Distinct clinical parameters were associated with shorter spontaneous resolution in children with non-tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis.

AIM: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lymphadenitis typically resolves spontaneously, yet factors influencing the duration remain explored. We aimed to identify clinical parameters associated with shorter spontaneous resolution. METHODS: This cohort study included children with NTM lymphadenitis from 1 January 2015 to 1 March 2021 at Copenhagen University Hospital. Time-to-event analysis assessed clinical parameters associated with the duration of NTM lymphadenitis. RESULTS: Sixty children (57% boys) with a median age of 24 months (range 11-84) were included; 13 (22%) received primary surgery, 13 (22%) underwent surgery after a wait-and-see period and 34 (57%) received no intervention. In children without intervention, the median duration was 10 months (range 2-25). Faster resolution was associated with parental-reported lymph node enlargement within 2 weeks (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0-5.0; p = 0.044), abscess on ultrasound examination (HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5-7.3; p = 0.003) and skin discoloration and/or perforation within 3 months of onset (HR 4.3, 95% CI 1.3-14.4; p = 0.017 and HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.1; p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Knowledge of predictors for shorter spontaneous resolution of NTM lymphadenitis, such as rapid initial lymph node enlargement, abscess on ultrasound examination, and skin discoloration and/or perforation within 3 months of disease onset, may guide clinical management decisions concerning surgery versus a conservative approach.

RNA analysis of tape strips to rule out melanoma in lesions clinically assessed as cutaneous malignant melanoma: A diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) from nevi can be clinically challenging. Suspicious lesions are therefore excised, resulting in many benign lesions being removed surgically to find 1 CMM. It has been proposed to use tape strip derived ribonucleic acid (RNA) to distinguish CMM from nevi. OBJECTIVE: To develop this technique further and validate if RNA profiles can rule out CMM in clinically suspicious lesions with 100% sensitivity. METHODS: Before surgical excision, 200 lesions clinically assessed as CMM were tape stripped. Expression levels of 11 genes on the tapes were investigated by RNA measurement and used in a rule-out test. RESULTS: Histopathology showed that 73 CMMs and 127 non-CMMs were included. Our test correctly identified all CMMs (100% sensitivity) based on the expression levels of 2 oncogenes, PRAME and KIT, relative to a housekeeping gene. Patient age and sample storage time were also significant. Simultaneously, our test correctly excluded CMM in 32% of non-CMM lesions (32% specificity). LIMITATIONS: Our sample contained a very high proportion of CMMs, perhaps due to inclusion during COVID-19 shutdown. Validation in a separate trial must be performed. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the technique can reduce removal of benign lesions by one-third without overlooking any CMMs.

Atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: Local recurrence and metastasis in a nationwide population-based cohort of 1118 patients.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) remains uncertain and no standardized follow-up programs have been established. OBJECTIVE: To recommend a standardized follow-up program of patients with AFX and PDS based on nationwide long-term estimates of local recurrence and metastasis. METHODS: All patients with AFX and PDS in Denmark between 2002 and 2022 were included. Danish National Registries were used to estimate the risks of local recurrence and metastasis for AFX and PDS. RESULTS: The 5-year risk of local recurrence was 10% for AFX and 17% for PDS. The 5-year risk of metastasis was 0.8% for AFX and 16% for PDS. PDS metastasized within 3 years in >90% of the patients with the lungs as the primary metastasis site (50%). Invasion beyond the subcutis, perineural/intravascular infiltration, and increasing age significantly increased the risk of PDS relapse. LIMITATIONS: Risk of misclassification and lack of detailed surgical information. CONCLUSION: The follow-up of patients with AFX can be limited to clinical visits for 4 years. Patients with PDS should be followed with clinical visits and PET/CT twice a year for the first 3 years and once a year for a minimum of 1 year.

Risk factors for local atypical fibroxanthoma recurrence and progression to pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: A meta-analysis of individualized participant data.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for local atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) recurrence and progression to pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) have not previously been identified. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors and provide follow-up suggestions for local AFX recurrence and progression to PDS. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A literature search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed. The risks of local AFX recurrence and progression to PDS were presented as Kaplan-Meier plots and risk factors were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) calculated with univariate and multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: Five hundred and ninety-eight patients with AFX from 14 studies were included. Age >74 years and male sex significantly increased the risk of local recurrence (HR: 7.31 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.78-30.0], p < 0.01 and HR: 2.89 [95% CI: 1.04-8.01], p < 0.05, respectively). There was no difference when comparing wide local excision and Mohs' micrographic surgery (p = 0.89). The risks of local AFX recurrence and progression to PDS after 2 years were <1%. CONCLUSION: A more intensive follow-up regimen could be considered in patients >74 years old and males due to the higher risk of local AFX recurrence.

Iatrogenic cerebral radiation necrosis.

Cerebral radiation necrosis is the most serious late reaction to high doses of ionising radiation to the brain, and its treatment is generally unsatisfactory. We present a patient who developed cerebral radiation necrosis after protracted fluoroscopy during repeated embolisations of an extracranial arteriovenous malformation. Treatment with bevacizumab (a humanised murine monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor) was followed by neurological and radiological improvements.

Heterotopic epithelialization presenting as a non-healing scalp wound after surgery.

Patients undergoing cerebral revascularization surgery have a relatively high incidence of wound complications. We report a case of heterotopic epithelialization of the dura presenting as a non-healing scalp wound after an extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) arterial bypass. The scalp wound was revised twice without healing. During the third revision, epithelial tissue was found growing on the dura and was removed. After the epithelial tissue was removed, the wound healed without further complications. This case illustrates the importance of thoroughly examining a non-healing wound to find the cause.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus: report from 30 years of experience in a single department.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) occur in 1:20,000 livebirths and are associated with increased risk of malignant transformation. The treatment of GCMN from 1981 to 2010 in a tertiary referral center was reviewed evaluating the modalities used, cosmetic results, associated complications, and malignant transformation. Of 35 patients, 25 underwent surgery. Curettage was most frequently used (64%) followed by excision and tissue expansion (20%). Six percent of the patients treated with curettage, and 78% of the patients who received excision surgery required more than 1 planned procedure, and 25% versus 44% required unplanned additional surgery, respectively. Complications were noted in 25% and 67% of the patients, respectively. Cosmetic result was satisfying in 76% of patients without difference between the groups. No malignant transformation was found during a mean follow-up of 11 years. Curettage is a gentle alternative to excision with a lower complication rate and good cosmetic outcome.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Complex Dermal Sarcomas Ensures an Optimal Clinical Outcome.

Primary dermal sarcomas (PDS) belong to a highly clinically, genetically and pathologically heterogeneous group of rare malignant mesenchymal tumours primarily involving the dermis or the subcutaneous tissue. The tumours are classified according to the mesenchymal tissue from which they originate: dermal connective tissue, smooth muscle or vessels. Clinically, PDS may mimic benign soft tissue lesions such as dermatofibromas, hypertrophic scarring, etc. This may cause substantial diagnostic delay. As a group, PDS most commonly comprises the following clinicopathological forms of dermal sarcomas: dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX), dermal undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (DUPS), leiomyosarcoma (LMS), and vascular sarcomas (Kaposi's sarcoma, primary angiosarcoma, and radiation-induced angiosarcoma). This clinical entity has a broad spectrum regarding malignant potential; however, local aggressive behaviour in some forms causes surgical challenges. Preoperative, individualised surgical planning with complete free margins is pivotal along with a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration across highly specialised surgical and medical specialties. The present review gives a structured overview of the most common forms of dermal sarcomas including surgical recommendations and examples for advanced reconstructions as well as the current adjunctive medical treatment strategies. Optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes with low recurrence rates can be achieved by using a multidisciplinary approach to complex dermal sarcomas. In cases of extended local tumour invasion in dermal sarcomas, advanced reconstructive techniques can be applied, and the interdisciplinary microsurgeon should be an integral part of the sarcoma board.

Detection of cutaneous malignant melanoma using RNA sampled by tape strips: A study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is curable if detected in its early stages. However, the clinical recognition of CMM is challenging. An American research group has shown promising results in detecting CMM based on RNA profiles sampled from suspicious lesions with tape strips. We aim to further develop this technique and validate if RNA profiles sampled with tape strips can detect CMM. METHODS: This prospective cohort study will include approximately 200 lesions clinically suspected of CMM requiring surgical removal. Tape stripping of the lesions will be performed just before surgical excision. Subsequently, RNA on the tape strips is analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan technology. The results are combined into a binary outcome where positive indicates CMM and negative indicates no CMM. The histopathological diagnosis of the lesions will be used as the gold standard. The main outcome is the results of the RNA test and the histopathological diagnosis, which, combined, provide the sensitivity and specificity of the test. DISCUSSION: The accuracy of the clinical examination in CMM diagnostics is limited. This clinical trial will explore the ability to use RNA analysis to improve the management of suspicious lesions by enhancing early diagnostic accuracy. Hopefully, it can reduce the number of benign lesions being surgically removed to rule out CMM and decrease patient morbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The project was approved by The Committee on Health Research Ethics of the Capital Region of Denmark (H-15010559) and registered at the Danish Data Protection Agency (BFH-2015-065).

Surgical management of rhinocerebral mucormycosis: A case series.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is a rare and rapidly progressive, destructive, angioinvasive fungal infection, which primarily affects immunocompromised patients. A high suspicion is required to diagnose RCM as initial clinical manifestations are often nonspecific. A cornerstone of the management is early diagnosis and radical surgery, which often requires complex reconstructive procedures. The optimal timing of reconstructive surgery is controversial. This case series presents the reconstructive perspective on four RCM cases treated with aggressive debridement, targeted antifungal treatment, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy followed by an early local flap or microsurgical reconstruction - to enable adequate local blood perfusion, antifungal treatment, and to decrease the risk of secondary infection. In all four patients, the early reconstructive surgery was successful without relapse of RCM or flap failure. We suggest aggressive surgical debridement till clear resection margins are obtained based on histopathology and/or microbiology, at a point which reconstructive surgery can be performed safely.

Preoperative Embolization of a Solitary Fibrous Tumor Originating from External Auditory Meatus: A Case Report with Literature Review.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are mesenchymal, fibroblastic tumors with mostly favorable, but still unpredictable prognosis. Their rarity and occurrence at a variety of locations coupled with variable histological appearance make the diagnosis a challenge. This can be resolved by histological and immunohistochemical analysis on the histologic material eventually coupled with demonstration of NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion by next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. Tumor removal with clear surgical margins is sufficient for complete cure in most cases. Percutaneous transcatheter embolization in well-vascularized lesions may minimize the risk of bleeding during subsequent removal. In this article we present a rare case of SFT arising from the external auditory canal and treated with preoperative endovascular arterial embolization. A literature review with focus on diagnostics and treatment of this entity in the head and neck region is following.

Radiation exposure to surgical staff during hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with 99m Technetium labeled red blood cells.

PURPOSE: Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) is an effective method in the treatment of recurrent melanomas and soft tissue sarcomas. To avoid systemic toxicity, leakage from the limb perfusate into the systemic circulation is real-time monitored by administration of a radioactive agent to the limb circuit. This has made HILP safe for the patient. However, the radiation exposure to the surgical staff has never been measured and could be a limiting factor for the use of HILP. The purpose of the present study was to measure and evaluate the radiation exposure to the surgical staff performing HILP with (99m)Technetium labeled red blood cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients had HILP performed in 11 lower limbs and two upper limbs at our inpatient clinic between October 2006 and February 2007. The surgeon and nurse had thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) chips attached to the finger pulp and to the ring area of the left fourth finger, as well as an electronic dosimeter attached to the anterior lining of the trousers. The anesthesiologist and perfusion technologist also carried electronic dosimeters. RESULTS: The surgeon had the highest radioactive exposure with an average dose per procedure to the finger pulp of 16.2 microSv, to the ring area of 8.5 microSv, and to the abdominal wall of 4.2 +/- 0.6 microSv. CONCLUSIONS: HILP with (99m)technetium-labeled red blood cells does not constitute a safety risk to the operating team with respect to radioactive exposure. Routine dose monitoring of the staff or special precautions for fertile women are not necessary.

[Turban tumour with intracranial invasion].

This is a case report of a 76-year-old woman, who had Brooke-Spiegler syndrome (BSS) and presented with multiple confluent tumours of the scalp. An MRI showed an intracranial invasion. Multiple excisions were made due to recurrence of the intracranial tumour, and reconstruction was achieved with free flaps and skin grafts. BSS is caused by a mutation in CYLD, a tumour suppressor gene located on chromosome 16q12-q13. Surgical excision is often not a curative treatment, and the recurrence rate is 35%. Quality of life is significantly affected with regards to cosmetic appearance, painful tumours and multiple surgical treatments.

Reconstructive considerations following a necrotic spider bite on the face: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Spider bites as the cause of necrotic skin and soft tissue lesions occur very rarely in Central and Northern Europe. Recluse spiders, distributed almost worldwide, are one of two genera of spiders with confirmed capability of causing necrotic lesions. In the facial region, the resulting defects represent a potential reconstructive challenge, especially in younger patients. METHODS: This case report has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a case of a 19-year-old female with a suspected bite from a recluse spider sustained during a recreational trip to Guatemala. She was bitten on the right upper aspect of the nose, and within a week developed a large necrotic lesion extending to the medial canthus. Following her return to Denmark the defect was reconstructed with a trimmed full-thickness skin graft. An initially planned second-stage reconstructive procedure was cancelled, as the patient was satisfied with the primary result. DISCUSSION: Most aspects of the extended reconstructive ladder were evaluated before selecting the optimal reconstruction for this patient. In younger patients, reconstructive surgery requires special considerations, primarily due to age-related limitations combined with generally high expectations to the aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSION: In the few reported cases of necrotic spider bites in the facial region, active reconstructive measures have resulted in the best outcomes. Tissue expansion of local or regional skin may have a potential role, but in certain patients, simple reconstructive solutions will provide an aesthetically satisfactory result without requiring extensive or multi-stage surgeries, as demonstrated in this case.

The value of FDG PET/CT for follow-up of patients with melanoma: a retrospective analysis.

The incidence of melanoma (MM) is among the fastest rising cancers in the western countries. Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is a valuable non-invasive tool for the diagnosis and staging of patients with MM. However, research on the value of PET/CT in follow-up of melanoma patients is limited. This study assesses the diagnostic value of PET/CT for follow-up after melanoma surgery. This retrospective study includes patients with MM who performed at least one PET/CT scan after initial surgery and staging. PET/CT findings were compared to histology, MRI or fine needle aspiration (FNA) to estimate the diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic performance of PET/CT performed in patients with and without a clinical suspicion of relapse was compared. 238 patients (526 scans) were included. Of the 526 scans 130 (25%) scans were PET-positive, 365 (69%) PET-negative, and 28 (5%) had equivocal findings. Sensitivity was 89% [0.82-0.94], specificity 92% [0.89-0.95], positive and negative predictive values of 78% [0.70-0.84] and 97% [0.94-0.98] respectively. When stratified for reason of referral there was no statistical significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT between patients referred with or without a clinical suspicion of relapse. This study demonstrates that PET/CT despite a moderate sensitivity has a high negative predictive value in the follow-up of melanoma patients. Thus, a negative PET/CT-scan essentially rules out relapse. However, the frequency of false positive findings is relatively high, especially among patients undergoing a "routine" PET/CT with no clinical suspicion of relapse, potentially causing anxiety and leading to further diagnostic procedures.

Psychoeducational intervention for patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma: a replication study.

PURPOSE: In 1993, a randomized intervention study among patients with malignant melanoma showed a significant decrease in psychological distress and increased coping capacity 6 months after the intervention and enhanced survival 6 years later. We applied a similar intervention with a few modifications in a randomized controlled trial among Danish patients with malignant melanoma and evaluated results on immediate and long-term effects on psychological distress and coping capacity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 262 patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma were randomly assigned to the control or intervention group. Patients in the intervention group were offered six weekly sessions of 2 hours of psychoeducation, consisting of health education, enhancement of problem-solving skills, stress management, and psychological support. The participants were assessed at baseline before random assignment and 6 and 12 months after surgery. The analyses of the main effects of the intervention were based on analyses of covariance. RESULTS: The patients in the intervention group showed significantly less fatigue, greater vigor, and lower total mood disturbance compared with the controls, and they used significantly more active-behavioral and active-cognitive coping than the patients in the control group. The improvements were only significant at first follow-up. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study support the results of an earlier intervention study among patients with malignant melanoma and indicate that a psychoeducational group intervention for such patients can decrease psychological distress and enhance effective coping. However, this effect is short term and the clinical relevance is not obvious.

[Treatment and management of congenital melanocytic naevi].

Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) appear in approximately 2.6% of Caucasians. There is a major demand for treatment but no vital indication. Laser therapy, curettage and excision are available treatment modalities, but there is no ideal treatment with documented long-term effect and without side effects, and the level of evidence for the treatment options is generally low. The risk of malignancy has probably been overestimated, and furthermore new research shows that untreated CMN often show spontaneous lightening. We review the literature for pros and cons of different treatments.

The Danish Melanoma Database.

AIM OF DATABASE: The aim of the database is to monitor and improve the treatment and survival of melanoma patients. STUDY POPULATION: All Danish patients with cutaneous melanoma and in situ melanomas must be registered in the Danish Melanoma Database (DMD). In 2014, 2,525 patients with invasive melanoma and 780 with in situ tumors were registered. The coverage is currently 93% compared with the Danish Pathology Register. MAIN VARIABLES: The main variables include demographic, clinical, and pathological characteristics, including Breslow's tumor thickness, ± ulceration, mitoses, and tumor-node-metastasis stage. Information about the date of diagnosis, treatment, type of surgery, including safety margins, results of lymphoscintigraphy in patients for whom this was indicated (tumors > T1a), results of sentinel node biopsy, pathological evaluation hereof, and follow-up information, including recurrence, nature, and treatment hereof is registered. In case of death, the cause and date are included. Currently, all data are entered manually; however, data catchment from the existing registries is planned to be included shortly. DESCRIPTIVE DATA: The DMD is an old research database, but new as a clinical quality register. The coverage is high, and the performance in the five Danish regions is quite similar due to strong adherence to guidelines provided by the Danish Melanoma Group. The list of monitored indicators is constantly expanding, and annual quality reports are issued. Several important scientific studies are based on DMD data. CONCLUSION: DMD holds unique detailed information about tumor characteristics, the surgical treatment, and follow-up of Danish melanoma patients. Registration and monitoring is currently expanding to encompass even more clinical parameters to benefit both patient treatment and research.