Perifollicular linear projections: A dermatoscopic criterion for the diagnosis of lentigo maligna on the face.

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna (LM) can mimic benign, flat, pigmented lesions and can be challenging to diagnose. OBJECTIVE: To describe a new dermatoscopic feature termed "perifollicular linear projections (PLP)" as a diagnostic criterion for LM on the face. METHODS: Retrospective study on reflectance confocal microscopy and dermatoscopy images of flat facial pigmented lesions originating from 2 databases. PLP were defined as short, linear, pigmented projections emanating from hair follicles. Dermatoscopy readers were blinded to the final histopathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: From 83 consecutive LMs, 21/83 (25.3%) displayed "bulging of hair follicles" on reflectance confocal microscopy and 18 of these 21 (85.7%), displayed PLP on dermatoscopy. From a database of 2873 consecutively imaged and biopsied lesions, 252 flat-pigmented facial lesions were included. PLP was seen in 47/76 melanomas (61.8%), compared with 7/176 lesions (3.9%) with other diagnosis (P < .001). The sensitivity was 61.8% (95% CI, 49.9%-72.7%), specificity 96.0% (95% CI, 92.9%-98.4%). PLP was independently associated with LM diagnosis on multivariate analysis (OR 26.1 [95% CI, 9.6%-71.0]). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. CONCLUSION: PLP is a newly described dermatoscopic criterion that may add specificity and sensitivity to the early diagnosis of LM located on the face. We postulate that PLP constitutes an intermediary step in the LM progression model.

Lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma in patients younger than 50†years: a multicentre international clinical-dermoscopic study.

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (LM/LMM) is usually diagnosed in older patients, when lesions are larger. However, it is important to detect it at an earlier stage to minimize the area for surgical procedure. OBJECTIVES: To determine and define clinical, dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of LM/LMM in patients < 50 years old. METHODS: This was a multicentre study involving tertiary referral centres for skin cancer management. The study included cases of consecutively excised LM/LMM arising in patients < 50 years of age with a histopathological diagnosis of LM/LMM and a complete set of clinical and dermoscopic images; RCM images were considered when present. RESULTS: In total, 85 LM/LMM of the face from 85 patients < 50 years were included in the study. A regression model showed a direct association with the size of the lesion (R2 = 0.08; P = 0.01) and with the number of dermoscopic features at diagnosis (R2 = 0.12; P < 0.01). In a multivariable analysis, an increasing number of dermoscopic features correlated with increased patient age (P < 0.01), while the presence of grey colour was a predictor of younger age at diagnosis (P = 0.03). RCM revealed the presence of melanoma diagnostic features in all cases (pagetoid cells and atypical nesting). CONCLUSIONS: LM is not a disease limited to older people as previously thought. LM presenting in young adults tends to be smaller and with fewer dermoscopic features, making its diagnosis challenging. Careful evaluation of facial pigmented lesions prior to cosmetic procedures is imperative to avoid incorrectly treating early LM as a benign lesion.

Effect of weekly vitamin D supplementation on the severity of atopic dermatitis and type 2 immunity biomarkers in children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is common among patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and often associated with severity. However, randomized trials of VD supplementation in AD have had equivocal results, and there is little information regarding the effect of VD supplementation on type 2 immunity in AD patients. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of VD supplementation to decrease severity of AD and to alter type 2 immunity biomarkers. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. We randomly assigned 101 children with AD to weekly oral vitamin D3 (VD3) or placebo for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the Severity Scoring of AD (SCORAD). RESULTS: Mean age of subjects was 6.3 ± 4.0 years, and baseline SCORAD was 32 ± 29. At baseline, 57% of children were VD deficient, with no difference between groups. Change in 25(OH)D was significantly greater with VD3 than placebo (+43.4 ± 34.5 nmol/L vs. +2.3 ± 21.2 nmol/L, p < 0.001). SCORAD change at 6 weeks was not different between VD and placebo (-5.3 ± 11.6 vs. -5.5 ± 9.9, p = 0.91). There were no significant between-group differences in change of eosinophil counts, total IgE, Staphylococcal enterotoxin specific IgE, CCL17, CCL22, CCL27, LL-37 or Staphylococcus aureus lesional skin colonization. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms FokI, ApaI and TaqI did not modify subjects' response to VD supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Among children with AD, weekly VD supplementation improved VD status but did not modify AD severity or type 2 immunity biomarkers compared to placebo (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01996423).

Position statement of the EADV Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force on AI-assisted smartphone apps and web-based services for skin disease.

BACKGROUND: As the use of smartphones continues to surge globally, mobile applications (apps) have become a powerful tool for healthcare engagement. Prominent among these are dermatology apps powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), which provide immediate diagnostic guidance and educational resources for skin diseases, including skin cancer. OBJECTIVE: This article, authored by the EADV AI Task Force, seeks to offer insights and recommendations for the present and future deployment of AI-assisted smartphone applications (apps) and web-based services for skin diseases with emphasis on skin cancer detection. METHODS: An initial position statement was drafted on a comprehensive literature review, which was subsequently refined through two rounds of digital discussions and meticulous feedback by the EADV AI Task Force, ensuring its accuracy, clarity and relevance. RESULTS: Eight key considerations were identified, including risks associated with inaccuracy and improper user education, a decline in professional skills, the influence of non-medical commercial interests, data security, direct and indirect costs, regulatory approval and the necessity of multidisciplinary implementation. Following these considerations, three main recommendations were formulated: (1) to ensure user trust, app developers should prioritize transparency in data quality, accuracy, intended use, privacy and costs; (2) Apps and web-based services should ensure a uniform user experience for diverse groups of patients; (3) European authorities should adopt a rigorous and consistent regulatory framework for dermatology apps to ensure their safety and accuracy for users. CONCLUSIONS: The utilisation of AI-assisted smartphone apps and web-based services in diagnosing and treating skin diseases has the potential to greatly benefit patients in their dermatology journeys. By prioritising innovation, fostering collaboration and implementing effective regulations, we can ensure the successful integration of these apps into clinical practice.

International Skin Imaging Collaboration-Designated Diagnoses (ISIC-DX): Consensus terminology for lesion diagnostic labeling.

BACKGROUND: A common terminology for diagnosis is critically important for clinical communication, education, research and artificial intelligence. Prevailing lexicons are limited in fully representing skin neoplasms. OBJECTIVES: To achieve expert consensus on diagnostic terms for skin neoplasms and their hierarchical mapping. METHODS: Diagnostic terms were extracted from textbooks, publications and extant diagnostic codes. Terms were hierarchically mapped to super-categories (e.g. 'benign') and cellular/tissue-differentiation categories (e.g. 'melanocytic'), and appended with pertinent-modifiers and synonyms. These terms were evaluated using a modified-Delphi consensus approach. Experts from the International-Skin-Imaging-Collaboration (ISIC) were surveyed on agreement with terms and their hierarchical mapping; they could suggest modifying, deleting or adding terms. Consensus threshold was >75% for the initial rounds and >50% for the final round. RESULTS: Eighteen experts completed all Delphi rounds. Of 379 terms, 356 (94%) reached consensus in round one. Eleven of 226 (5%) benign-category terms, 6/140 (4%) malignant-category terms and 6/13 (46%) indeterminate-category terms did not reach initial agreement. Following three rounds, final consensus consisted of 362 terms mapped to 3 super-categories and 41 cellular/tissue-differentiation categories. CONCLUSIONS: We have created, agreed upon, and made public a taxonomy for skin neoplasms and their hierarchical mapping. Further study will be needed to evaluate the utility and completeness of the lexicon.

Lentigo maligna melanoma mapping using reflectance confocal microscopy correlates with staged excision: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (LM/LMM) can present with subclinical extension that may be difficult to define preoperatively and lead to incomplete excision and potential recurrence. Preliminarily studies have used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to assess LM/LMM margins. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of LM/LMM subclinical extension defined by RCM compared with the gold standard histopathology. METHODS: Prospective study of LM/LMM patients referred for dermatologic surgery. RCM was performed at the clinically defined initial surgical margin followed by margin-controlled staged excision with paraffin-embedded tissue, and histopathology was correlated with RCM results. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were included. Mean age was 66.8 years (standard deviation, 11.1; range, 38-89); 69.4% were men. Seventy of 72 lesions (97.2%) were located on the head and neck with mean largest clinical diameter of 1.3 cm (range, 0.3-5). Diagnostic accuracy for detection of residual melanoma in the tumor debulk (after biopsy) had a sensitivity of 96.7% and a specificity of 66.7% when compared with histopathology. RCM margin assessment revealed an overall agreement with final histopathology of 85.9% (κ = 0.71; P < .001). LIMITATIONS: No RCM imaging beyond initial planned margins was performed. CONCLUSION: RCM showed moderate to excellent overall agreement between RCM imaging of LM/LMM and histopathology of staged excision margins.

Gamified learning in dermatology and dermoscopy education: a paradigm shift.

Teaching methods in medical education have been changing. More recent teaching modalities have gone beyond the traditional delivery of knowledge, promoting learning motivation, and improving teaching and learning outcomes. 'Gamification' and 'serious games' are methodologies that use the principles of games to facilitate learning processes and the acquisition of skills and knowledge, thereby improving attitudes towards learning when compared with traditional teaching methods. As dermatology is a visual field, images are a key component of different teaching strategies. Likewise, dermoscopy, a noninvasive diagnostic technique that allows the visualization of structures within the epidermis and upper dermis, also uses images and pattern recognition strategies. A series of Apps using game-based strategy have been created to teach and facilitate dermoscopy learning; however, studies are required to demonstrate their effectiveness. This review summarizes the current evidence of game-based learning strategies in medical education, including dermatology and dermoscopy.

Biopsy type does not affect the number of stages during Mohs micrographic surgery: a retrospective study.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the treatment of choice for high-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, there are no evidence-based recommendations regarding which biopsy type is more appropriate to obtain tumour samples prior to MMS. Shave or punch biopsies are performed depending on the clinical characteristics of the tumour, surgeon experience and local protocols. However, biopsy type might result in difficult histopathological interpretation and influence the practical implementation of MMS. We performed a retrospective study on 208 consecutive BCCs treated with MMS. Of the 208 BCC biopsies, 42 (20.2%) were obtained by the shave method and 166 (79.8%) via punch. Those obtained with the shave technique had a mean of 1.64 stages vs. 1.69 stages with the punch technique (P = 0.130). These findings suggest biopsy type does not affect Mohs surgery performance. The biopsy type of choice is the one deemed adequate for each specific case to obtain a diagnosis and tumour subtyping.

Staging System Performance and Clinical Outcomes for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Ear: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the ear is associated with poor outcomes. No studies have evaluated current staging system performance in this specific location. OBJECTIVE: Describe clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of ear cSCC and evaluate the performance of current staging systems. METHODS: Retrospective study including cases diagnosed and treated at a cancer center from January 2000 to December 2014. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic data were collected from clinical records. Biopsy slides were rereviewed and patients were staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) seventh, eighth, and Brigham Women's Hospital (BWH) staging. RESULTS: Of 125 patients, the mean age at diagnosis was 71.9 years (SD 12.5), with most men (89.6%, n = 112). Median follow-up was 22.3 months. Local recurrence and survival risk factors were similar to cSCC outside the ear. The Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) estimates showed that the BWH system better predicted outcomes than the AJCC seventh, and the AJCC eighth, with AIC values of 189.9, 270.5, and 274.1, respectively. Limitations of the study include retrospective design, single center study, and no control group. CONCLUSION: Current staging systems perform well at stratifying risk in ear cSCC.

Complementary and alternative therapies in skin cancer a literature review of biologically active compounds.

Complementary and alternative medicine or therapies (CAM) are frequently used by skin cancers patients. Patient's self-administration of CAM in melanoma can reach up to 40%-50%. CAMs such as botanical agents, phytochemicals, herbal formulas ("black salve") and cannabinoids, among others, have been described in skin cancer patients. The objective of this review article was to acknowledge the different CAM for skin cancers through the current evidence, focusing on biologically active CAM rather than mind-body approaches. We searched MEDLINE database for articles published through July 2022, regardless of study design. Of all CAMs, phytochemicals have the best in vitro evidence-supporting efficacy against skin cancer including melanoma; however, to date, none have proved efficacy on human patients. Of the phytochemicals, Curcumin is the most widely studied. Several findings support Curcumin efficacy in vitro through various molecular pathways, although most studies are in the preliminary phase. In addition, the use of alternative therapies is not exempt of risks physicians should be aware of their adverse effects, interactions with standard treatments, and possible complications arising from CAM usage. There is emerging evidence for CAM use in skin cancer, but no human clinical trials support the effectiveness of any CAM in the treatment of skin cancer to date. Nevertheless, patients worldwide frequently use CAM, and physicians should educate themselves on currently available CAMs.

Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of melanocytic nevi changes during diode laser hair removal: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Laser hair removal (LHR) is a common practice with increasing use worldwide. Clinical and dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi after LHR have been reported but prospective studies are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To describe dermoscopic changes of melanocytic nevi at different time points after LHR. METHODS: Prospective study in a cohort of female patients undergoing diode LHR. Dermoscopic follow-up of at least three nevi on the legs that underwent hair removal. We included three nonexposed nevi on the arms as controls. Two blinded investigators analyzed dermoscopic images, according to variables selected based on the available literature. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included with a total of 148 nevi on the legs and 112 nevi on the arms (controls). 47.9% (71/148) of the nevi on the legs had evidence of dermoscopic changes at the sixth hair removal session, compared to 9.8% (11/112) on controls (p < 0.001). The most frequent change was "bleaching" (41.9%, 62/148). Also, we observed "irregular hyperpigmented areas," and "regression structures" in 5.4% (8/148) and 4.7% (7/148) of the cases at the sixth session, respectively. Neither of these structures were observed in the controls (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: Only females were included; we did not perform histopathological evaluation nor reflectance confocal microscopy of changing nevi. CONCLUSION: Melanocytic nevi frequently change after diode LHR. The changes cannot always distinguish between LHR induced and melanoma, so we advise avoiding nevi during laser therapies with melanin targets.

Restorative oncodermatology: Diagnosis and management of dermatologic sequelae from cancer therapies.

The long-term survival of patients with cancer has risen dramatically during the last few decades. Despite this remarkable success, the same treatments that have enabled cure or remission often secondarily affect the skin, hair, and nails. Conditions including scarring, striae distensae, persistent alopecia, pigmentary changes, nail alterations, chronic radiation dermatitis, and radiation fibrosis have been associated with anxiety, depression, decreased quality of life, and impaired function. These dermatologic changes are cosmetically disfiguring, may limit activities, and are a visual reminder of past illness. Interventions toward improving these untoward sequelae and restoring the appearance and function of skin and appendages are critical for normalization and may contribute to improved quality of life in cancer survivors. Here, we outline dermatologic sequelae of cancer therapies with a review of medical and procedural treatment strategies to restore dermatologic health in the survivorship population.

Clinical size is a poor predictor of invasion in melanoma of the lentigo maligna type.

BACKGROUND: There are no well-defined clinical factors to predict the risk of occult invasion in melanoma of the lentigo maligna type (LM) before complete histopathologic analysis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether clinical size was a predictor of invasion in LM and subclinical extension. METHODS: Consecutive cases of LM were recorded in a prospectively maintained database from 2006 to 2019. Patient and tumor data were recorded during initial evaluation. The LM clinical area was calculated in square millimeters (length × width). All patients were treated with staged excision. RESULTS: We included 600 patients. The mean age was 65.9 years (standard deviation, 12.3; range, 27-95 years); 62.8% (n = 377) were men. The mean LM clinical area was 128.32 mm2 for in situ lesions versus 200.14 mm for invasive lesions (P = .1). Based on quantile regression, the median margin required for complete removal increased with LM clinical area. LIMITATIONS: The study was performed in a tertiary cancer center with possible referral bias and more complex cases. CONCLUSIONS: LM can present with variable clinical size, which may correlate with subclinical extension; however, the presence of invasion is not well estimated by LM clinical area.

Reflectance confocal microscopy terminology glossary for melanocytic skin lesions: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is lack of uniformity in the reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) terminology for melanocytic lesions. OBJECTIVE: To review published RCM terms for melanocytic lesions and identify redundant, synonymous terms. METHODS: A systematic review of original research articles adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted until August 15, 2018. Two investigators gathered all published RCM terms used to describe melanoma and melanocytic nevi. Synonymous terms were grouped based on similarity in definition and in histopathologic correlation. RESULTS: Out of 156 full-text screened articles, 59 studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified 209 terms; 191 (91.4%) corresponding to high-magnification/cellular-level terms and 18 (8.6%) corresponding to low-magnification/architectural patterns terms. The overall average use frequency of RCM terms was 3.1 times (range, 1-31). By grouping of individual RCM terms based on likely synonymous definitions and by eliminating terms lacking clear definition, the total number of RCM terms could be potentially reduced from 209 to 40 terms (80.8% reduction). LIMITATIONS: Non-English and non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review of published RCM terms identified significant terminology redundancy. It provides the basis for subsequent terminology consensus on melanocytic neoplasms.

In vivo imaging characterization of basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous response to high-dose ionizing radiation therapy: A prospective study of reflectance confocal microscopy, dermoscopy, and ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (RT) is a treatment option for select skin cancers. The histologic effects of RT on normal skin or skin cancers are not well characterized. Dermoscopy, high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS), and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) are noninvasive imaging modalities that may help characterize RT response. OBJECTIVES: To describe changes in the tumor and surrounding skin of patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treated with RT. METHODS: The study was conducted between 2014 and 2018. Patients with biopsy-proven BCCs were treated with 42 Gy in 6 fractions using a commercially available brachytherapy device. Dermoscopy, HFUS, and RCM were performed before treatment and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after RT. RESULTS: A total of 137 imaging assessments (RCM + dermoscopy + HFUS) were performed in 12 patients. BCC-specific features were present in 81.8%, 91%, and 17% of patients imaged with dermoscopy, RCM, and HFUS at baseline, respectively, before treatment. After treatment, the resolution of these features was noted in 33.4%, 91.7%, and 100% of patients imaged with the respective modalities. No recurrences were seen after a mean of 31.7 months of follow-up. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and no histopathologic correlation. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopy and HFUS were not as reliable as RCM at characterizing BCC RT response.

Angulated small nests and cords: Key diagnostic histopathologic features of infiltrative basal cell carcinoma can be identified using integrated reflectance confocal microscopy-optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Accurate basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtyping is requisite for appropriate management, but non-representative sampling occurs in 18% to 25% of biopsies. By enabling non-invasive diagnosis and more comprehensive sampling, integrated reflectance confocal microscopy-optical coherence tomography (RCM-OCT) may improve the accuracy of BCC subtyping and subsequent management. We evaluated RCM-OCT images and histopathology slides for the presence of two key features, angulation and small nests and cords, and calculated (a) sensitivity and specificity of these features, combined and individually, for identifying an infiltrative BCC subtype and (b) agreement across modalities. METHODS: Thirty-three RCM-OCT-imaged, histopathologically-proven BCCs (17 superficial and/or nodular; 16 containing an infiltrative component) were evaluated. RESULTS: The presence of angulation or small nests and cords was sufficient to identify infiltrative BCC on RCM-OCT with 100% sensitivity and 82% specificity, similar to histopathology (100% sensitivity, 88% specificity, kappa = 0.82). When both features were present, the sensitivity for identifying infiltrative BCC was 100% using either modality and specificity was 88% on RCM-OCT vs 94% on histopathology, indicating near-perfect agreement between non-invasive and invasive diagnostic modalities (kappa = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: RCM-OCT can non-invasively identify key histopathologic features of infiltrative BCC offering a possible alternative to traditional invasive biopsy.

Treatment of Extramammary Paget Disease and the Role of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) poses treatment challenges. Invasive and noninvasive treatment modalities exist with variable success reported. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is emerging as an adjuvant diagnostic tool. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment of EMPD patients and the role of RCM. METHODS: Prospective study. Demographic and tumor characteristics were recorded. Handheld-RCM was performed and correlated with histology. Treatment, clearance, pathology, and follow-up were all recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-six EMPD lesions in 33 patients were included. Mean age was 71.7 years, and 23 were men. Mean number of surgical stages needed to clear margins was 1.9 (SD, 0.9; 1.0-3.0 stages), and mean margin needed to clear was 1.8 cm. Reflectance confocal microscopy correlated well with scouting punch biopsies (kappa, 0.93; p < .001). Disruption of the dermoepidermal junction was associated with invasive EMPD versus in situ (83.3% vs 25.9%) on histology (p = .01). LIMITATIONS: Relatively small sample size. CONCLUSION: Extramammary Paget disease is challenging, and lesion demarcation is of the utmost importance. Using a staged surgical excision approach, the mean margins needed were 1.8 cm, less than previously reported. Nonsurgical modalities, including radiation therapy, imiquimod, or photodynamic therapy can be considered if surgery is not pursued. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a valuable noninvasive imaging modality for the management of EMPD.

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation with multifocal diffuse integumentary melanocytic proliferation paraneoplastic syndrome: A case report.

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (B-DUMP) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome typically presenting with bilateral visual loss. B-DUMP is associated with extraocular systemic malignancies with the most common being lung cancer in males and uro-gynaecological cancer in females (mainly ovarian cancer). Cutaneous and/or mucosal involvement in patients with B-DUMP has been reported but it is not well characterised. Herein, we present a female in her 70s with diagnosis of stage IV vaginal clear-cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma of unknown primary that developed progressive bilateral loss of visual acuity compatible with 'B-DUMP'. Simultaneously, she developed multifocal bilateral bluish-greyish patches on the skin that were shown to have a proliferation of dermal melanocytes. We propose that the clinical and histopathologic cutaneous findings seen in patients with B-DUMP be termed 'diffuse integumentary melanocytic proliferation (DIMP)'.

[Rapid implementation of tele-dermatology during COVID-19 pandemic in an academic dermatology department]. / Rápida implementación de teledermatología durante la pandemia por COVID-19: lecciones aprendidas de un departamento académico de Dermatología.

BACKGROUND: The day after COVID-19 quarantine started, we initiated patient care through Tele-dermatology. AIM: To report the experience of the implementation of Telemedicine in dermatology and to assess its impact on the number of dermatological visits compared with the pre-pandemic period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted between March 27th, 2020, and April 30th, 2020. All patients submitted clinical images of their skin condition via secure email before the telemedicine visit. All telemedicine visits were conducted using the Zoom video conferencing platform. Patient demographics and medical history were recorded. If the dermatologist was unable to reach a diagnosis, the patient was sent for an in-person visit, skin biopsy, or additional laboratory workup. RESULTS: We recorded 1,357 Tele dermatology visits from 1,222 patients aged 29 ± 18 years (38% males). Visits increased from 104 to 298 from the first to the last week, corresponding to 17% of the patient volume seen before the pandemic (1,709 in-person patients/week). A preliminary diagnosis was made in 95% of cases. Ninety percent of patients sent photos. Fifty eight percent of cases were chronic diseases, and were classified as inflammatory in 68%, infectious in 15%, neoplastic/tumoral in 7%, or other conditions in 11%. Less than 1% of these visits were COVID-19 related. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study of Tele-dermatology lasting five weeks, a preliminary diagnosis could be made in approximately 95% of cases and in the first five weeks of implementation, a volume of consultations equivalent to 17% of those made in the pre-pandemic period was carried out. Therefore, Tele-dermatology can be implemented quickly and successfully in practices when healthcare access is limited.

Presurgical evaluation of basal cell carcinoma using combined reflectance confocal microscopy-optical coherence tomography: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Initial biopsy of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may fail to show aggressive histologic subtypes. Additionality, the clinical evaluation of BCC before surgery can miss subclinical extension. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are emerging tools that can help in the presurgical evaluation of BCCs. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a combined RCM-OCT imaging modality for presurgical evaluation of biopsy-proven BCCs for residual tumor, margin status, and depth. METHODS: Thirty-eight BCCs in 35 patients referred to a tertiary cancer center for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) were imaged with combined RCM-OCT. Images were correlated to MMS frozen sections. RESULTS: Thirty-eight BCCs were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 67.34 years (range, 36-84 years), and 20 patients were female (57.14%). Twenty four BCCs were located on the head (63.16%) , and the mean size was 8.58 mm (range, 3-30 mm). RCM-OCT showed an overall agreement of 91.1% with MMS frozen sections. A sensitivity of 82.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69%-92%), specificity of 93.8% (95% CI, 88%-97%), and receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.82-0.94) was found. OCT depth was highly correlated with MMS depth (r2 = 0.9). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and difficulty evaluating certain challenging anatomic sites. CONCLUSIONS: Combined RCM-OCT may emerge as a useful tool for presurgical evaluation of BCCs.