Castleman disease. Interaction with dermatopathy: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Castleman disease (CD) is a lymphoproliferative disorder with lymph node hypertrophy. In the unicentric form (UCD), it affects one lymph node or chain of lymph nodes. In the multicentric form (DCM), there is hypertrophy of several lymph node chains with the formation of tumor masses, causing compressive symptoms. This case report showed a case of CD in a different location(inguinal region) associated to a multiple skin lesions. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: We reported a UCD in a 43-year-old female patient with no previous comorbidities. Since January 2016, this patient developed erysipelas lesions of the left leg (LL) from the thigh root to the foot. Concomitantly, a tumor mass appeared in the inguinal region. In 2019 we performed a biopsy that revealed changes characteristic of CD. Due to extremely poor trophic conditions, the skin area with erysipelas was resected, and the raw surface was grafted. DISCUSSION: As an inference, the erysipelas may have been responsible for the subsequent lymphangitis, lymphedema and lymph node hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: Resection of the diseased skin and lymph node excision constitute the treatment of UCD and result in improvement of the clinical picture. Nevertheless, further study of the inflammatory reaction and of markers such as interleukin-6 and the presence of skin disorders in DC is needed.

Study of the Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on the Viability of Dorsal Cutaneous Flaps in Tobacco-Exposed Rats.

BACKGROUND: Smoking causes a threefold increase in the risk of surgical complications in flaps. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases the viability of chronic wounds. However, there are few studies concerning the effects of HBOT on surgical flaps in patients who smoke. This study aimed to analyze the effect of HBOT on the viability of cutaneous flaps in tobacco-exposed rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were exposed to tobacco smoke for two months. Following this period, all animals underwent a dorsal cutaneous flap (3 × 10 cm) surgery and were divided into two groups: control (n = 10) and HBOT (n = 10). HBOT was performed in seven daily sessions (2 ATA, 90 min). After seven days, the animals were euthanized. The outcomes were total area, viable area, viable area/total area rate, analysis of dermal appendages and angiogenesis (hematoxylin-eosin), and gene expression analysis of iNOS and VEGF-a biomarkers. RESULTS: The HBOT group showed an increase in viable area compared with the control group (84% versus 47%, p = 0.009, respectively). The HBOT group also showed an increase in appendage units (1.69 ± 0.54 versus 1.87 ± 0.58, p = 0.04) and angiogenesis density (1.29 ± 0.45 versus 1.82 ± 0.64, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. There was a difference between the control and HBOT groups in iNOS levels (0.926 ± 1.4 versus 0.04 ± 0.1 p = 0.002, respectively). However, this study did not show a difference between the groups concerning the gene expression of VEGF-a. CONCLUSION: The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy increased the viability of cutaneous flaps in tobacco-exposed rats and decreased iNOS mRNA levels; however, it did not change VEGF-a levels. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Comparison of neurosensory devices in detecting cutaneous thresholds related to protective sensibility: A cross-sectional study in São Paulo, Brazil.

AIMS: To quantify the static and moving cutaneous sensibility threshold of diabetic patients using a neurosensory device for quantitative pressure detection. METHODS: Three hundred thirty-four (n = 334) patients with type 2 diabetes and no previous history of wounds on the feet were studied using the one- and two-point static (1SP;2 SP) and one- and two-point moving (1MP;2 MP) tests through the pressure-specified sensory device (PSSD) on the cutaneous territory of the dorsal first web, hallux pulp, and medial calcaneal. In addition, patients were evaluated using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) No. 5.07 and tuning fork (128 Hz), which were used as normality parameters to detect the loss of protective sensibility. The same examinations were used to assess the control group (228 nondiabetic). RESULTS: Altered values were observed for the static and moving tests over the three studied nerve territories. In comparing the sensibility threshold between diabetic patients who were sensitive and nonsensitive to SWM 5.07, we observed that this filament is not the most indicated for identifying the loss of sensibility in these patients. The prevalence of patients at risk varied between 85 and 89%. The biochemical marker associated with these high rates was HbA1c (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Numeric quantification of the pressure threshold allowed us to determine the functional deficit of nerve fibers. Our findings suggest that the neurosensory device should be used as an adjuvant tool to evaluate the degree of loss of sensation on the skin.

Effects of retinoic and glycolic acids on neoangiogenesis and necrosis of axial dorsal skin flaps in rats.

Retinoic acid (RA) and glycolic acid (GA) are frequently used in the treatment of acne and skin aging, as well as improving skin healing after dermabrasion and in photoaged skin. Examples of histologic alterations caused by these substances are vascularization increase and interference with inflammatory as well as regenerative skin processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible decrease of skin flap necrosis areas in rats, by applying both substances to the skin 14 and 30 days before surgery, and analyzing histopathologic skin alterations after treatment. Fifty Wistar rats were divided into five groups of 10 animals each. They received daily retinoic acid application for 14 and 30 days, daily glycolic acid application for 14 and 30 days, and vehicle application (control group) for 14 days. After treatment, each rat was submitted to random dorsal skin flap (10 x 3 cm) elevation; flaps were sutured back in place over isolating plastic strips. The rats were sacrificed after 7 days and flap necrosis areas were measured through transparency and then analyzed using computer scanning. Statistical analysis was carried out using monocaudal nonpaired t tests and histopathologic examination was performed in all cases. Compared with the control group, treatment with both acids did not decrease average flap necrosis areas. Though groups RA 30 days and GA 14 days presented larger necrosis area averages (p < 0.05), groups RA 14 days and GA 30 days showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) when compared to the control group. Both substances caused spongiosis, stratum corneum thickening, and vascularization increase, with GA inducing greater granulomatous reaction and RA more spongiosis and queratinization. Group RA 30 days showed the most significant dermo-epithelial (including vascular) regenerative and proliferative effects. Retinoic and glycolic acid treatment led to significant and well-known skin alterations, with group RA 30 days showing most notable dermo-epithelial proliferative effects. In our experimental model, preoperatory RA and GA application did not decrease rat dorsal skin flap necrosis area when compared to the control group.

Distally based fasciocutaneous flap of the calf for cutaneous coverage of the lower leg and dorsum of the foot.

Cutaneous injuries of the inferior third of the leg and dorsum of the foot represent a great challenge for plastic surgeons. The poor vascularization and subsequent poor healing encountered in these regions demand detailed knowledge of the local anatomy to select the best surgical alternative for each patient. In patients in whom local or free muscular flaps are not suitable, the fasciocutaneous flaps seem to be a good alternative. The distal pedicled fasciocutaneous flap of the calf was used to cover skin defects of the leg and foot in 22 patients. In 4 patients the authors designed an island flap to prevent a large defect in the donor area and to decrease the time of hospitalization and recovery of the patient. In a severe defect, the flap was used as a cross-leg flap. The results were satisfactory because the flap provided stable coverage for different defects with few complications. The island flap is a good option for achieving a better aesthetic result and can be used in select patients.

A study of the post-burned restored skin.

The color of restored skin (RS) resulting from healing of partial skin thickness burns was analyzed. Comparisons within symmetric skin areas were performed between RS and healthy undamaged skin (HS), using spectrophotometry, in 118 subjects, 64 males, 54 females with an age range of 1-70 years. A total of 379 samples were analyzed. The CIE-1976 color system was adopted where L*, a* and b*, characterizes the sample color. L*, a* and b* values from restored and healthy skin were obtained and differences between them calculated. Age, sex, sun exposure and time span after burn were taken into account and the data was submitted to statistical analysis: Wilcoxon test for age and chi 2 for other variables. RS became darker: one year after the original burn; in subjects with sun exposure and in older subjects. Sex did not show any influence on brightness index. RS became more red in subjects with sun exposure; in older subjects; within the first six months after the burn. Sex did not show any influence on a* chromaticity axis. RS became more blue: in male subjects and within one year after the burn. Age and sun exposure did not yield any influence on b* chromaticity axis.

Correction of eyelid anomalies in pachydermoperiostosis.

PURPOSE: Pachydermoperiostosis, or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, is a rare disease, characterized by pachydermia, acropathy, and periostosis. The authors propose the surgical correction of the eyelid anomalies in one stage. METHODS: A 30-year-old patient with moderate blepharoptosis (3 mm) and increased vertical and horizontal dimensions of the upper eyelids underwent fusiform transverse excision of skin, orbicularis muscle, and tarsus; shortening of the levator palpebrae superioris apeoneurosis by 13 mm; and 8-mm-wide wedge excision. RESULTS: Histologic findings included hyperplasia of the tarso-conjunctival plate, obstructive cystic dilatation of the sebaceous glands, extensive fibrosis, and granulomatous reaction. Satisfactory functional and aesthetic results were observed after surgery. CONCLUSION: Upper eyelid anomalies in pachydermoperiostosis can be corrected in a single stage bilaterally with good results.

The role of plastic surgery in congenital cutis laxa: a 10-year follow-up.

The clinical features and the plastic surgery management of a 23-year-old woman with cutis laxa are presented. Two rhytidectomies were performed in this patient within 1 year. The first was associated with a SMAS flap; the second employed a prehairline incision. The evolution of the aging facial appearance 10 years after the last face lift was evaluated and compared with the preoperative situation. Repeated face lifts seem to be an interesting way to manage patients with cutis laxa. Unlike patients with other disorders of the connective tissue, those with cutis laxa have no vascular fragility and heal well. The role of plastic surgery and the clinical features and timing for operation are reviewed and discussed.

Abdominal wall closure after selective aponeurotic incision and undermining.

The tension required to pull the anterior and the posterior rectus sheaths toward the midline was studied in 20 fresh cadavers at two levels: 3 cm above and 2 cm below the umbilicus. The quotient of the force used to mobilize the aponeurotic site to the midline and its resulting displacement was called the traction index. These indices were compared in three situations: (1) prior to any aponeurotic undermining, (2) after the incision of the anterior rectus sheath and the undermining of the rectus muscle from its posterior sheath, and (3) after additionally releasing and undermining the external oblique muscle. A significant decrease in aponeurotic resistance was observed after each dissection. The anterior sheath showed higher resistance to traction compared with the posterior sheath on both levels. No statistical difference was noted in the comparison of the values of the aponeurosis above and below the umbilicus. These results suggest that these procedures are effective in assisting in the closure of abdominal wall defects because these maneuvers decrease substantially the tension required for advancement of the aponeurotic edges.

Contraction and myofibroblasts in restored skin.

Myofibroblasts and the contraction of split skin-graft donor sites were studied in 18 patients. For each patient five samples were studied, taken on days 0, 14, 21, 28, and 35. On each occasion the extensions and densities of myofibroblasts were calculated. After the initial measurement, the subsequent extensions were expressed in percentages of the first, resulting in mean measurements of 100, 95, 97, 99, and 99%, respectively. The myofibroblasts in 10 dermic fields were counted under light microscopy at a magnification of 1000 marked with anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibodies using immunoperoxidase, resulting in the means of 0.2, 3.8, 1.3, 1.3, and 0.4, respectively. The contraction and the increase in density of myofibroblasts were transitory and significant in the samples measured on day 14, but in sample 35 neither of the variables was significantly different from the initial sample. These variables evolved concurrently, corroborating the hypothesis that myofibroblasts are responsible for the contraction.

[Reduction mammoplasty with shortened scars: surgical technique]. / Mastoplastia redutora com cicatrizes reduzidas: técnica cirúrgica.

Reduction mammaplasty is nowadays one of the most frequently performed plastic surgeries. The main purpose is the reduction of the volume of breasts, but the resulting scars can jeopardize the result of the operation. The Division of Plastic Surgery follows the modern tendency of reducing the length of the incisions and thus the resulting scars. A technique that incorporates this principle was developed with good results. The technique is simple enough to be used in a training program.

[Kinetic distribution of cyclosporine after single dose subcutaneous administration; experimental study in rats]. / Disposição cinética da ciclosporina após administração de dose única subcutânea; estudo experimental em ratos.

Adequate dose of cyclosporin A shows immunosuppressor effect, and low toxicity. The doses reported previously ranged from 2.5 to 25 mg/kg every 24, 48 hours and even 7 days. Routes for cyclosporin A administration are subcutaneous or intramuscular preferentially. In the present study, cyclosporin A (CSA) single dose subcultaneous was administered to 21 Wistar-Furth rats, adult, males, weighing 350-450g. The animals were divided in 3 groups receiving 2.5 mg/kg (group 1), 5.0 mg/kg (group 2) and 10.0 mg/kg (group 3). Blood samples were collected at 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after drug collection into plastic tubes containing sodium EDTA. Blood cyclosporin A levels were determined by a commercially available radioimmunoassay kit (Sandoz RIE Kit Basel) after whole hemolysis using liquid nitrogen. Cyclosporin A blood concentrations vs time curve were plotted (log C vs t). Two compartment open model was applied to estimate the kinetic parameters as t(1/2) beta e beta. A model independent calculation was applied to estimate the kinetic parameters as AUCT, CIT and Vd. Initially, parametric and nonparametric tests were applied. Due to the high dispositional variability, nonparametric statistics (Wilcoxon's test) was applied for analysis of results obtained. Based on data obtained in the present study the authors suggest linear pharmacokinetics where Cmax AUCT showed proportional increases with the dose administered, remaining unchanged the Kinetic parameters as t(1/2) B,B, CIT and Vd.

[Immediate and late reconstruction of the breast using tissue expanders]. / Reconstrução mamária imediata e tardia com expansores de tecidos.

From 1988 up to 1994, 64 patients were submitted to reconstruction of the breast using tissue expanders. A silicone prosthesis was implanted in a second operation. The technique was used both for immediate and delayed breast reconstruction after radical modified mastectomies. Surgical procedures as well as indications, advantages and complications of the technique were discussed. Good results were achieved in 89% of cases. Tissue expander is a valid option for breast reconstruction even though late complications due to the capsular contraction did occur.

[The correction of cryptotia with tissue expanders]. / Correção de criptotia com expansores de tecidos.

Cryptotia is a congenital abnormality represented by the absence of the retroauricular sulcus in its superior portion. As the physiopathology of the problem involves the lack of skin tissue in the superior part of the ear sulcus, Mulliken suggested for the first time in 1988, the use of skin expanders as a method to obtain the extra skin necessary to correct this deformity. We bring forward our experience in the use of skin expanders in the treatment of three patients with cryptotia, bilateral in one of them. The technical aspects of the operations as well as the types of expanders used are described in detail. In all cases the correction of the cartilagenous deformities, freeing of the superior pole of the ear and redefinition of the retroauricular sulcus were performed. There were no significant complications. There was no change of the initial good results after a two years follow-up.

[The use of MPG in preventing the post-reperfusion injury of an epigastric island flap: an experimental study in rats]. / O uso de MPG na proteção da lesão pósreperfusão do retalho epigástrico em ilha: estudo experimental em rato.

The objective of this work was to study the protective effects of the free radical scavenger N2-mercaptopropionylglycine used in a rat model of reperfusion of epigastric island flaps submitted to transient occlusion of their vascular pedicles. In one group the epigastic vein of the flap was occluded for 5 hours. In the second group the epigastric artery was occluded for 21 hours and in the third group both the epigastric vein and artery were occluded for 8 hours. The scavenger or equivalent volume of saline solution was injected 10 minutes before the vascular occlusion and 10 minutes before declamping. The flap viability was assessed on the seventh day after flap reperfusion. In the three types of vascular occlusion a significant, and differential, increase of the areas of flap survival was observed. The protective effect of N2-mercaptopropionylglycine in reperfusion injuries was demonstrated.

Abdominoplasty combined with other intraabdominal procedures.

One hundred three patients underwent abdominoplasty combined with other intraabdominal procedures including 67 tubal ligations, 34 total abdominal hysterectomies and 2 cholecystectomies, from January 1983 to July 1991. The patients were divided into two groups, those undergoing the standard or total abdominoplasty and those undergoing limited abdominoplasty with or without liposuction in delimited areas. In this series of 103 patients, we found only two minor complications and only three patients were transfused with autologous units of blood. When performed by well-schooled surgical teams, abdominoplasty may be combined with intraabdominal procedures with gratifying results.

PIP: Between January 1983 and July 1991, well trained surgical teams performed either standard abdominoplasty or miniabdominoplasty on 103 patients who also underwent tubal ligation, total abdominal hysterectomy, or cholecystectomy to determine whether surgeons can effectively combine abdominoplasty with other intraabdominal procedures. Prescribed preoperative procedures included respiratory exercises. Physicians advised patients to stop smoking 2 weeks before surgery. Physicians also instructed them not to take any aspirin or other drugs with anticoagulant effects 2 weeks before surgery. Tubal ligation patients who also underwent standard abdominoplasty were in the operating room for 3 hours and for 2 hours if they underwent miniabdominoplasty. Total abdominal hysterectomy patients were in the operating room for either 3-4 hours (standard abdominoplasty) or 2.5-3 hours (miniabdominoplasty). Surgeons performed cholecystectomy in those patients who only underwent standard abdominoplasty. They were in the operating room for 4-5 hours. The combination of intraabdominal procedure and standard abdominoplasty increased the time in the operating room by 40-90 minutes. Number of days in the hospital for standard abdominoplasty patients included 2-3 for tubal ligation, 5 for total abdominal hysterectomy, an 5-7 for cholecystectomy. Miniabdominoplasty patients were in the hospital 1-2 days for tubal ligation and 5 days for total abdominal hysterectomy. Only 2 minor complications occurred: a seroma and a minor skin slough. 3 patients required transfusion of autologous units of blood and non of them lost more than 500 ml of blood. The physicians encouraged all patients to become ambulatory soon after the operation and to wear elastic stockings to prevent thromboembolic events. As a result, none of the patients suffered a pulmonary embolism. In conclusion, good surgical teams can safely and effectively combine abdominoplasty with intraabdominal procedures.

Soft-tissue expansion in lower extremity reconstruction.

Soft-tissue expansion in the lower extremities is typically well tolerated. The more proximal one is--that is, the closer to the thigh and buttocks--the easier and less complication prone the expansion will be. It is another valuable technique for resurfacing the lower extremity and for reconstructing defects in contour and in skin character. There are limitations to this technique, which generally is most useful in late reconstructions. Intraoperative expansion has no place in lower extremity reconstruction. Soft-tissue expansion may be limited by an unsuitable geometry or the sheer size of defects. It should not be used next to open wounds. Soft-tissue expansion offers significant advantage in that the coverage of a defect will be replaced with tissue like that lost. Seldom does one see necrosis of advanced flaps, so that there is little risk of tissue loss in using this modality. There is an excellent vascularity to the flaps and an excellent character to the skin. In addition, in this cost-conscious era, soft-tissue expansion is quite cost effective, and in many cases the procedures can be conducted on an outpatient basis with a minimum of hospitalization, if any. With care to select patients properly, design carefully, and conduct expansion in a leisurely fashion, soft-tissue expansion offers a valuable means of reconstructing both large and small lower extremity defects.

[Use of tissue expanders on the scalp]. / Uso de expansores de tecido no couro cabeludo.

Tissue expanders have emerged recently as a new option for the treatment of alopecia. The method consists in expanding the scalp beyond the defective area. In this way, some disadvantages like the alterations in the donor area and low density of hair follicles, that may result from other techniques, are avoided. We present our experience with tissue expanders in the treatment of 32 patients with alopecia. The extent of these areas varied from 30 to 150 cm2, and the causes were: burn sequels in 12 patients; trauma sequels in ten; tumoral resections in ten; giant nevus pilosus in four and baldness (male standard) in two patients. The resection of the area with alopecia and the replacement by normal adjacent tissue was possible without any complications in all cases. However some disadvantages were observed. They included the necessity for a second surgical procedure because of marked deformity of the cephalic segment.

[Inadequate indications for the use of mammary prosthesis: treatment of complications]. / Indicações inadequadas para o uso de próteses mamárias: tratamento das complicações.

Plastic surgeons with a certain frequency have to face the problems of increased mammary volume in patients treated for hypomastias, mammary asymmetries or just for replacement of tissues surgically resected. In 28 years of using the Cronin prosthesis some questions appeared about the correct indications of mammary prosthesis. We present 10 patients unsatisfied with the esthetic results of a mammary prosthesis because of ptosis, capsular retraction, asymmetry as well as pain. The treatment consisted of taking away the prosthesis and reconstruction of the breast with local dermo-fat-glandular flaps. We achieved good esthetic results and remission of pain.