Follicular Skin Disorders, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and the Microbiome: A Systematic Review.

Follicular skin disorders, including hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), frequently coexist with systemic autoinflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its subtypes, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Previous studies suggest that dysbiosis of the human gut microbiome may serve as a pathogenic link between HS and IBD. However, the role of the microbiome (gut, skin, and blood) in the context of IBD and various follicular disorders remains underexplored. Here, we performed a systematic review to investigate the relationship between follicular skin disorders, IBD, and the microbiome. Of the sixteen included studies, four evaluated the impact of diet on the microbiome in HS patients, highlighting a possible link between gut dysbiosis and yeast-exclusion diets. Ten studies explored bacterial colonization and HS severity with specific gut and skin microbiota, including Enterococcus and Veillonella. Two studies reported on immunological or serological biomarkers in HS patients with autoinflammatory disease, including IBD, and identified common markers including elevated cytokines and T-lymphocytes. Six studies investigated HS and IBD patients concurrently. Our systematic literature review highlights the complex interplay between the human microbiome, IBD, and follicular disorders with a particular focus on HS. The results indicate that dietary modifications hold promise as a therapeutic intervention to mitigate the burden of HS and IBD. Microbiota analyses and the identification of key serological biomarkers are crucial for a deeper understanding of the impact of dysbiosis in these conditions. Future research is needed to more thoroughly delineate the causal versus associative roles of dysbiosis in patients with both follicular disorders and IBD.

Efficacy of Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser for Classic Kaposi's Sarcoma: A Dermoscopic Study.

INTRODUCTION: Classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) is a chronic and indolent skin tumor. Because CKS has a low mortality rate but can have a significant impact on quality of life, it is important to choose safe, long-term treatments with minimal side effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess the efficacy of long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser therapy in treating CKS based on clinical and dermoscopic observations. METHODS: Forty-two nodular lesions from three CKS patients (stage 4) were treated using a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a spot size ranging from 3 to 7 mm, a fluence of 200-250 j/cm2, and a pulse duration lasting between 10 and 20 milliseconds in one or two sessions. Patients were photographed clinically and dermoscopically before the procedure, immediately after the procedure, and at 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: All participants displayed significant clinical and dermoscopic improvements, and all lesions healed within 2-3 weeks, resulting in only minor atrophic scars. No instance of recurrence was found among any of the patients during the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser therapy may prove to be an effective therapeutic alternative for both early and advanced-stage CKS, specifically in instances of stubborn cutaneous lesions or patients receiving systemic therapy. The treatment results in quick improvement, typically within 2-3 weeks, and is well tolerated. Nd:YAG laser therapy could provide potential benefits for HIV-positive patients as it is free from immunosuppression, easy to apply to recurring lesions, and demonstrates overall effectiveness and safety.

The Efficacy of Stem Cells in Wound Healing: A Systematic Review.

Wound healing is an intricate process involving coordinated interactions among inflammatory cells, skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Successful tissue repair hinges on controlled inflammation, angiogenesis, and remodeling facilitated by the exchange of cytokines and growth factors. Comorbid conditions can disrupt this process, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing wound healing, utilizing cells from diverse sources such as endothelial progenitor cells, bone marrow, adipose tissue, dermal, and inducible pluripotent stem cells. In this systematic review, we comprehensively investigated stem cell therapies in chronic wounds, summarizing the clinical, translational, and primary literature. A systematic search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library yielded 22,454 articles, reduced to 44 studies after rigorous screening. Notably, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) emerged as an optimal choice due to their abundant supply, easy isolation, ex vivo proliferative capacities, and pro-angiogenic factor secretion. AD-MSCs have shown efficacy in various conditions, including peripheral arterial disease, diabetic wounds, hypertensive ulcers, bullous diabeticorum, venous ulcers, and post-Mohs micrographic surgery wounds. Delivery methods varied, encompassing topical application, scaffold incorporation, combination with plasma-rich proteins, and atelocollagen administration. Integration with local wound care practices resulted in reduced pain, shorter healing times, and improved cosmesis. Stem cell transplantation represents a potential therapeutic avenue, as transplanted stem cells not only differentiate into diverse skin cell types but also release essential cytokines and growth factors, fostering increased angiogenesis. This approach holds promise for intractable wounds, particularly chronic lower-leg wounds, and as a post-Mohs micrographic surgery intervention for healing defects through secondary intention. The potential reduction in healthcare costs and enhancement of patient quality of life further underscore the attractiveness of stem cell applications in wound care. This systematic review explores the clinical utilization of stem cells and stem cell products, providing valuable insights into their role as ancillary methods in treating chronic wounds.

Ex vivo confocal microscopy features of common benign lesions that mimic non-melanoma skin cancers: Towards clinical integration.

Ex vivo confocal microscope (EVCM) rapidly images freshly excised tissue at a histopathological resolution. EVCM features of keratinocyte skin cancers are well-established, but those of benign clinical mimickers remain scarce. We describe EVCM features of common benign lesions and compare them with their malignant differentials. EVCM was used to image 14 benign and 3 cancer tissues. We compared EVCM features of benign lesions with corresponding histopathology and with those of keratinocyte cancers. Key features of benign lesions were identified and differentiated from malignant lesions. Elastin and fat appeared prominent in EVCM; while koilocytes and melanin were difficult to identify. Visualization of entire epidermis was challenging due to difficulty of tissue flattening during imaging. Benign lesions can be differentiated from keratinocyte cancers with EVCM. Using EVCM, a rapid, bedside diagnosis and management of skin neoplasms is possible, especially in a remote location without a histopathology lab.

A case study on the dermatoscopic findings of Darier's disease in skin type VI.

We present dermatoscopic findings of long-standing, untreated Darier's disease (DD) in skin type VI that differs from current findings in literature. Robust hyperkeratotic polygonal-shaped plugs without a surrounding white halo and classic vascular features were noted on the anterior scalp, neck, axilla, midline trunk, and extensors. Through this case, we aim to contribute to emerging literature in describing features of DD under dermatoscopy to augment diagnosis.

The role of reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis and management of pigmentary disorders: A review.

BACKGROUND: Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has quickly transitioned from a research tool to an adjunct diagnostic bedside tool, providing the opportunity for noninvasive evaluation of skin lesions with histologic resolution. RCM is an optical imaging technique that uses near-infrared excitation wavelengths and safe low-power lasers. En-face images of different skin layers (up to the superficial dermis) are acquired in grayscale based on the reflective indices of tissue components. Melanin has the highest reflective index (contrast) and appears bright on RCM. AIMS: We present a review of the current literature on the use of RCM in the diagnosis and management of pigmentary disorders. METHODS: We reviewed PubMed and Ovid Medline databases from January 2000 to June 2021, using MeSH key terms: "reflectance confocal microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, pigmentary disorders, treatment, melasma, vitiligo, freckles, solar lentigo, lentigo, tattoo, complications, melanoma, skin cancers, pigmented lesions, post inflammatory, melanin, photoaging" to identify studies and review articles discussing the use of RCM in the diagnosis and management of pigmentary disorders. RESULTS: RCM findings of pigmentary disorders were divided into the following categories: (1) disorders of increased pigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, Riehl's melanosis, solar lentigines, ephelides, hori nevus, naevus of Ota, café-au-lait macules, melanocytic nevus, melanoma, nevus spilus, labial mucosal melanosis, and mucosal melanoma), (2) disorders of decreased pigmentation or depigmentation (post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus, halo nevus), and (3) exogenous pigmentation (tattoo, ochronosis). CONCLUSION: RCM has been explored and proven valuable for the evaluation and management of pigmentary disorders including melasma, vitiligo, solar lentigines, tattoo, and tattoo-related complications.

Confocal Microscopy for Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Malignancies: Clinical Impacts and Innovation.

Cutaneous malignancies are common malignancies worldwide, with rising incidence. Most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if diagnosed correctly at an early stage. Thus, millions of biopsies are performed annually, posing a major economic burden. Non-invasive skin imaging techniques can aid in early diagnosis and save unnecessary benign biopsies. In this review article, we will discuss in vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy (CM) techniques that are currently being utilized in dermatology clinics for skin cancer diagnosis. We will discuss their current applications and clinical impact. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive review of the advances in the field of CM, including multi-modal approaches, the integration of fluorescent targeted dyes, and the role of artificial intelligence for improved diagnosis and management.

Comparison of phenotypic features in patients with single vs multiple primary cutaneous melanomas: a prospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND: There is sparse data regarding total body nevus count (TBNC), nevus count in specific locations, phenotypic factors, anthropometric indices, sunburn, and the relation to multiple primary cutaneous melanomas (MPCM) development. We aim to compare these variables in a cohort of patients diagnosed with single primary melanoma (SPM) and MPCM with histologic diagnoses of melanoma in situ, superficial spreading, and nodular melanoma in our clinic. METHODS: Prospective observational studies for the evaluation of nevus counts in biopsy-proven melanoma patients from 2017 to 2020 at Ankara University were conducted. Age, gender, family history of melanoma, increased sun exposure, nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), height, sunburn history, TBNC, and nevi count in specific anatomical locations were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total number of 156 patients consisting of 22 MPCM and 134 SPM were included. Mean TBNC for SPM vs MPCM patients were 96.87 (SD ± 124.71) vs 247.00 (SD ± 261.58), respectively (P < 0.0001). TBNC was correlated to the left arm, trunk, lower extremity, and head and neck nevus counts but not with the right arm nevus count. Multiple regression analysis showed that having more than 10 nevi on the head and neck area is associated with MPCM (OR, 3.882 [95% CI, 1.084-13.899]). TBNC and nevus count in specific locations were found to be significantly higher in MPCM. CONCLUSION: The risk of MPCM was associated with having ≥10 nevi on the head and neck.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Syndrome With Hepatic Involvement and Secondary to Acute B-cell Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperactivation syndrome associated with the overactivation of macrophages, which produce enormous amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma. HLH often presents with diminished T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell regulation, which can develop due to underlying genetic causes, infections, autoimmune diseases, and/or secondary to malignancies. Here, we describe the case of a 39-year-old man who presented with subjective fevers and fatigue. Further workup revealed hyperferritinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and absent NK-cell activity, which raised a strong suspicion for HLH. The workup also revealed elevated aminotransferases signaling hepatic involvement that was attributed to HLH. Bone marrow biopsy revealed hypercellularity instead of the hemophagocytosis usually seen in HLH. Flow cytometry revealed acute B-cell lymphocytic leukemia, which was identified as the cause of HLH in our patient. This case highlights the rare presentation of HLH secondary to a B-cell malignancy. It addresses the importance of high clinical suspicion in patients with high fevers despite the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. There is limited information on the treatment of HLH secondary to malignancies specifically, and further research in this area is needed to increase the survival rate.

Acute Extensive Deep Vein Thrombosis After Heterogeneous Administration of Moderna mRNA Booster Vaccine: A Case Report.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) struck the world in 2019 and led to the development of the multisystem coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causing a worldwide pandemic. Vaccines with boosters were developed due to novel mutations of SARS-CoV-2. Heterogeneous vaccination emerged with the perception that mixing vaccines can provide better protection. We present the case of a 68-year-old male patient who developed extensive acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower extremity, two weeks following the Moderna mRNA booster vaccine (mRNA-1273). His first two doses were AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]. He was started on a heparin drip and prescribed rivaroxaban. We discuss the possible etiology of this DVT, the mechanism of action of the Moderna mRNA vaccine, the association of DVT with vaccine-induced inflammation, implications of heterogeneous vaccine combinations, and recommendations to advise people on possible thrombogenic adverse effects prior to mRNA vaccine administration.

Complicated Severe Appendicitis in a 58-Year-Old Female After COVID-19 Infection: A Coincidence or an Association?

Acute appendicitis (AA) remains the most common cause of acute abdomen worldwide. Although overall mortality in developed countries is low, complication due to perforation, abscess formation, stump appendicitis and intra-abdominal sepsis is associated with increased morbidity. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing proportion of complicated appendicitis has been reported. In this case, we present a 58-year-old female with a remote history of COVID-19 infection and severe appendicitis, complicated by sepsis. Viral infection has previously been proposed as a cause of appendicitis. Our report aims to describe our patient's course and comment on a potential association with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, as well as future diagnostic and management considerations.