split ends) and irregular coiled hairs were seen in 80% patients. Novel diagnostic signs like black dots, flame hair, v-sign, follicular hemorrhages, were seen in 30% each. Tulip hair and hair powder were observed in 10% of patients. All patients had the noninflammatory alopecia with distorted and collapsed inner root sheath in histopathology. CONCLUSION: Trichotillomania is often chronic and difficult to treat. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Authors believe that the trichoscopy plays a vital role in the diagnosis of this condition by demonstrating specific trichoscopic patterns.

Lichen planopilaris versus discoid lupus erythematosus: a trichoscopic perspective.

Trichoscopy enables visualization of subsurface structures and color patterns of scalp and hair. Recently, its applications expanded to diagnose inflammatory conditions such as lichen planopilaris (LPP), scalp psoriasis, and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). Clinically, both LPP and DLE appear similar as cicatricial alopecia on the scalp making the diagnosis difficult. Here, we report the utility of trichoscopy in the clinical diagnosis of LPP and DLE. Clinically, suspected lesions of DLE and LPP on the scalp of each patient were observed under trichoscopy. Histopathology of lesions confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Authors observed characteristic trichoscopic features in LPP as well as in DLE proving the clinical diagnosis. Hence, trichoscopy can be used to diagnose LPP and DLE clinically avoiding skin biopsy.