Luminescence of favipiravir in skin appendages and sclera. A controlled study and literature review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Favipiravir is an antiviral agent, recently used for COVID-19 infections. Several reports associate favipiravir intake with Wood's lamp fluorescence of hair, nails, and sclera. The present study was designed to elucidate the positivity rates, and sites of favipiravir-related fluorescence and to unravel the site-specific changes in fluorescence positivity rates by a function of time past exposure. METHODS: The study population comprised 50 patients and 50 control individuals. All patients in the patient group had received a full dose of favipiravir for COVID-19 infection. Fifty volunteers served as the control group. Wood's lamp examination was performed in a completely darkened room, and the positivity rate, extent, pattern, and distribution of fluorescence were recorded. RESULTS: Wood's light revealed fluorescence of the fingernails, toenails, sclera, and hair in 35 (70%), 35 (70%), 22 (44%), and 8 (16%) patients, respectively. No control individual tested positive by Wood's lamp. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between patient and control groups in terms of Wood's light luminescence in the fingernails (p = .000), toenails (p = .000), sclera (p = .000) and hair (p = .003). Although fingernail, toenail, and hair fluorescence positivity rates declined or ceased at or after 91 days of favipiravir exposure, ocular fluorescence positivity rates were prolonged up to 188 days. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm that favipiravir may produce fluorescence of nails, sclera, and hair, detectable by Wood's light starting from the initial month and peaking at second- and third months following exposure to the medication. Although nail and hair fluorescence tend to abate after 3 months, ocular fluorescence may persist even longer than 6 months after cessation of the medication.

Histopathological characteristics and CD163 immunostaining pattern in fibrous papule of the face.

BACKGROUND: Signs of inflammation including epidermal interface changes, spongiosis, and dermal inflammation as well as pagetoid dyskeratosis are rarely described in fibrous papule (FP). We aimed to describe the inflammatory parameters, the rate of pagetoid dyskeratosis, along with CD163 immunohistochemical staining as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in FP. METHODS: Histopathology samples of all biopsy-proven FP cases were retrieved from archives and investigated for inflammatory parameters, presence of pagetoid dyskeratosis, as well as CD163, CD10, and CD34 immunostaining pattern of dermal spindle/stellate or multinucleate cells (graded from 0 to 4). RESULTS: Thirty-two cases of FP were identified. A high rate of inflammatory parameters including interface changes (20/32), spongiosis (31/32), and dermal lymphocytic inflammation (31/32) were detected. Pagetoid dyskeratosis was identified in eight out of 32 cases (25%). A grade 4 staining revealing a strong dendritic pattern was confirmed in all FP cases with CD163 immunohistochemistry including atypical variants such as granular FP, compared with CD10 (11/32) and CD34 (3/32). CONCLUSION: The dendritic cellular proliferation in FP may represent an inflammatory response to various stimuli; pagetoid dyskeratosis is a relatively common and underrecognized epidermal feature and CD163 immunostaining may be used as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in unusual histopathological subtypes.

Livedoid cutaneous metastasis of signet-ring cell gastric carcinoma.

Cutaneous metastasis of gastric cancer is extremely rare. Nodular forms are more common and inflammatory forms are exceptionally encountered. Herein, we report a case of inflammatory cutaneous metastasis of signet-ring cell gastric cancer (poorly cohesive gastric carcinoma with signet-ring cell component) masquerading as livedo reticularis. To our knowledge, such a clinical presentation of cutaneous metastasis has not been reported for gastric cancer. It is imperative to preserve a high index of clinical suspicion for diagnosing cutaneous metastases. Our case highlights the importance of obtaining a skin biopsy in patients with a known history of internal malignancy. Bizarre, newly erupting, evolving, persistent, or treatment-refractory dermatologic lesions (such as nodules, ulcers, erythematous, reticular, or livedoid patches) might be clues for an underlying internal malignancy and require prompt histopathological sampling. Personal medical history, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical profiling are equally important in distinguishing primary cutaneous carcinomas from secondary metastatic deposits. Early recognition of a cutaneous metastasis might enable appropriate staging and timely intervention, thereby prolonging survival.

Demographic, clinical and dermoscopic features of melanocytic nevi on the scalp.

BACKGROUND: The scalp is a special anatomical area and dermoscopic findings of this region may significantly differ from other body parts. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the clinical and dermoscopic patterns of scalp melanocytic nevi in patients ≤15 years of age and above, and to analyse their relevance to demographic features, atypical mole syndrome (AMS) and total body nevus count (TBNC). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the clinical data and dermoscopic images of patients with scalp melanocytic nevi were retrieved, reviewed and analysed. Demographic, clinical and dermoscopic features were compared in patients ≤15 years of age and above. RESULTS: A total of 196 scalp melanocytic nevi in 126 patients (female/male:64/62; ≤15/>15 years of age: 49/77) with a median age of 18.5 years (range 0-72) were evaluated. Statistically, the globular pattern was significantly higher in all age groups, and the papillomatous pattern was significantly lower in patients ≤15 years of age (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005, respectively). The eclipse pattern was significantly higher, and the homogenous pattern was significantly lower in patients ≤15 years of age with AMS (P = 0.003 and P = 0.014, respectively). Finally, patients ≤15 years of age with 50 to 100 TBNC had a higher eclipse pattern than those with 0 to 25 TBNC. CONCLUSION: The findings of this retrospective study might implicate that children with eclipse pattern of scalp melanocytic nevi might be 'moley' in the future with an impending risk of AMS. This hypothesis requires confirmation in future prospective studies on a larger cohort of patients.

Circle hair: report of two cases and brief review of the literature.

Circle hair (CH) is an interesting subtype of ingrown hair, characterized by the growing of hair shaft in a spiral or circular morphology underneath a translucent layer of stratum corneum, parallel to skin surface. In contrast to rolled hair (RH), neither perifollicular inflammation nor abnormal follicular keratinization are known to accompany CH. The reason why the hair shaft grows circumferentially and transversely under the skin instead of emerging through an apparently open hair follicle ostium and growing vertically remains to be determined. Although CH is a frequent benign incidental finding in normal skin examination, reports on this disorder are scarce. Herein we report two cases of CH and briefly review the existing literature. We believe that CH develops because of trauma in patients having a genetic susceptibility for this disorder and that CH is more common than the relevant medical literature suggests.

Aquatic/aquagenic Dermatoses: The Thin Line Between Pool Palms and Aquagenic Syringeal Acrokeratoderma.

Pool palms and pool toes are friction or pressure-induced aquatic dermatoses resulting from extensive and repetitive rubbing of fingers, palms, soles, and toes against the rough anti-slippery surfaces or edges of pools. Aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma is a sporadic, episodic, and acquired disorder of palmar skin linked to water exposure. Herein we describe a case of aquatic/aquagenic dermatosis that presented clinical and diagnostic difficulties. Differentiating between pool palms and aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma is a challenge, and we believe that both disorders lie on a spectrum of watersport dermatoses.

Outcomes of high-risk breast lesions diagnosed using image-guided core needle biopsy: results from a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The clinical management of high-risk lesions using image-guided biopsy is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the rates at which such lesions were upgraded to malignancy and identify possible predictive factors for upgrading high-risk lesions. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter analysis included 1.343 patients diagnosed with high-risk lesions using an image-guided core needle or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). Only patients managed using an excisional biopsy or with at least one year of documented radiological follow-up were included. For each, the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category, number of samples, needle thickness, and lesion size were correlated with malignancy upgrade rates in different histologic subtypes. Pearson's chi-squared test, the Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, and Fisher's exact test were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The overall upgrade rate was 20.6%, with the highest rates in the subtypes of intraductal papilloma (IP) with atypia (44.7%; 55/123), followed by atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) (38.4%; 144/375), lobular neoplasia (LN) (12.7%; 7/55), papilloma without atypia (9.4%; 58/611), flat epithelial atypia (FEA) (8.7%; 10/114), and radial scars (RSs) (4.6%; 3/65). There was a significant relationship between the upgrade rate and BI-RADS category, number of samples, and lesion size Lesion size was the most predictive factor for an upgrade in all subtypes. CONCLUSION: ADH and atypical IP showed considerable upgrade rates to malignancy, requiring surgical excision. The LN, IP without atypia, pure FEA, and RS subtypes showed lower malignancy rates when the BI-RADS category was lower and in smaller lesions that had been adequately sampled using VAB. After being discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting, these cases could be managed with follow-up instead of excision.

Fluorescence in the Sclera, Nails, and Teeth Secondary to Favipiravir Use for COVID-19 Infections.

Favipiravir, an antiviral agent originally used for influenza infections, has become popular due to its beneficial signals in coronavirus disease. It is currently used in some countries within COVID-19 treatment protocols. This is an initial report of favipiravir-related fluorescence observed in three healthcare providers working in the same ward in our hospital. All three individuals had been diagnosed with COVID-19 two months earlier and were treated with favipiravir. None of the three individuals received hydroxychloroquine or tetracyclines. Wood's light examination led to an incidental discovery of favipiravir-induced fluorescence involving the sclera, nails, and teeth. In all patients, white linear, square, and band-like specks of fluorescence were noticed on the sclera of both eyes, some teeth, and the proximal part of all fingernails and toenails. Exposure of the eyes to the Wood's light was for a brief duration of 3 to 5 seconds during examination and photodocumentation. Favipiravir might cause bright white fluorescence of nails, sclera, and teeth, detectable by Wood's light even two months after its cessation.

Multiple Military Osteoma Cutis: Report of a Case and a Brief Review of the Literature.

A 39-year-old woman presented with a 4-year history of asymptomatic facial lesions that has progressively increased in number to become a cosmetic nuisance. These lesions have not responded to 6-months of topical 20% azelaic acid, 0.1% retinoic acid, and 20% vitamin C combination. She has had mild papulopustular acne. Her personal and family histories were unremarkable. On dermatologic examination, there were multiple flesh-colored to pigmented, firm ovoid to round papules, 2-5 mm in size, over the forehead and both cheeks (Figure 1). The dermatoscopic examination was nonspecific. Preliminary diagnoses were made of eccrine syringoma, steatocystoma multiplex, and papular elastorrhexis. A histopathologic examination from a punch biopsy displayed focal ossification within the dermis (Figure 2). Routine laboratory tests, including serum calcium, phosphorus, PTH, and vitamin D levels were within the normal ranges. A maxillofacial 3D CT scan, revealed multiple dermal and hypodermal ossifications, <3-5 mm in size-in the frontal, mandibular, and maxillary areas of the face (Figure 3). Scattered osteomas were also seen on the neck. A definitive diagnosis of multiple miliary osteoma cutis (MMOC) of the face and neck was firmly established based on clinical, histologic, and radiologic findings. Radiologically, the distribution and extent of the lesions were more pronounced than clinically anticipated. (SKINmed. 2022;20:469-471).

Cystic renal diseases: role of ultrasound. Part II, genetic cystic renal diseases.

Kidney cysts are quite common in adults. Though small simple renal cysts in an adult over 30-40 years of age are not too unusual, however, if the same cysts are seen in a child, and especially if there are additional findings, then several diagnostic possibilities may come to mind. The role of ultrasound, together with the help of intravenous contrast agents and Doppler mode, are very critical in describing the morphologic features and follow-up of the complex or multiple and bilateral renal cysts. These sonographic signs are occasionally specific for diagnosis, but in many cases sonographic clues should be evaluated together with the other genetic and clinical data to reach diagnosis.The first part of this pictorial essay included the introduction into the subject and the classification of non-genetic cystic renal diseases. The key features for the non-genetic cystic renal diseases are illustrated. In the second part, eye-catching features of genetic cystic renal diseases are demonstrated.

The role of intraoperative ultrasonography in detection of hepatic vein variations in living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: With advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppression, liver transplantation has become the most effective treatment of acute and chronic liver failures. Evaluation of vascular anatomy and detection of hepatic vascular variations prior to surgery, especially transplantation surgery, can help reduce complications in both the donor and the recipient. Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is known to be beneficial during planning of the transplantation surgery, and can help direct the surgery itself. OBJECTIVES: To our knowledge, there are no existing studies that evaluate the number and diameter of segment 5 and 8 branches that need to be anastomosed with IOUS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, considering surgical anatomical evaluation as the gold standard, IOUS findings were compared to computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings. 40 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: The average diameters of segment 8 branches that were anastomosed and not anastomosed were significantly different when measured by IOUS (p = 0.016); however, no such statistically significant difference was found in measurements made with CTA (p = 0.89). CONCLUSION: CTA is superior to IOUS in detecting segment 5 and 8 veins draining into the middle hepatic vein. However, IOUS is more accurate in predicting which vessels are going to be anastomosed. For a complete and accurate assessment, both imaging modalities should be used to complement each other, and their respective advantages and disadvantages should be known.

A Review on Cutaneous and Musculoskeletal Manifestations of CLOVES Syndrome.

CLOVES syndrome is a novel sporadic mosaic segmental overgrowth syndrome, currently categorized under the canopy of PROS (PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum) disorders. All PROS disorders harbor heterozygous postzygotic activating somatic mutations involving the PIK3CA gene. As an upstream regulator of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal transduction pathway, activating mutations of PIK3CA gene commence in uncontrolled growth of cutaneous, vascular (capillaries, veins, and lymphatics), adipose, neural, and musculoskeletal tissues. The excessive growth is segmental, patchy, asymmetric, and confined to body parts affected by the mutation. The term 'CLOVES' is an acronym denoting congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi and spinal (scoliosis) and/ or skeletal anomalies. The syndrome is characterized by an admixture of overgrown tissues, derived mainly from mesoderm and neuroectoderm. Among PROS disorders, CLOVES syndrome represents the extreme end of the spectrum with massive affection of almost the entire body. The syndrome might judiciously be treated with medications hampering with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal transduction pathway. This article aims at reviewing the cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations of CLOVES syndrome, as the paradigm for PROS disorders. CLOVES syndrome and other PROS disorders are still misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, underreported, and undertreated by the dermatology community.

Imaging appearance of post umbilical venous catheter displacement: liver collections in children.

Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) have become a part of routine perinatal care. In the case of its misplacement, extravasation into liver parenchyma might be observed and unusual findings might be detected and a suspicion of tumoral lesions emerges during the ultrasound examination. To avoid the unnecessary liver biopsies and catastrophic complications of UVC misplacement in the pediatric population, clinicians and radiologists must be familiar with the radiological findings. We aimed to present sonographic and computed tomographic images of liver collections resulting from UVC malposition.