Dermoscopic, Histological, Confocal Microscopy Correlation of Atypical-Dysplastic Melanocytic Nevi.

INTRODUCTION: The term "atypical melanocytic nevus" (AMN) is used as a synonym for dysplastic nevus (DN) in clinical practice. Although the criteria for diagnosis of AMN/DN by the Agency for Research on Cancer helps to differentiate AMN/DN from common acquired nevi, they do not have high degrees of specificity, as they are similar to those used for the diagnosis of melanoma. OBJECTIVES: In this retrospective study we evaluated the correlation and diagnostic concordance of dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, and histological examination in 50 AMN. METHODS: A graded scale was used to compare histological examination with dermoscopy and confocal microscopy. Low magnification histological images of only the central part of lesions were examined. This allowed histological diagnoses based almost exclusively on architectural criteria instead of simultaneously architectural and cytological, as in the global histological examination. RESULTS: Our data demonstrate that the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy and confocal microscopy diagnosis of the clinical aspects of AMN/DN as nevi or melanomas tends to be equivalent, being fair for nevi and excellent for melanomas. The total percentage of AMN suggested that the accuracy of confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of melanoma (86.7%) is greater than that of dermoscopy (73.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that diagnostic assessments of AMN/DN by dermoscopy and confocal microscopy are accurate and often coincide with those of histological examination and that their combined use helps to better manage and monitor these patients by facilitating early detection of melanomas and reducing unnecessary excisions of benign melanocytic lesions.

Short-Term Benefits of Smoking Cessation Improve Respiratory Function and Metabolism in Smokers.

Background: Cigarette smoke exposure is the main preventable cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Airflow limitation is closely associated with smoking exposure. Smoking could also interfere with lipid metabolism. Aim: To determine the respiratory functional and metabolic changes after smoking cessation in smokers in the short term. Methods: All patients were current smokers. They were assessed by spirometry and questionnaires such as COPD assessment test(CAT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) test for dyspnea, Fagestrom's test for nicotine dependence. Exhaled CO was detected in order to evaluate smoking exposure and smoking cessation (normal value<7 ppm). A blood sampling was eventually taken for vitamin D and cholesterol assay. All patients underwent therapy with counselling and varenicline as first-line treatment according to its schedule. Detection time: at baseline and one month after smoking cessation. Results: All patients quit smoking during treatment. The mean age was 62 with a prevalence of males. The analysis revealed the following mean values at baseline: CAT mean score was 15, pack-years 35.5, Fagestrom's Test mean score 5.0. The West's value was 8.5, whereas Body mass index (BMI) was 25.5.Cigarette daily consumption mean value was 22.5. The comparison before and at follow up one month after smoking cessation about functional and metabolic parameters, show us the following results: FEV 1 was increased by 200 mL (p<0.02), FEF 25/75 was improved as well as mMRC test. The eCO was dropped to as low as 8 ppM. Interestingly the vitamin D level was increased from 25 to 28 ng/mL without any support therapy. The cholesterol total level was reduced and CAT value and DLCO were also significantly improved. Conclusion: Quit smoking is useful to improve symptoms, respiratory function and metabolic parameters in the short term.

Features of Mpox infection: The analysis of the data submitted to the ID-IRI network.

Background: Mpox is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus. On May 21, 2022, WHO announced the emergence of confirmed Mpox cases in countries outside the endemic areas in Central and West Africa. Methods: This multicentre study was performed through the Infectious Diseases International Research Initiative network. Nineteen collaborating centres in 16 countries participated in the study. Consecutive cases with positive Mpoxv-DNA results by the polymerase chain reaction test were included in the study. Results: The mean age of 647 patients included in the study was 34.5.98.6% of cases were males, 95.3% were homosexual-bisexual, and 92.2% had a history of sexual contact. History of smallpox vaccination was present in 3.4% of cases. The median incubation period was 7.0 days. The most common symptoms and signs were rashes in 99.5%, lymphadenopathy in 65.1%, and fever in 54.9%. HIV infection was present in 93.8% of cases, and 17.8% were followed up in the hospital for further treatment. In the two weeks before the rash, prodromal symptoms occurred in 52.8% of cases. The incubation period was 3.5 days shorter in HIV-infected Mpox cases with CD4 count <200/µL, we disclosed the presence of lymphadenopathy, a characteristic finding for Mpox, accompanied the disease to a lesser extent in cases with smallpox vaccination. Conclusions: Mpox disseminates globally, not just in the endemic areas. Knowledge of clinical features, disease transmission kinetics, and rapid and effective implementation of public health measures are paramount, as reflected by our findings in this study.

Retracted article A case of Koebner phenomenon in a patient with tattoo to lips.

Statement of RetractionWe, the Editors and Publisher of the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy have retracted the following article:Antonella Tammaro, Irene Romano, Francesca Parisella, Flavia Persechino & Severino Persechino (2016) A case of Koebner phenomenon in a patient with tattoo to lips, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, DOI: 10.1080/14764172.2016.1197401Since publication of the accepted author version, authors have not responded to requests to submit corrections and approve proofs, preventing the final publication of the Version of Record (VoR).We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as 'Retracted'.

Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma: Does Noninvasive Ventilation Accelerate Tumor Progression?

A 56-year-old woman presented to the emergency to be department with diarrhea, asthenia, cough, and dysgeusia. The patient had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was found infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On physical examination, a small basal cell carcinoma (BCC) lesion was identified on her scalp; however, following the administration of noninvasive ventilation, the appearance of both macroscopic and microscopic BCC worsened dramatically. Our findings point to positive pressure noninvasive ventilation used to treat COVID-19 associated with COPD as a possible causative agent for the progression of cutaneous BCC. (SKINmed. 2022;20:463-465).

Varicella-Zoster virus reactivation following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination or infection: New insights.

INTRODUCTION: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation has been reported following vaccination for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the real extent remains unknown. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to summarize evidence of VZV reactivation or infection following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Episodes after coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) were also identified. Related articles were identified in PubMed and EMBASE databases till December 31, 2021 using the terms "varicella zoster" and "COVID-19″. PROSPERO Register Number: CRD42021289399. RESULTS: The search revealed 314 articles, of which 55 met the inclusion criteria. VZV manifestations were documented in 179 (82.1%) subjects following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and in 39 (17.9%) patients with COVID-19. Among the vaccinated, median (IQR) age was 56.5 (42-70) years, and 56.8% were female. Twenty-one (16.8%) were immunosuppressed. The median (IQR) latency time after vaccination was 6 (3-10) days, and 84.4% received mRNA vaccines. VZV reactivation occurred following a first dose (68.2%), a second dose (12.8%) or a booster (0.6%). The most important VZV manifestation was dermatome herpes zoster rash, which accounted for 86.4% of events in vaccinated subjects. Twenty patients (11.3%) presented serious VZV events after vaccination, with Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus (5.6%) and post-herpetic neuralgia (3.4%) predominating. No VZV pneumonia or deaths were recorded. Antiviral prescriptions were made in 96.2% of vaccinated subjects. No significant differences between vaccinated and infected subjects were found. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the occurrence of VZV reactivation is clinically relevant. However, our findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination is safe, and remains strongly recommended.

Cutaneous Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in a Monocentric Study: A Case Series.

After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a global pandemic, vaccines were rapidly developed to control the spread of the virus. Although they were effective in most of the cases at protecting people from becoming seriously ill and being hospitalized, they showed side effects, too. Among other adverse vaccine reactions, cutaneous eruptions following SARS-CoV-2 have been described in the literature, but they are not well-characterized yet. We described the morphology and timing of the spectrum of cutaneous reactions following most of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Italy, which were observed in outpatients referred to our non-invasive diagnostic clinic. Most of these reactions appeared after the second or third COVID-19 vaccine dose (most of them after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines). Our data support that cutaneous reactions to COVID-19 vaccination are generally self-limited; in addition, history of allergic reaction to a specific food, medicine or vaccine should not discourage vaccination in the general population, although patients with immune dysregulation should be accurately selected and monitored. Further research is necessary to better assess the true prevalence and preventive measures of skin reactions to COVID-19 vaccination.

Photodynamic Therapy with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Patch for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an emerging treatment option in the care of actinic keratosis (AK). A self-adhesive 5-ALA patch was recently developed that allows a precise PDT procedure. Here, we review the current literature and report the findings of our case series that observed the outcomes and safety of 5-ALA patch PDT. Ten patients with a total of 40 AKs were treated with a single session of conventional or daylight PDT using 5-ALA patch at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sapienza University of Rome or at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. Complete response was observed in three patients, while partial response was seen in seven patients. Overall tolerability was good or excellent, with local adverse events observed in four patients. This is the first case series reported where the 5-ALA patch was applied using daylight PDT, and its efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of AK were demonstrated. In conclusion, the self-adhesive 5-ALA patch is a convenient application of PDT that provides a well-tolerated and effective treatment option with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes.

A Challenging Nodular Lesion of the Ear.

Skin nodular lesion are really frequent, but rapidly growing ones needs to be quickly removed since they can hide really aggressive skin tumor. Among malignant lesion Merkel cell carcinoma arise. It is a rare neuroendocrine skin tumor highly aggressive, not easy to diagnose at first stage, since at first diagnosis it is already widespreading all over the body. In order to renew interest in this letal skin tumori is mandatory to remind high risk population which include elderly people, white skin, chronically exposed to UV immunocompromised. Our unhappy case was described to increase awareness on this kind of skin tumor, since new drug appeared in the market can give an hope to these patients.

Systemic infections associated with tattoos or permanent makeup: A systematic review

IntroductionThe aim of this article is to summarize published information on systemic infective complications of tattoos to gain an update of the current picture.MethodsA literature search was performed in PubMed database (2009–2019), and compared with a search without year restriction. Eligibility criteria were studies on systemic tattoo-related infections, including case reports, case series, outbreak investigations, reviews, and systematic reviews.ResultsWe identified 17 manuscripts with systemic infections between 2009 and 2019, with one reported fatality. In contrast to the historical records, no reports of systemic tuberculosis, syphilis or viral (hepatitis or HIV) infections were reported within the study period. A few sporadic cases or Mycobacterium leprae (India) or regional lymphadenopathy associated with skin lesions in non-tuberculosis mycobacteria were identified. Persistent fever with rigour was common in bacterial bloodstream infections. One episode of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome and several episodes of septic shock were reported, associated with cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis within two weeks of the procedure, predominantly caused by pyogenic bacteria (S. aureus or streptococcus). Identification of lung or systemic embolisms in the absence of local symptoms, was indicative of (right or left) infective endocarditis.ConclusionsBacterial bloodstream infections should be considered in subjects developing fever and rigour after tattoos, regardless of local symptoms. A shift in causative organisms has been documented, when comparing with historical reports. NTM are emerging organisms causing lymphadenopathy. Strict hygiene conditions are essential when performing a tattoo.

Introducción:El objetivo de este artículo es resumir la información publicada sobre las complicaciones infecciosas sistémicas de los tatuajes para tener una actualización de la situación actual.Métodos:Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en la base de datos PubMed (2009-2019), que se comparó con una búsqueda sin restricción de año. Los criterios de elegibilidad fueron estudios sobre infecciones sistémicas relacionadas con tatuajes, incluidos informes de casos, series de casos, investigaciones de brotes, revisiones y revisiones sistemáticas.Resultados:Se identificaron 17 manuscritos con infecciones sistémicas entre 2009 y 2019, y se informó de una muerte. A diferencia de los registros históricos, no se notificaron informes de tuberculosis sistémica, sífilis ni infecciones viíricas (hepatitis o VIH) durante el período de estudio. Se identificaron algunos casos esporádicos de Mycobacterium leprae (India) o de linfadenopatías regionales asociadas con lesiones cutáneas en micobacterias no tuberculosas. La fiebre persistente con escalofríos era común en las infecciones bacterianas del torrente sanguíneo. Se informó un episodio de síndrome de choque tóxico estafilocócico y varios episodios de choque séptico, asociados con celulitis o fascitis necrosante dentro de las 2 semanas posteriores al procedimiento, predominantemente causada por bacterias piógenas (S. aureus o estreptococo). La identificación de embolias pulmonares o sistémicas en ausencia de síntomas locales fue indicativa de endocarditis infecciosa (derecha o izquierda).Conclusiones:Las infecciones bacterianas deben considerarse en sujetos que desarrollen fiebre y escalofríos después de los tatuajes, independientemente de los síntomas locales. Se ha documentado un cambio en los organismos causales y las micobacterias no tuberculosas constituyen organismos emergentes. Las condiciones higiénicas adecuadas son fundamentales a la hora de realizar un tatuaje. (AU)

Hair and nail manifestations of COVID-19.

Emerging literature evidence shows that the manifestations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, encompass alterations of the pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological system. Moreover, hematologic and dermatologic manifestations have been documented. The aim of this review is to summarize the dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19 involving the hair and nails in a narrative way. A total of 1136 patients have been reported to have de novo hair loss following COVID-19. Notably, 958 patients experienced telogen effluvium (TE) (female/male ratio = 3,86:1), two female patients experienced anagen effluvium, and 176 people had alopecia areata (female/male ratio of 19:3). Ten patients were reported to have ungual changes following the infection with the novel coronavirus: The individuals affected were 6 women and 4 men. COVID-19 can be associated with hair and ungual manifestations. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the hair and ungual manifestations of COVID-19, which could be harnessed to better understand the clinical implications and pathophysiology of this disease that has been burdening society globally since December 2019.

Systemic infections associated with tattoos or permanent makeup: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article is to summarize published information on systemic infective complications of tattoos to gain an update of the current picture. METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed database (2009-2019), and compared with a search without year restriction. Eligibility criteria were studies on systemic tattoo-related infections, including case reports, case series, outbreak investigations, reviews, and systematic reviews. RESULTS: We identified 17 manuscripts with systemic infections between 2009 and 2019, with one reported fatality. In contrast to the historical records, no reports of systemic tuberculosis, syphilis or viral (hepatitis or HIV) infections were reported within the study period. A few sporadic cases or Mycobacterium leprae (India) or regional lymphadenopathy associated with skin lesions in non-tuberculosis mycobacteria were identified. Persistent fever with rigour was common in bacterial bloodstream infections. One episode of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome and several episodes of septic shock were reported, associated with cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis within two weeks of the procedure, predominantly caused by pyogenic bacteria (S. aureus or streptococcus). Identification of lung or systemic embolisms in the absence of local symptoms, was indicative of (right or left) infective endocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial bloodstream infections should be considered in subjects developing fever and rigour after tattoos, regardless of local symptoms. A shift in causative organisms has been documented, when comparing with historical reports. NTM are emerging organisms causing lymphadenopathy. Strict hygiene conditions are essential when performing a tattoo.