ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: While ultraviolet radiation (UVR) present in sunlight is recognized as the main etiological agent of skin cancer, the most frequent form of which is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), other exposome factors like pollution, diet, and lifestyle may also contribute. This study aimed to investigate the association of BCC and exposome-related factors in the Spanish population. METHODS: BCC cases (n = 119) and controls (n = 127) with no history of skin cancer were recruited between April 2020 and August 2022 by 13 dermatologists throughout Spain in this prospective multicenter case-control study. RESULTS: The BCC group had a higher proportion of outdoor workers, more years of UVR exposure, and a greater consumption of drugs (statins, ASA, hydrochlorothiazide, ACE inhibitors and omeprazole), P < 0.05. Avoidance of sun exposure was the most used photoprotection measure in both groups. The use of hats or caps was higher in the BCC group (P = 0.01). The solar protection factor (SPF) used 15 years previously was higher in the control group (P = 0.04). The control group had a higher daily screen time (P < 0.001), and practiced more relaxation activities (P = 0.03). Higher linolenic acid intake and lower coffee consumption were the only dietary variables associated with BCC (P < 0.05). Statistical significance for all the aforementioned variables was maintained in the multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study found a significant association between BCC and multiple exposome-related factors in addition to chronic sun exposure in the Spanish population. Primary prevention strategies should target specific populations, such as outdoor workers, promoting sun-safe behaviors and stress-reducing activities, and also adequate skin photoprotection in patients on certain medications associated with increased BCC risk.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Basal Cell , Skin Neoplasms , Sunlight , Humans , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/etiology , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/prevention & control , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/etiology , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Case-Control Studies , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Spain/epidemiology , Aged , Prospective Studies , Sunlight/adverse effects , Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects , Risk Factors , Exposome , Life Style , Sunscreening Agents/administration & dosage , Diet/adverse effects , Diet/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Occupational Exposure/adverse effectsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The concept of exposome refers to the total of harmful and beneficial environmental exposures that can help predict the organism's biological responses over time. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sun exposure has been recognized as the main etiological agent of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one most commonly associated with chronic exposure. However, in recent years, evidence suggests that lifestyle, environmental pollution, and contaminants in water and food can have an influence. OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between SCC and sun exposure, pollution, stress, and lifestyle in a Spanish cohort. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A multicenter case-control study was carried out in which 13 dermatologists from different regions of Spain recruited cases and controls between April 2020 and August 2022. The group of cases were patients diagnosed with SCC and, as a control group, people who attended Dermatology consultations as companions with no history of skin cancer. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients with SCC and 126 controls were included (62.9% males, median age 76.46 (10.1) and 33.3%, median age 55.7 (15), respectively). The SCC group had experienced more outside work than the controls (75% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.001), less recreational exposure (sunbathing, p = 0.05, and outdoor sports, p = 0.01), and a lower annual income (p = 0.01), with an increase in tobacco exposure (p < 0.001), without differences in other carcinogens, such as ionizing radiation or chemical exposure. The control group had a higher daily screentime use (p < 0.001) and practiced more relaxation activities (p = 0.03). A higher linolenic acid intake and lower coffee consumption were the only dietary variables associated with SCC (p < 0.05). Some chronic medications (anxiolytics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, statins, hydrochlorothiazide, ACE inhibitors, metformin, and omeprazole) were also statistically associated with SCC. Statistical significance for all aforementioned variables was maintained in the multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study found a significant association between SCC and multiple exposome-related factors in addition to chronic sun exposure in the Spanish population. Primary prevention strategies should target specific populations, such as outdoor workers promoting sun-safe behaviors and stress-reducing activities, in addition to adequate skin photoprotection in patients under certain medications associated with SCC.
ABSTRACT
Acute and chronic cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are common complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in pediatric patients. In this retrospective study, we explored the risk factors and clinical characteristics of acute and chronic cutaneous GVHD in a case series of children undergoing HSCT at a tertiary referral hospital. We found that 36% of acute cutaneous GVHD was severe and these patients were more likely to have an unrelated donor, and that children with acute cutaneous GVHD who progressed to chronic cutaneous GVHD had a higher proportion of malignant diseases, total body irradiation, and bronchiolitis obliterans compared to those who did not progress to chronic cutaneous GVHD. Our study highlights the importance of identifying and monitoring these high-risk patients to improve the clinical management and outcomes of cutaneous GVHD in pediatric HSCT recipients.
Subject(s)
Graft vs Host Disease , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Skin Diseases , Humans , Child , Retrospective Studies , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Skin Diseases/epidemiology , Skin Diseases/etiology , Graft vs Host Disease/etiology , Graft vs Host Disease/complications , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: While skin cancer awareness programs have significantly furthered public understanding about the harmful effects of the sun, there is a disparity between photoprotection knowledge and protection practices. OBJECTIVE: To compare sun exposure habits and photoprotection measures in patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma versus controls. METHODS: Multicentre case-control observational study carried out by 13 Spanish dermatologists between April 2020 and August 2022. Patients diagnosed with BCC, SCC, or melanoma were considered cases. The control group consisted of individuals with no history of skin cancer. RESULTS: Of the 254 cases (56.2% female; mean age, 62.67 ± 15.65), 119 (31.2%) had BCC, 62 (16.27%) SCC, and 73 (19.1%) melanoma. The control group consisted of 127 (33.33%) individuals. Avoiding sun exposure between 12:00 and 16:00 was the most commonly used photoprotection measure (habitually/always: 63.1%), followed by the use of sunscreen (habitually/always: 58.9%). Patients with melanoma were less likely to use clothing and shade to avoid sun exposure (p < .05), whereas those with BCC and SCC reported greater use of head coverings (p = .01). BCC and SCC groups reported greater sun exposure 15 years prior, whereas controls reported greater use of sunscreen. However, at the time of this study all groups reported using SPF ≥ 21, and the majority SPF > 50. No differences were observed in photoprotection measures between people with and without a previous history of skin cancer. CONCLUSIONS: We describe differences in photoprotection measures and sun exposure patterns among patients diagnosed with different skin tumor types. Whether these differences may influence the type of tumor each developed will require further investigation.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Basal Cell , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Male , Sunlight/adverse effects , Sunscreening Agents/therapeutic use , Case-Control Studies , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/prevention & control , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/prevention & control , Melanoma/epidemiology , Melanoma/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Huanglongbing (HLB) is a vascular disease of Citrus caused by three species of the α-proteobacteria "Candidatus Liberibacter", with "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas) being the most widespread and the one causing significant economic losses in citrus-producing regions worldwide. However, Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) has shown tolerance to the disease. To understand the molecular mechanisms of this tolerance, transcriptomic analysis of HLB was performed using asymptomatic and symptomatic leaves. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 652 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to CLas infection, of which 457 were upregulated and 195 were downregulated. KEGG analysis revealed that after CLas infection, some DEGs were present in the plant-pathogen interaction and in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. DEGs present in the plant-pathogen interaction pathway suggests that tolerance against HLB in Persian lime could be mediated, at least partly, by the ClRSP2 and ClHSP90 genes. Previous reports documented that RSP2 and HSP90 showed low expression in susceptible citrus genotypes. Regarding the starch and sucrose metabolism pathways, some genes were identified as being related to the imbalance of starch accumulation. On the other hand, eight biotic stress-related genes were selected for further RT-qPCR analysis to validate our results. RT-qPCR results confirmed that symptomatic HLB leaves had high relative expression levels of the ClPR1, ClNFP, ClDR27, and ClSRK genes, whereas the ClHSL1, ClRPP13, ClPDR1, and ClNAC genes were expressed at lower levels than those from HLB asymptomatic leaves. Taken together, the present transcriptomic analysis contributes to the understanding of the CLas-Persian lime interaction in its natural environment and may set the basis for developing strategies for the integrated management of this important Citrus disease through the identification of blanks for genetic improvement.
Subject(s)
Citrus , Rhizobiaceae , Citrus/genetics , Citrus/microbiology , Transcriptome , Gene Expression Profiling , Liberibacter , Sucrose , Plant Diseases/genetics , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Rhizobiaceae/physiologyABSTRACT
Importance: The Skin and UV Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) tool has been developed in the US to facilitate the identification of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. However, it has not yet been validated in populations other than the one used for its creation. Objective: To provide an external validation of the SUNTRAC tool in different SOTR populations. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective external validation prognostic study used data from a prospectively collected cohort of European SOTRs from transplant centers at teaching hospitals in the Netherlands (1995-2016) and Spain (2011-2021). Participants were screened and followed up at dermatology departments. Data were analyzed from September to October 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: The discrimination ability of the SUNTRAC tool was assessed via a competing risk survival analysis, cumulative incidence plots, and Wolbers concordance index. Calibration of the SUNTRAC tool was assessed through comparison of projected skin cancer incidences. Skin cancer diagnoses included squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Results: A total of 3421 SOTRs (median age at transplant, 53 [quartile 1: 42; quartile 3: 62] years; 2132 [62.3%] men) were assessed, including 72 Asian patients (2.1%), 137 Black patients (4.0%), 275 Latinx patients (8.0%), 109 Middle Eastern and North African patients (3.2%), and 2828 White patients (82.7%). With a total of 23â¯213 years of follow-up time, 603 patients developed skin cancer. The SUNTRAC tool classified patients into 4 groups with significantly different risks of developing skin cancer during follow-up. Overall, the relative rate for developing skin cancer estimated using subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and using the low-risk group as the reference group, increased according to the proposed risk group (medium-risk group: SHR, 6.8 [95% CI, 3.8-12.1]; P < .001; high-risk group: SHR, 15.9 [95% CI, 8.9-28.4]; P < .001; very-high-risk group: SHR, 54.8 [95% CI, 29.1-102.9]; P < .001), with a concordance index of 0.72. Actual skin cancer incidences were similar to those predicted by the SUNTRAC tool (5-year skin cancer cumulative incidence for medium-risk group: predicted, 6.2%; observed, 7.0%). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this external validation prognostic study support the use of the SUNTRAC tool in European populations for stratifying SOTRs based on their skin cancer risk and also detecting patients at a high risk of developing skin cancer. This can be helpful in prioritizing and providing better screening and surveillance for these patients.
Subject(s)
Organ Transplantation , Skin Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Female , Retrospective Studies , Organ Transplantation/adverse effects , Cohort Studies , Early Detection of Cancer , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/etiology , Risk Assessment , Transplant Recipients , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Introduction and objectives: This study reflects our experience in the management of posttransplant Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and assesses the clinical relevance of monitoring HHV-8 DNA viral load in peripheral blood by qPCR.Patients and methodsRetrospective study of all patients diagnosed with posttransplant KS during the period 19952019. In 8 patients, we performed a qPCR in serum for HHV-8 DNA detection at diagnosis and/or during follow-up.ResultsData from 13 organ transplant recipients with a diagnosis of iatrogenic KS were collected. Reduction and/or discontinuation of one or more immunosuppressive agent(s) along with switching to an mTOR inhibitor was part of the treatment approach in 12 (92%) patients. Overall response rate (including complete response, partial response, and stable disease) was observed in 9 patients. At diagnosis, HHV-8 qPCR in serum was positive in 2 out of 5 patients. During follow-up, both positive cases turned negative, as a clinical response.ConclusionsOur work highlights the critical role of reduction of immunosuppression and conversion to an mTOR inhibitor in the management of posttransplant KS. (AU)
Introducción y objetivos: Este estudio aporta nuestra experiencia en el manejo del sarcoma de Kaposi (SK) en pacientes trasplantados, y evalúa la relevancia clínica de la monitorización por qPCR de la carga viral del VHH-8 en sangre periférica.Pacientes y métodosEstudio retrospectivo de los pacientes diagnosticados de SK postrasplante en el periodo de 1995-2019. En 8 pacientes, realizamos qPCR en suero para la detección de ADN del VHH-8 en el momento del diagnóstico o durante el seguimiento.ResultadosSe recogieron datos de 13 trasplantados de órgano sólido con diagnóstico de SK. La reducción o discontinuación de uno o más fármacos inmunosupresores junto con el cambio a un inhibidor de mTOR constituyó una parte del tratamiento en 12 (92%) pacientes. Se observó respuesta al tratamiento (incluyendo respuesta completa, parcial o estabilidad) en 9 pacientes. En el diagnóstico, la qPCR en suero de VHH-8 fue positiva en 2 de 5 pacientes. Durante el seguimiento, ambos casos positivos se negativizaron al responder los pacientes al tratamiento.ConclusionesNuestro trabajo muestra el papel esencial de la reducción de la inmunosupresión y la conversión a un inhibidor de mTOR en la estrategia terapéutica de SK en pacientes trasplantados. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Herpesvirus 8, Human , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Kidney Transplantation , Sarcoma, Kaposi/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Kaposi/etiology , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare tumour burden in patients who underwent surgery for melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma during nationwide lockdown in Spain due to COVID-19 (for the period 14 March to 13 June 2020) and during the same dates in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, associations between median tumour burden (Breslow thickness for melanoma and maximum clinical diameter for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) and demographic, clinical, and medical factors were analysed, building a multivariate linear regression model. During the 3 months of lockdown, there was a significant decrease in skin tumours operated on (41% decrease for melanoma (n = 352 vs n = 207) and 44% decrease for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (n = 770 vs n = 429)) compared with the previous year. The proportion of large skin tumours operated on increased. Fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with respect to family member/close contact, and detection of the lesion by the patient or doctor, were related to thicker melanomas; and fear of being diagnosed with cancer, and detection of the lesion by the patient or relatives, were related to larger size cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. In conclusion, lockdown due to COVID-19 has resulted in a reduction in treatment of skin cancer.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery , Communicable Disease Control , Humans , Melanoma/epidemiology , Melanoma/surgery , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Tumor BurdenABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This study reflects our experience in the management of posttransplant Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and assesses the clinical relevance of monitoring HHV-8 DNA viral load in peripheral blood by qPCR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with posttransplant KS during the period 1995-2019. In 8 patients, we performed a qPCR in serum for HHV-8 DNA detection at diagnosis and/or during follow-up. RESULTS: Data from 13 organ transplant recipients with a diagnosis of iatrogenic KS were collected. Reduction and/or discontinuation of one or more immunosuppressive agent(s) along with switching to an mTOR inhibitor was part of the treatment approach in 12 (92%) patients. Overall response rate (including complete response, partial response, and stable disease) was observed in 9 patients. At diagnosis, HHV-8 qPCR in serum was positive in 2 out of 5 patients. During follow-up, both positive cases turned negative, as a clinical response. CONCLUSIONS: Our work highlights the critical role of reduction of immunosuppression and conversion to an mTOR inhibitor in the management of posttransplant KS.
Subject(s)
Herpesvirus 8, Human , Kidney Transplantation , Sarcoma, Kaposi , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Sarcoma, Kaposi/diagnosis , Sarcoma, Kaposi/etiologyABSTRACT
Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare cytotoxic cutaneous lymphoma. Differential diagnosis with lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) can be challenging and overlapping cases have been described. In this study, we investigate whether gene expression profiling may or not identify markers that can be used to improve our understanding of the disease and to make a precise differential diagnosis. SPTCL, LEP, and overlapping cases were analyzed using a customized NanoString platform including 208 genes related to T-cell differentiation, stromal signatures, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes. Gene expression unsupervised analysis of the samples differentiated SPTCL from LEP samples. Most overlapping cases were clustered with LEP cases. Differentially expressed genes were observed when comparing SPTCL with LEP cases; and overlapping with LEP cases. Gene set enrichment analysis recognized gene sets defining each group. In conclusion, SPTCL and LEP have distinctive molecular profiles and the molecular background of overlapping cases more closely resembles LEP.
Subject(s)
Lymphoma, T-Cell , Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus , Panniculitis , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Lymphoma, T-Cell/diagnosis , Lymphoma, T-Cell/genetics , Panniculitis/diagnosis , Panniculitis/genetics , Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus/diagnosis , Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus/geneticsABSTRACT
Drug-induced sarcoidosis-like reactions (DISRs) are systemic granulomatous diseases that develop in the context of a new drug onset. Ipilimumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma which has been associated with DISR. Differential diagnosis between tumour progression and DISR by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients treated with an ICI can be a challenge. A 31-year-old woman was diagnosed with a stage IIIB melanoma in her back. Ipilimumab 10 mg/kg was initiated. After 1 month of finishing the treatment a routine, PET/CT showed multiple enlarged mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes FDG-positive. A transbronchial biopsy showed sarcoid-like granulomatous infiltration which favoured the diagnosis of DISR related to ipilimumab. The patient remained asymptomatic and lymphadenopathy regressed progressively after 11 months. Our work highlights the importance of differentiating DISR from tumour progression, before unnecessary changes in therapeutic strategies. PET/CT is a useful diagnostic tool for its follow-up.
Subject(s)
Granuloma/chemically induced , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , Ipilimumab/adverse effects , Lymphadenopathy/chemically induced , Melanoma/drug therapy , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Adult , Back , Biopsy , Diagnosis, Differential , Disease Progression , Female , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Granuloma/diagnostic imaging , Granuloma/pathology , Humans , Lymph Nodes/diagnostic imaging , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Lymphadenopathy/diagnostic imaging , Lymphadenopathy/pathology , Mediastinum , Melanoma/diagnostic imaging , Melanoma/pathology , Neoplasm Staging , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , Radiopharmaceuticals , Skin Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Main skin manifestations of COVID-19 have been recently classified. However, little is known about cutaneous histopathological patterns and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in these skin lesions. We present a healthy 29-year-old man who developed a leucocytoclastic vasculitis for COVID-19 with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR in skin biopsy.
Subject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage , Coronavirus Infections/complications , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/complications , Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/pathology , Adult , Biopsy, Needle , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , DNA, Viral/analysis , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pandemics/statistics & numerical data , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Prognosis , Treatment Outcome , Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/drug therapyABSTRACT
A previous study has defined the maculopapular subtype of manifestations of COVID-19. The objective of our study was to describe and classify maculopapular eruptions associated with COVI-19. We carried out a subanalysis of the maculopapular cases found in the previous cross-sectional study. Using a consensus, we defined seven clinical patterns. We described patient demographics, the therapy received by the patient and the characteristics of each pattern. Consensus lead to the description of seven major maculopapular patterns: morbilliform (45.5%), other maculopapular (20.0%), purpuric (14.2%), erythema multiforme-like (9.7%), pytiriasis rosea-like (5.7%), erythema elevatum diutinum-like (2.3%), and perifollicular (2.3%). In most cases, maculopapular eruptions were coincident (61.9%) or subsequent (34.1%) to the onset of other COVID-19 manifestations. The most frequent were cough (76%), dyspnea (72%), fever (88%), and astenia (62%). Hospital admission due to pneumonia was frequent (61%). Drug intake was frequent (78%). Laboratory alterations associated with maculo-papular eruptions were high C-reactive protein, high D-Dimer, lymphopenia, high ferritin, high LDH, and high IL-6. The main limitation of our study was the impossibility to define the cause-effect relationship of each pattern. In conclusion, we provide a description of the cutaneous maculopapular manifestations associated with COVID-19. The cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 are wide-ranging and can mimic other dermatoses.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/virology , SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity , Skin Diseases, Viral/virology , Skin/virology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19/diagnosis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Host-Pathogen Interactions , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , Skin/pathology , Skin Diseases, Viral/diagnosis , Spain , Young Adult , COVID-19 Drug TreatmentSubject(s)
Lip/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Humans , Lip/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Skin Neoplasms/surgeryABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The incidence of cutaneous infections by dematiaceous fungi is rising in our environment due to the high number of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). OBJECTIVE: To review our experience in the management of cutaneous phaeohyphomycoses in a Spanish reference centre for dermatological care of SOTR. METHODS: Retrospective clinical, histopathological and microbiological review of all SOTR diagnosed of a phaeohyphomycosis in a 7-year period. RESULTS: Eleven SOTR were identified (8 lung and 3 kidney). The lesions were solitary in six patients and multiple in five, affecting mostly the lower extremities. Early lesions showed epidermal hyperplasia and a diffuse dermal suppurative granulomatous infiltrate that was progressively substituted by fibrosis when the lesions were treated. Septated fungal structures with refractile walls were identified. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Alternaria spp (8 cases), Cladosporium cladosporioides, Microsphaeropsis arundinis and Exophiala oligosperma. Three patients with single lesions were treated with surgery, while the other 8 required long-term antifungal therapy, including itraconazole, voriconazole and/or terbinafine, combined with surgery and reduction in tacrolimus doses. CONCLUSION: A clinical, histopathological and microbiological correlation is essential to corroborate this diagnosis. Solitary lesions are easily treated with surgery, but larger or multiple lesions may require long medical treatments combined with surgery and modification of immunosuppressive medication. The list of dematiaceous fungi implicated in cutaneous infections is expanding, in line with the availability of more sophisticated identification methods and the increasing number of immunosuppressed patients.
Subject(s)
Disease Management , Phaeohyphomycosis/diagnosis , Phaeohyphomycosis/therapy , Transplant Recipients , Adult , Aged , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Ascomycota/classification , Ascomycota/genetics , Ascomycota/isolation & purification , Debridement , Female , Histocytochemistry , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Phaeohyphomycosis/epidemiology , Phaeohyphomycosis/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Skin/microbiology , Skin/pathology , Spain/epidemiology , TransplantsABSTRACT
Antecedentes y objetivo: La paniculitis lúpica (PL) es una forma infrecuente de lupus eritematoso cutáneo crónico, cuyo diagnóstico requiere una adecuada correlación clínico-patológica, especialmente si constituye la primera manifestación de lupus eritematoso (LE). Dependiendo del estado evolutivo de las lesiones, la biopsia puede mostrar cambios poco específicos que dificultan el diagnóstico. Existen pocas series publicadas sobre esta entidad. Aportamos la experiencia de nuestro centro en su diagnóstico y manejo. Materiales y métodos: Estudio clínico-patológico retrospectivo descriptivo de 12 casos diagnosticados de PL en nuestro servicio. Resultados: Todos los pacientes tenían placas y/o nódulos dolorosos recurrentes, característicamente localizados en la zona proximal de las extremidades, la cara y el cuero cabelludo. En la biopsia había paniculitis de predominio lobulillar con infiltrados linfoplasmocitarios. Esto, junto con la coexistencia de otras manifestaciones clínicas de LE y el estudio de expresión de CD123, permitió establecer el diagnóstico de PL. En 3 pacientes la PL fue la primera manifestación de LE. Conclusiones: La PL es una entidad de difícil diagnóstico. La presencia de otras manifestaciones clínicas y/o histológicas de lupus y la utilización de técnicas inmunohistoquímicas pueden ser útiles para el diagnóstico diferencial con otras paniculitis
Background and objective: Lupus panniculitis (LP) is a rare variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which diagnosis requires clinicopathological correlation, especially in those patients without any other manifestation of lupus erythematosus (LE). According to the phase when the biopsy is performed, histological findings can be non-specific. Few series have been published to date. Hence, we report our own experience in the diagnosis and management of this disease. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive clinicopathological study of 12 patients diagnosed in our centre. Results: All the patients had painful and recurrent plaques and/or nodules, with a predilection for proximal extremities, face and scalp. Histopathologic examination showed mostly lobular panniculitis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. For the diagnosis, we also considered the coexistence of other clinical manifestations of LE as well as the expression of CD123 by immunohistochemistry. In 3 patients, LP was the first manifestation of LE. Conclusions: The diagnosis of LP can be difficult. The presence of other clinical and/or histological manifestations of LE along with immunohistochemistry techniques could help in the differential diagnosis with other panniculitis
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus/diagnosis , Immunohistochemistry/methods , Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit/analysis , Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus/drug therapy , Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus/immunology , Connective Tissue Diseases , Retrospective Studies , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Diagnosis, DifferentialABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Lupus panniculitis (LP) is a rare variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which diagnosis requires clinicopathological correlation, especially in those patients without any other manifestation of lupus erythematosus (LE). According to the phase when the biopsy is performed, histological findings can be non-specific. Few series have been published to date. Hence, we report our own experience in the diagnosis and management of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive clinicopathological study of 12 patients diagnosed in our centre. RESULTS: All the patients had painful and recurrent plaques and/or nodules, with a predilection for proximal extremities, face and scalp. Histopathologic examination showed mostly lobular panniculitis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. For the diagnosis, we also considered the coexistence of other clinical manifestations of LE as well as the expression of CD123 by immunohistochemistry. In 3 patients, LP was the first manifestation of LE. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of LP can be difficult. The presence of other clinical and/or histological manifestations of LE along with immunohistochemistry techniques could help in the differential diagnosis with other panniculitis.