Cost-effectiveness analysis of imaging strategy for an intensive follow-up of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IIB, IIC and III malignant melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Many follow-up guidelines for patients with high-risk melanoma include expensive imaging studies, serum biomarkers and regular visits to the dermatologist, with little attention to cost-effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: To establish the cost-effectiveness of chest-abdomen-pelvis computed tomography (CT) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a follow-up protocol for patients at high risk of relapse. METHODS: This was a prospective single-centre cohort study of 290 patients with clinicopathological American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IIB, IIC and III melanoma. Patients had a body CT scan and brain MRI every 6 months and were withdrawn from the study after completing a 5-year follow-up or when metastases were detected. A cost-effectiveness analysis for each follow-up radiological procedure was performed. RESULTS: Patients underwent 1805 body CT scans and 1683 brain MRIs. Seventy-six metastases (26·2%) were identified by CT or MRI. CT scan was cost-effective in the first 4 years (cost-effectiveness ratio €4710·70-€14 437·10/patient with metastasis); brain MRI was cost-effective during the first year (cost-effectiveness ratio €14 090·60/patient with metastasis). Limitations included lack of survival analysis and comparisons with willingness-to-pay thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: Six-monthly CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis is a cost-effective technique for the early detection of metastases in the first 4 years of follow-up in patients with AJCC stage IIC and III melanoma, and in the first 3 years in patients with AJCC stage IIB melanoma. In addition, brain MRI has been shown to be cost-effective only in the first year of follow-up in patients with AJCC stage IIC and III melanoma.

Portable gamma camera guidance in sentinel lymph node biopsy: prospective observational study of consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the most important tool available for node staging in patients with melanoma. OBJECTIVES: To analyze sentinel lymph node detection and dissection with radio guidance from a portable gamma camera. To assess the number of complications attributable to this biopsy technique. METHODS: Prospective observational study of a consecutive series of patients undergoing radioguided sentinel lymph node biopsy. We analyzed agreement between nodes detected by presurgical lymphography, those detected by the gamma camera, and those finally dissected. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients (17 women [62.5%] and 12 men [37.5%]) were enrolled. The mean age was 52.6 years (range, 26-82 years). The sentinel node was dissected from all patients; secondary nodes were dissected from some. In 16 cases (55.2%), there was agreement between the number of nodes detected by lymphography, those detected by the gamma camera, and those finally dissected. The only complications observed were seromas (3.64%). No cases of wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, or hemorrhage were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Portable gamma-camera radio guidance may be of use in improving the detection and dissection of sentinel lymph nodes and may also reduce complications. These goals are essential in a procedure whose purpose is melanoma staging.

[Approaches to the dermatopathologic diagnosis of figurate lesions]. / Aproximación al diagnóstico dermatopatológico de las lesiones figuradas.

Both clinical and pathologic findings must be considered when diagnosing figurate skin lesions, which are often seen in routine practice. Although a skin biopsy may sometimes be diagnostic, more often the information provided is nonspecific. In an attempt to offer an approach to diagnosing these dermatoses, we have classified annular lesions according to the presence of lymphocytic, neutrophilic-eosinophilic, or granulomatous infiltrates, and infiltrates containing plasma cells. Neoplastic annular lesions are included in a separate group. Lesions containing lymphocytic infiltrates include superficial and deep erythema annulare centrifugum and the differential diagnosis includes a large number of conditions. In the neutrophilic-eosinophilic class, we include annular psoriasis, vasculitis, linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis, eosinophilic dermatitis, erythema marginatum rheumatica, and annular erythema of infancy. Sarcoidosis and granuloma annulare are the prototypical annular lesions containing granulomas. Secondary syphilis is typical of lesions containing plasma cells. Mycosis fungoides is the principal skin tumor that may initially manifest with annular lesions.

Management of Psoriasis During Preconception, Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding: A Consensus Statement. / Consenso sobre las actuaciones a seguir durante la edad fértil, el embarazo, el posparto y la lactancia en pacientes con psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. METHODS: The nominal group technique and the Delphi method were used. Fifteen experts (12 dermatologists, 2 of whom were appointed coordinators; 1 rheumatologist; and 2 gynecologists) were selected to form an expert panel. Following a systematic review of the literature on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding in women with psoriasis, the coordinators drew up a series of preliminary recommendations for discussion by the panel at a nominal group meeting. The experts defined the scope, sections, and intended users of the statement and prepared a final list of recommendations. Consensus was obtained using a Delphi process in which an additional 51 dermatologists rated their level of agreement with each recommendation on a scale of 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Consensus was defined by a score of 7 or higher assigned by at least 70% of participants. Level of evidence and strength of recommendation were reported using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine categories. The final statement was approved by the expert panel. RESULTS: The resulting consensus statement includes 23 recommendations on preconception (fertility and contraception), pregnancy (planning, pharmacological management, and follow-up), and breastfeeding (management and follow-up). Consensus was achieved for all recommendations generated except one. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations for the better management of psoriasis in women of childbearing age could improve outcomes and prognosis.

Three cases of Lipschutz vulval ulceration.

A Lipschütz ulcer or 'ulcus vulvae acutum' is an acute simple ulceration of the vulva or vagina of non-venereal origin which can be associated with lymphadenopathy. Three cases are described with accompanying clinical photographs. Two cases refer to adolescents, one an infant, all without any history of sexual contact. The cases serve to illustrate a little known but potentially important differential diagnosis of vulval ulceration.

Electroquimioterapia con bleomicina intravenosa en el tratamiento del carcinoma de células de Merkel irresecable / Electrochemotherapy With Intravenous Bleomycin in the Treatment of Unresectable Merkel Cell Carcinoma

No disponible

Metástasis cutáneas craneocervicales de un carcinoma papilar de tiroides variedad folicular / Cutaneous metastases on the head and neck from a papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular variant

No disponible

Biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela radioguiada mediante gammacámara portátil. Estudio observacional sobre serie de casos incluidos prospectivamente de forma consecutiva / Portable Gamma Camera Guidance in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Prospective Observational Study of Consecutive Cases

Introducción: La biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela representa la herramienta más importante para determinar el estatus ganglionar en el paciente con melanoma. Objetivos: Analizar la capacidad de detección y disección de la técnica de biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela con la incorporación de una gammacámara portátil intraoperatoria, así como las morbilidades derivadas de la misma. Métodos: Estudio observacional sobre una serie de casos incluidos prospectivamente y de forma consecutiva de pacientes a los cuales se les realizó la técnica de biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela radioguiada mediante gammacámara portátil. Se realizó un análisis de concordancia entre los ganglios detectados entre la linfografía prequirúrgica, la gammagrafía portátil y los ganglios disecados. Resultados: Durante el período de estudio se incluyeron 29 pacientes diagnosticados de melanoma cutáneo. Eran 17 mujeres (62,5%) y 12 varones (37,5%) y la edad media fue de 52,6 años (rango: 26-82). Se realizó disección del ganglio centinela en el 100% de los pacientes; además se obtuvieron en algunos casos ganglios secundarios. En el número detectado de ganglios mediante linfografía preoperatoria hubo concordancia con respecto a la gammagrafía portátil y a los ganglios disecados finalmente en 16 de los pacientes (55,2%). Respecto a las complicaciones se observaron solo seromas en un 3,64% de los casos, no presentando en ningún caso dehiscencia de la herida, infección, hematoma o hemorragia. Conclusiones: La biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela radioguiada mediante gammacámara portátil es una técnica que podría colaborar en mejorar la capacidad de detección y disección del ganglio centinela, así como en una disminución en la morbilidad quirúrgica derivada de la técnica, aspectos que resultan esenciales en una técnica cuyo objetivo inicial es la estadificación del paciente con melanoma (AU)

Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the most important tool available for node staging in patients with melanoma. Objectives: To analyze sentinel lymph node detection and dissection with radio guidance from a portable gamma camera. To assess the number of complications attributable to this biopsy technique. Methods: Prospective observational study of a consecutive series of patients undergoing radioguided sentinel lymph node biopsy. We analyzed agreement between nodes detected by presurgical lymphography, those detected by the gamma camera, and those finally dissected. Results: A total of 29 patients (17 women [62.5%] and 12 men [37.5%]) were enrolled. The mean age was 52.6 years (range, 26-82 years). The sentinel node was dissected from all patients; secondary nodes were dissected from some. In 16 cases (55.2%), there was agreement between the number of nodes detected by lymphography, those detected by the gamma camera, and those finally dissected. The only complications observed were seromas (3.64%). No cases of wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, or hemorrhage were observed. Conclusions: Portable gamma-camera radio guidance may be of use in improving the detection and dissection of sentinel lymph nodes and may also reduce complications. These goals are essential in a procedure whose purpose is melanoma staging (AU)

Aproximación al diagnóstico dermatopatológico de las lesiones figuradas / Approaches to the Dermatopathologic Diagnosis of Figurate Lesions

Las lesiones cutáneas figuradas son muy frecuentes en la práctica diaria, y en la mayoría de las ocasiones requieren una adecuada correlación clínico-patológica para llegar a un diagnóstico correcto. En algunos casos la biopsia mostrará hallazgos específicos que permitirán hacer el diagnóstico, pero en la mayor parte de ellos los datos serán inespecíficos. En un intento de aproximarnos al diagnóstico de estas dermatosis hemos clasificado las lesiones anulares según el tipo de infiltrado inflamatorio: linfocitario, neutrofílico-eosinofílico, granulomatoso y con células plasmáticas; y hemos incluido un último apartado para las lesiones anulares neoplásicas. Entre las primeras destacamos el eritema anular centrífugo (superficial y profundo) y su amplio diagnóstico diferencial. Con infiltrado neutrofílico-esinofílico incluimos: psoriasis anular, vasculitis, dermatitis IgA lineal, dermatitis eosinofílica, eritema marginado reumático y eritemas anulares de la infancia. La sarcoidosis y el granuloma anular son los prototipos de lesiones anulares con granulomas, y la sífilis secundaria con células plasmáticas. La micosis fungoide es la principal neoplasia cutánea que puede iniciarse con lesiones anulares (AU)

Both clinical and pathologic findings must be considered when diagnosing figurate skin lesions, which are often seen in routine practice. Although a skin biopsy may sometimes be diagnostic, more often the information provided is nonspecific. In an attempt to offer an approach to diagnosing these dermatoses, we have classified annular lesions according to the presence of lymphocytic, neutrophilic-eosinophilic, or granulomatous infiltrates, and infiltrates containing plasma cells. Neoplastic annular lesions are included in a separate group. Lesions containing lymphocytic infiltrates include superficial and deep erythema annulare centrifugum and the differential diagnosis includes a large number of conditions. In the neutrophilic-eosinophilic class, we include annular psoriasis, vasculitis, linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis, eosinophilic dermatitis, erythema marginatum rheumatica, and annular erythema of infancy. Sarcoidosis and granuloma annulare are the prototypical annular lesions containing granulomas. Secondary syphilis is typical of lesions containing plasma cells. Mycosis fungoides is the principal skin tumor that may initially manifest with annular lesions (AU)