The utility of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of evolving lesions of vitiligo.

Background: Early lesions of vitiligo can be confused with various other causes of hypopigmentation and depigmentation. Few workers have utilized dermoscopy for the diagnosis of evolving lesions of vitiligo. Aim: To analyze the dermoscopic findings of evolving lesions in diagnosed cases of vitiligo and to correlate them histopathologically. Methods: Dermoscopy of evolving lesions in 30 diagnosed cases of vitiligo was performed using both polarized light and ultraviolet light. Result: On polarized light examination, the pigmentary network was found to be reduced in 12 (40%) of 30 patients, absent in 9 (30%), and reversed in 6 (20%) patients; 2 patients (6.7%) showed perifollicular hyperpigmentation and 1 (3.3%) had perilesional hyperpigmentation. A diffuse white glow was demonstrable in 27 (90%) of 30 patients on ultraviolet light examination. Melanocytes were either reduced in number or absent in 12 (40%) of 30 patients on histopathology. Conclusion: Pigmentary network changes, and perifollicular and perilesional hyperpigmentation on polarized light examination, and a diffuse white glow on ultraviolet light examination were noted in evolving vitiligo lesions. Histopathological examination was comparatively less reliable. Dermoscopy appears to be better than routine histopathology in the diagnosis of evolving lesions of vitiligo and can obviate the need for a skin biopsy.

Tumourlike Lesions of Skin - A Clinicopathological Analysis of 175 Cases.

As the skin is the largest and complex organ, a wide variety of tumourlike lesions are encountered in the clinical practice. The ability to properly diagnose & treat these common lesions & to distinguish them from malignant tumours is the vital skills for all clinicians. Objective: To analyse retrospectively tumourlike lesions of skin with respect to age, sex, clinical features and histopathological features in a tertiary referral centre in Maharashtra, India. Methods : The present study consisted of analysis of tumourlike lesions of skin received in the histopathology section of department of pathology over a period of 5 years that is from August 2005 to July 2010 .The material comprised of biopsies and excision specimens. The clinical and histopathological details were noted. The findings were compared with those reported by other authors. Results : One hundred and seventy five (175) cases of tumourlike lesions of skin were seen .These lesions presented as skin swellings or tumours. Maximum cases (34.8%) of tumourlike lesions occurred in fourth & fifth decades with male preponderance (1.35:1). The maximum number of cases was encountered in the head & neck region (63.4%). Their size ranged from 0.4 to 9 cms. Epidermal cyst was the commonest tumourlike lesion (59.4%) followed by dermoid cyst (13.1%).Other lesions were trichilemmal cyst, fibroepithelial polyp, keloid, hypertrophic scar and epidermal nevus. Conclusion : Tumourlike lesions are clinically diagnosed by their presentation. However, the histopathological examination confirms the clinical diagnosis. The pathologic evaluation of all tumourlike lesions is mandatory to avoid patient’s and family’s anxiety.

Follicular Dowling Degos disease: A rare variant of an evolving dermatosis.

Dowling Degos disease is a rare, reticulate pigmentary disorder with variable phenotypic expression that manifests as hyperpigmented macules and reticulate pigmentary anomaly of the fl exures. Many variants of this condition and its overlap with other reticulate pigmentary disorders have been reported in the literature. We present here two cases of DDD with follicular localization, both clinically and histologically. It was associated with ichthyosis vulgaris in one case. Follicular DDD is an uncommon variant of this evolving dermatosis. Our report supports the possible role for disordered follicular keratinisation in its pathogenesis.

Prevalence of weathering nodules of the ear in patients treated at the state civil servant's hospital of São Paulo, Brazil* / Prevalência de pápulas climáticas das orelhas nos pacientes atendidos no hospital do servidor público estadual de São Paulo, Brasil

Weathering nodules of the ear are pale yellow, asymptomatic lesions which predominate on the helices of the ears. Although their pathogenesis remains unknown, there is an association with chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation, age and thermal injuries. Few studies have been conducted to date, and these involved a very small number of patients. Study the prevalence of weathering nodules of the ear in patients treated in the Dermatology Service of the State Civil Servant's Hospital of São Paulo, and evaluate their probable relationship with sun exposure, age and phototypes I and II. Four hundred patients older than 20 years of age were examined between July 2008 and December 2008. A questionnaire evaluating age, sex, place of birth, origin, occupation and history of sun exposure was applied. All patients were examined and evaluated for the presence of lesions by only one person. The data showed that 155 (38.8%) patients had a lesion in at least one of the ears. The Chi-Square Test was used for the comparative analysis between the groups of patients with and without lesions. In the group of patients with lesions, 29% were 70 to 79 years old, 78.1% had a history of sun exposure and 45.1% belonged to FITZPATRICK skin phototypes I and II (p<0.05%). The findings suggest relevant prevalence, probable association with chronic sun exposure, advanced age and phototypes I and II. .

Pápulas climáticas das orelhas são lesões assintomáticas de coloração amarelo-pálida que predominam na hélice das orelhas. Sua patogênese permanece desconhecida, no entanto é descrita a associação com exposição crônica à radiação ultravioleta, idade e injúrias térmicas. Poucos estudos foram realizados até o momento e os mesmos envolveram número muito reduzido de pacientes. Estudar a prevalência de pápulas climáticas das orelhas nos doentes atendidos no Serviço de Dermatologia no Hospital Servidor Estadual de São Paulo e avaliar a provável relação com exposição solar, idade e tipo de pele. Foram examinados 400 pacientes com idade superior a vinte anos no período compreendido entre os meses de julho de 2008 a dezembro de 2008. Foi aplicado questionário que avaliou idade, sexo, naturalidade, procedência, profissão e história de exposição solar Todos os sujeitos da pesquisa foram examinados por um único observador e avaliados quanto à presença de lesão. Os dados revelaram que 155 (38,8%) pacientes apresentavam lesão em pelo menos uma das orelhas. Foi utilizado o teste do Qui-Quadrado para análise comparativa entre o grupo de pacientes com e sem lesão. No grupo de pacientes com lesão 29% tinham idade entre 70 e 79 anos, 78,1% tinham história de exposição solar e 45,1% pertenciam ao fototipo I e II da classificação de FITZPATRICK (p<0,05%). Os achados sugerem prevalência relevante, provável associação ...

Pseudoacné de la línea transversa nasal: variedades de presentación / Pseudoacné transverse nasal line: varieties of presentation

El pseudoacné de la línea transversa nasal (PLTN) es un cuadro benigno, no asociado a patología sistémica, que se caracteriza por la presencia de lesiones similares a las del acné en la unión de los tercios medio e inferior del puente nasal, sitio que anatómicamente corresponde a la zona de unión de los cartílagos nasales alares y triangulares. En esta área anatómica han sido descriptas líneas de color piel, hipo o hiperpigmentadas, con o sin atrofia, que en su trayecto pueden desarrollar quistes de milium, comedones, pápulas y/o pústulas. El diagnóstico de PLTN debe ser considerado en todo paciente con una pápula de evolución crónica o quistes de milium en la línea transversa nasal, especialmente si tiene antecedentes de frotamiento de la nariz o rinitis alérgica. Presentamos 10 pacientes, 9 pediátricos y un adulto, con lesiones en la línea transversa nasal. Las diferentes manifestaciones clínicas observadas fueron pápulas, comedones, quistes de milium y/o hipopigmentación. Concluimos que las lesiones en la línea transversa nasal son más frecuentes que lo descripto en la literatura y que existe un espectro clínico muy amplio, que va desde una mínima hipopigmentación lineal hasta la presencia de lesiones quísticas. Algunos autores, al igual que nosotros, se replantean el nombre de esta entidad por la presencia de comedones.

Pseudoacne of the nasal crease is a benign isolated condition, characterized by lesions that resemble acne at the junction of the middle and lower thirds of the nose, known as nasal crease, that anatomically corresponds to the site of union of the alar and triangular nasal cartilages. Different types of lesions have been described in this area: atrophic lines, hypo or hyperpigmented lines with or whithout atrophy that may develop milium cysts, comedones, papules and/or pustules. Pseudoacne of the nasal crease should be suspected in any individual with chronic papular lesions or milia over the nasal crease, especially when having a history of chronic rubbing of the nose or rhinitis. We present 10 patients (9 children and an adult) with lesions over the nasal crease. Different clinical manifestations observed were: papules, comedones, milium cysts and/or hypopigmentation. We conclude that these clinical presentations are likely much more common than reported in the literature and that a wide spectrum of lesions exists, ranging from a minimal hypopigmented crease to cystic lesions. Considering the common finding of comedones, we also suggest -as well as other authors- that the name pseudoacne should be revised.

Erythematous plaques in axillae - a report of two cases

Inverse [flexural] psoriasis is characterized by shiny, pink to red, sharply-demarcated thin plaques. Frequency of isolated involvement of these areas is very rare and the morphology is frequently altered by maceration and friction. All this leads to diagnostic confusion. We describe two cases of inverse psoriasis with isolated involvement of axillae. One patient presented with dry mildly scaly plaque, while the other presented with macerated plaque. Histopathology was consistent with the diagnosis of inverse psoriasis. Although there are previous reports, but localization of lesions only to axillae in a case of inverse psoriasis is unique

Elastólisis de la dermis papilar similar a pseudoxantoma elástico. Comunicación de seis casos / Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like dermal papillary elastolysis: report of six cases

La elastólisis de la dermis papilar similar a pseudoxantoma elástico es un raro trastorno adquirido caracterizado por pápulas y placas amarillentas localizadas principalmente en cuello y región supraclavicular. Los hallazgos histopatológicos y la ausencia de afectación sistémica lo diferencian del pseudoxantoma elástico. Comunicamos seis pacientes de sexo femenino de entre 72 y 79 años con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de esta entidad.

Blaschkitis foliculodestructiva de la frente: tratamiento topico con tacrolimus / Folliculodestructive blaschkitis on the forehead: treatment wit tacrolimus ointment

Las blaschkitis pueden definirse como procesos adquiridos inflamatorios cutáneos que asientan en las líneas de Blaschko y pueden tener diversas características clínicas e histopatológicas. Cuando éstas se localizan en la cara se mencionan el liquen estriado, el liquen plano lineal y el lupus eritematoso lineal. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 42 años de edad con una blaschkitis de 4 meses de evolución localizada en frente cuya histopatología evidenció un ataque centrofolicular inflamatorio y destructivo. Se plantean diagnósticos diferenciales y se comunica la exitosa respuesta terapéutica al tacrolimus tópico.

Casos clínicos: Microsporum praecox y Acremonium strictum nuevos agentes de micosis cutáneas oportunistas en la zona central de Chile / Clinical reports: Microsporum praecox and Acremonium strictum new agents of opportunistic cutaneous mycoses in the central zone of Chile

Se presentan 2 casos clínicos de agentes de micosis cutáneas no descritos en el país. El primer caso corresponde a un paciente femenino de 18 años de edad, sin antecedentes mórbidos de importancia, ni viajes al exterior, que presenta una lesión pruriginosa en cara externa del brazo izquierdo de apariencia erito – pápulodescamativa de 2 semanas de evolución. Al examen directo, presentó micelios hialinos y en los cultivos micológicos un abundante desarrollo de Microsporum praecox. La lesión remitió completamente al tratamiento con Terbinafina tópica 2 veces al día por 21 días. Se comenta la rara presencia en Chile de M.praecox, especie presente en equinos y su hábitat, pero de dispersión restringida a Francia y Bélgica principalmente. Se discute el posible origen de este agente y las interrogantes en cuanto a su presencia en el país. El segundo caso corresponde a un paciente femenino de 24 años de edad, sin antecedentes mórbidos de importancia, que presenta alteraciones de la uña del primer ortejo derecho durante 2 años, caracterizadas por: engrosamiento subungueal, destrucción distal y cambios de coloración. Consulta con un dermatólogo, quien por su aspecto clínico típico, diagnostica onicomicosis e indica Terbinafina 250 mg diarios por 2 meses, sin embargo, el cuadro clínico se hace refractario en el tiempo frente a diversos antimicóticos usados.

Two clinical cases of agents of cutaneous mycoses not described in the country are reported in this paper. The first case deals with an 18-aged female patient, free from any significant morbid history, who has never traveled abroad, which bears a erytho-papule-descamative pruriginous lesion on the outside of her left arm and 2-week evolution. A direct exam revealed the presence of hyaline mycelia while an abundant development of Microsporum praecox was detected in the mycological cultures. The lesion had a favorable reaction to the treatment with topic Terbinafine twice a day for 21 days. The rare occurrence of M.praecox in Chile, a species commonly found in horses and their habitat yet with a restricted distribution mainly in France and Belgium and the possible origin of this agent in the country is commented. The second case is focused on a 24-age female patient, free from any significant morbid history, who exhibits variations in her first right toe since two years and which are characterized by the following: subungueal thickening, distal destruction and change in colour. She consults a dermatologist, who after considering a typical clinical aspect, determined an onimycosis and recommends 250mg Terbinafine for two months; however the clinical pattern becomes refractory in time due to the use of several antimycotic.

Malignant atrophic papulosis. Report of a case with multiple ophthalmic findings.

Malignant atrophic papulosis is a rare and fatal condition with multiple organ involvement. We describe a patient with progressive ocular and dermatological findings.

Enfermedad de Grover-Dermatosis acantolítica transitoria: 30 años después / Grover's disease transient acantholytic dermatosis: 30 years later

Grover (1970) describió una dermatosis transitoria, generalmente pruriginosa, papulosa, a veces hiperqueratósica o costrosa, distribuida principalmente en el tronco, que remitía espontáneamente en semanas o meses. La presencia de acantolisis focal, con cuatro patentes histológicas asociadas y formas más crónicas o persistente, fueron descritas un tiempo después. Presentamos seis nuevos casos y efectuamos una revisión de las dermatosis acantolítica transitoria (DAT) a la luz de los conocimientos actuales. Enfatizamos la experiencia y publicaciones de autores iberolatinoamericanos

Fibropapulosis blanca del cuello / White fibrous papulosis of the neck

Se presenta un caso de fibropapulosis blanca del cuello en una mujer de 63 años con numerosas lesiones papulosas no confluentes en el cuello y zonas del mentón. Debido a que la fibropapulosis blanca del cuello es de reciente reconocimiento, se discuten asimismo los diagnósticos diferenciales que esta afección plantea, tales como el pseudoxantoma elástico clásico y su variedad "pseudoxantoma elástico-simil con elastólisis dérmica papilar", así como el tricodiscoma, el acrocordón, las anetodermias, la dermatofibrosis lenticular diseminada, el nevo conectivo eruptivo y la "piel cetrina" de Milian

Papulonecrotic tuberculid [case report]

We present in this article a 48 years old female who suffered from papulonecrotic tuberculid for 4 years. The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, the highly positive tuberculin test, the histopathologic findings and the history of contact with an open pulmonary tuberculosis

Milia en placa retroauricular / Retroauricular plaque milia

La milia en placa es una lesión inusual de etiología poco clara, que se localiza con preferencia en la zona retroauricular. Presentamos un caso de esta afección en un paciente de sexo femenino de 59 años de edad cuya única sintomatología era un ligero prurito. La histología demostró la presencia de quistes infundibulares pequeños con contenido queratínicos y escasa reacción inflamatoria crónica intersticial. Como otros autores, consideramos a esta lesión como una entidad autónoma, tal vez de origen nevoide