Skin cancer-associated genodermatoses in skin of color patients: a review.

Skin cancers are associated with a large number of genodermatoses. Existing knowledge and guidelines on the presentations of these genodermatoses focus disproportionately on White patients. Our goal is to identify notable characteristics in location, frequency, and severity of cutaneous findings along with the median age of skin cancers in skin-of-color (SOC) patients with skin-cancer-associated genodermatoses to improve diagnosis rates. We searched for genodermatoses on six databases. Each case report or case series was reviewed, including reports, published in English, containing adult patient descriptions. Duplicate manuscripts were removed using EndNote. The following case-level data were collected from the manuscripts: age, gender, patient country or region of origin, author country/continent of residence, skin cancer-related, and other key dermatologic features. 381 published articles, with a total of 578 SOC patients, met criteria for inclusion. SOC patients can present with fewer classic findings, such as a lower incidence of basal cell carcinomas (44%) in SOC Gorlin syndrome patients than palmar pits (66%) and mandibular cysts (66%). Differences between SOC populations were also noted, such as leukoplakia being more common in Asian dyskeratosis congenita patients (80%) in comparison to African dyskeratosis congenita patients (44%). SOC patients also have varying onset of skin cancer depending on the genodermatosis, from a median of 25 years of age in Rothmund-Thomson syndrome to 53 in Muir-Torre syndrome. In this review, SOC patients with genodermatoses can have varying presentations. Being cognizant of these characteristics may lead to earlier diagnosis and interventions to mitigate skin-cancer-related morbidity in SOC patients.

Estimated Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of UBA1 Variants Associated With VEXAS Syndrome in a Clinical Population.

Importance: VEXAS (vacuoles, E1-ubiquitin-activating enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a disease with rheumatologic and hematologic features caused by somatic variants in UBA1. Pathogenic variants are associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Knowledge of prevalence, penetrance, and clinical characteristics of this disease have been limited by ascertainment biases based on known phenotypes. Objective: To determine the prevalence of pathogenic variants in UBA1 and associated clinical manifestations in an unselected population using a genomic ascertainment approach. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective observational study evaluated UBA1 variants in exome data from 163 096 participants within the Geisinger MyCode Community Health Initiative. Clinical phenotypes were determined from Geisinger electronic health record data from January 1, 1996, to January 1, 2022. Exposures: Exome sequencing was performed. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcome measures included prevalence of somatic UBA1 variation; presence of rheumatologic, hematologic, pulmonary, dermatologic, and other findings in individuals with somatic UBA1 variation on review of the electronic health record; review of laboratory data; bone marrow biopsy pathology analysis; and in vitro enzymatic assays. Results: In 163 096 participants (mean age, 52.8 years; 94% White; 61% women), 11 individuals harbored likely somatic variants at known pathogenic UBA1 positions, with 11 of 11 (100%) having clinical manifestations consistent with VEXAS syndrome (9 male, 2 female). A total of 5 of 11 individuals (45%) did not meet criteria for rheumatologic and/or hematologic diagnoses previously associated with VEXAS syndrome; however, all individuals had anemia (hemoglobin: mean, 7.8 g/dL; median, 7.5 g/dL), which was mostly macrocytic (10/11 [91%]) with concomitant thrombocytopenia (10/11 [91%]). Among the 11 patients identified, there was a pathogenic variant in 1 male participant prior to onset of VEXAS-related signs or symptoms and 2 female participants had disease with heterozygous variants. A previously unreported UBA1 variant (c.1861A>T; p.Ser621Cys) was found in a symptomatic patient, with in vitro data supporting a catalytic defect and pathogenicity. Together, disease-causing UBA1 variants were found in 1 in 13 591 unrelated individuals (95% CI, 1:7775-1:23 758), 1 in 4269 men older than 50 years (95% CI, 1:2319-1:7859), and 1 in 26 238 women older than 50 years (95% CI, 1:7196-1:147 669). Conclusions and Relevance: This study provides an estimate of the prevalence and a description of the clinical manifestations of UBA1 variants associated with VEXAS syndrome within a single regional health system in the US. Additional studies are needed in unselected and genetically diverse populations to better define general population prevalence and phenotypic spectrum.

Neurovascular abnormalities in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome type III.

The aim of this article is to describe neurovascular findings in patients with Loeys Dietz syndrome type III and their possible clinical impact. Loeys Dietz syndrome type III, caused by pathogenic SMAD3 variants, is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by aneurysms and arterial tortuosity in combination with osteoarthritis. Neurovascular abnormalities have been described in other heritable aortic syndromes, however, reliable data in Loeys Dietz syndrome type III is missing. In our tertiary center, all adult patients with confirmed Loeys Dietz syndrome type III are followed in a standardized aorta outpatient clinic including Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) of the head and neck region at baseline and (tri) yearly during follow-up. We performed an analysis of the neurovascular imaging findings and clinical follow-up. The primary outcome was a combined endpoint of mortality, dissection, cerebral vascular event and intervention. In addition, tortuosity and vascular growth were assessed. In total 26 patients (mean age 38.4 years, 38.5% males) underwent 102 (mean 3.9 (1-8) per patient) neurovascular Computed Tomography Angiography scans between 2010 and 2021. In 84.6% some form of neurovascular abnormality was found. The abnormalities at baseline were aneurysm (26.9%) dissection flap (7.7%), arterial tortuosity (61.5%), arterial coiling (23.1%) and arterial kinking (3.8%). During follow up (mean 8.85 (1-11) years) one patient suffered from sudden death and one patient needed a neuro-radiological intervention. No cerebral bleeding or stroke occurred. In conclusion, neurovascular imaging in Loeys Dietz syndrome type III patients revealed abnormalities such as aneurysm, tortuosity, coiling and kinking in the vast majority of patients, but clinical events were rare. Neurovascular screening and follow up is advised in all Loeys Dietz syndrome type III patients.

Distribution of the Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome Type 1 Mutation (PLOD1 c.2032G>A) in Different Horse Breeds from Europe and the United States.

Warmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a single nucleotide variant in the procollagen-lysine-2-oxoglutarate-5-dioxygenase 1 gene (PLOD1:c.2032G>A, p.Gly678Arg). Homozygosity for the PLOD1 variant causes an Ehler-Danlos-like syndrome, which has to date only been reported in warmblood breeds but the WFFS allele has been also detected in the Thoroughbred. To investigate the breed distribution of the WFFS allele, 4081 horses belonging to 38 different breeds were screened. In total, 4.9% of the horses representing 21 breeds carried the WFFS allele. The affected breeds were mainly warmbloods, with carrier frequency as high as 17% in the Hanoverian and Danish Warmblood. The WFFS allele was not detected in most non-warmblood breeds. Exceptions include WFFS carriers in the Thoroughbred (17/716), Haflinger (2/48), American Sport Pony (1/12), and Knabstrupper (3/46). The origin of the WFFS allele remains unknown. The Arabian breed and specifically the stallion Bairactar Or. Ar. (1813), whose offspring were reported to have a similar phenotype in the 19th century, were hypothesized as the origin. DNA from a museum sample of Bairactar Or. Ar. showed that he did not carry the mutated allele. This result, together with the genotypes of 302 Arabians, all homozygous for the reference allele, does not support an Arabian origin of the WFFS allele. Our extensive survey shows the WFFS allele to be of moderate frequency and concern in warmbloods and also in breeds where it may not be expected.

Actinic prurigo in a dermatological reference center in Colombia: 108 cases / Prurigo actínico en un centro dermatológico de referencia en Colombia: 108 casos.

Introduction: Actinic prurigo is a chronic photodermatosis. It affects the Latin American population more frequently, predominantly women, and involves the sun-exposed areas of the skin, conjunctiva, and lips. Objective: To update the information on the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and treatment of patients with actinic prurigo in Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including the medical records of patients with actinic prurigo treated in the Photodermatology Service of Hospital Universitario Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta between 2011 and 2016. We described the demographic, clinical, histopathological, and treatment characteristics of the patients. Results: We included 108 patients, 77 (71.3%) were women and 31 (28.7%) men, mainly with phototypes III-IV (70%). The disease had begun during the first decade of life in 66.4% of the cases and 25% of the patients had a family history with the condition. The lesions predominated on the face (93.5%), forearms (79.6%), and back of the hands (70.4%). Ocular (87.9%) and lip (88.8%) involvement was also documented. A photo-provocation test with UVA was performed in 25% of the cases and skin biopsies in 19.4%. Physical and chemical photoprotection was indicated in all patients. Mild to moderate cases were treated with topical corticosteroids (91.7%) and calcineurin inhibitors (65.7%) while severe cases received thalidomide (33.3%) and pentoxifylline (14.8%). Conclusion: The characteristics of actinic prurigo patients in Colombia are similar to those reported in other Latin American countries: early onset of the disease, predominance in women, frequent involvement of conjunctiva and lips, and adequate response to topical and systemic treatment.

Introducción. El prurigo actínico es una fotodermatosis crónica. Afecta con mayor frecuencia a la población latinoamericana, predomina en mujeres y compromete la piel expuesta al sol, las conjuntivas y los labios. Objetivo. Actualizar la información sobre las características clínico-epidemiológicas y el tratamiento de pacientes con prurigo actínico en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio de corte transversal que incluyó los registros clínicos de pacientes con prurigo actínico atendidos en el Servicio de Fotodermatología del Hospital Universitario Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta entre el 2011 y el 2016, y se describieron sus características demográficas, clínicas e histopatológicas, así como su tratamiento. Resultados. Se incluyeron 108 pacientes, el 71,3 % de ellos mujeres y el 28,7% hombres, con predominio de los fototipos III-IV (70 %). La enfermedad se había iniciado durante la primera década de vida en el 66,4% de los casos y el 25 % de los pacientes tenía antecedentes familiares de la enfermedad. Las lesiones predominaban en el rostro (93,5 %), los antebrazos (79,6 %) y el dorso de las manos (70,4 %). También, se documentó compromiso ocular (87,9 %) y de los labios (88,8 %). Se hizo la prueba de fotoprovocación con radiación ultravioleta A en el 25 % de los casos y biopsia cutánea en el 19,4 %. Todos los pacientes se trataron con protección solar química y física. En los casos leves a moderados, se formularon corticoides tópicos (91,7 %) e inhibidores de la calcineurina (65,7 %), y en los graves, talidomida (33,3 %) y pentoxifilina (14,8 %). Conclusión. Las características de los pacientes colombianos con prurigo actínico son similares a las reportadas en otros países latinoamericanos: inicio temprano de la enfermedad, predominio en mujeres, compromiso frecuente de conjuntivas y labios, y adecuada respuesta al tratamiento tópico y sistémico.

Neurovascular manifestations in connective tissue diseases: The case of Marfan Syndrome.

Patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are suspected to be at higher risk for cerebrovascular involvement, such as intracranial aneurysms, dissections and strokes, than the general population. Particularly, Marfan Syndrome (MFS) has been reported as associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular alterations. Literature data report different prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in MFS, ranging from 4 % to 29 %, suggesting a role of genetic cause that involves the regulation of the TGF-ß signaling. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have been also reported in MFS, but with an estimated prevalence from 3 % to 4 %. However, the aetiology of both events appears to be reliable more to a cardiac source than to the primary connective tissue defect. Finally, the available literature suggests that MFS patients have a higher prevalence of arterial tortuosity of neck and head vessels and these findings may be related to an enhanced chance of dissection. Overall, despite of the lack of studies, we could affirm that it may exists an increased prevalence of some neurovascular findings in MFS patients. Nevertheless, further studies are required to determine the true prevalence of these features and investigate specific gene mutations involved in MFS.

Prevalence and clinicoradiological features of spinocerebellar ataxia type 34 in a Japanese ataxia cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 34, a form of autosomal dominantly inherited ataxia, has recently been associated with mutations in the ELOVL4 gene. However, a genetic study of the prevalence of SCA34 in an ataxia cohort has never been reported. METHODS: We performed a mutation screening of ELOVL4 in a cohort of 153 undiagnosed index ataxia patients, selected after excluding for common SCA types, in a series of 506 Japanese index ataxia patients. RESULTS: Heterozygous mutation c.698C > T (p.T233M) was detected in an index patient with multisystem neurodegeneration including ataxia and erythrokeratodermia skin lesions, an archetypal skin phenotype in SCA34. The patient's father also presented with ataxia but not skin lesions. Although this mutation has been recently reported in a single English-Canadian patient, the present study confirms its cosegregation with the ataxia phenotype in the Japanese kindred. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient and his father revealed marked pontine and cerebellar atrophy as well as the hot cross bun sign, that is common in cerebellar type of multiple system atrophy and was also described in SCA34 patients harboring two other mutations: p.L168F and p.W246G. CONCLUSION: This represents the first genetic study of the prevalence of SCA34 in an ataxia cohort and demonstrates its low prevalence (0.2%) in ataxia patients. The broad SCA34 clinical spectrum suggests variable multisystem neurodegeneration. Clinicians should be aware of this rare disease entity, particularly if erythrokeratodermia or the hot cross bun sign in MRI are present in undiagnosed degenerative ataxia patients.

Multiple miliary osteoma cutis: a comprehensive review and update of the literature.

Multiple miliary osteoma cutis consists of heterotopic foci of bone tissue in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Patients usually present with multiple, asymptomatic facial papules of several millimetres in diameter which cause distress regarding their cosmetic appearance. The condition is described as rare, as only a few cases have been reported since its first description in 1864 by Virchow. We therefore carried out a comprehensive literature search and review, in which 102 published cases were retrieved and analysed. The demographic and clinical aspects, as well as current therapy solutions, of this probably overlooked condition are discussed.

Arterial tortuosity syndrome: 40 new families and literature review.

PURPOSE: We delineate the clinical spectrum and describe the histology in arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS), a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by tortuosity of the large and medium-sized arteries, caused by mutations in SLC2A10. METHODS: We retrospectively characterized 40 novel ATS families (50 patients) and reviewed the 52 previously reported patients. We performed histology and electron microscopy (EM) on skin and vascular biopsies and evaluated TGF-ß signaling with immunohistochemistry for pSMAD2 and CTGF. RESULTS: Stenoses, tortuosity, and aneurysm formation are widespread occurrences. Severe but rare vascular complications include early and aggressive aortic root aneurysms, neonatal intracranial bleeding, ischemic stroke, and gastric perforation. Thus far, no reports unequivocally document vascular dissections or ruptures. Of note, diaphragmatic hernia and infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) are frequently observed. Skin and vascular biopsies show fragmented elastic fibers (EF) and increased collagen deposition. EM of skin EF shows a fragmented elastin core and a peripheral mantle of microfibrils of random directionality. Skin and end-stage diseased vascular tissue do not indicate increased TGF-ß signaling. CONCLUSION: Our findings warrant attention for IRDS and diaphragmatic hernia, close monitoring of the aortic root early in life, and extensive vascular imaging afterwards. EM on skin biopsies shows disease-specific abnormalities.

Association between carotid artery tortuosity and carotid dissection: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery dissections have long been associated with compromise of the structural integrity of the arterial wall from heritable connective-tissue disorders, hypertension, and trauma. However, an association between spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection and tortuous or redundant carotid anatomy has not been fully explored. METHODS: Patients with CTA confirmed spontaneous cervical internal carotid artery dissections were compared to a group of age and sex matched controls who also received CTA of the neck. Patients with trauma or aortic dissections were excluded. Five radiologists reviewed the CTA images to evaluate internal carotid artery tortuosity (reported as loops, kinks or coils), retrojugular and retropharyngeal courses of the internal carotid artery, presence of fibromuscular dysplasia and presence of atherosclerotic disease. Baseline data collected included demographic characteristics (sex, age, smoking history) and cardiovascular comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 83 cervical internal carotid artery dissection and their age and sex matched controls were included in this study. 46% of patients were female in each group and mean age was 49.2±10.6 years. The presence of any carotid tortuosity was 53% (N.=44) and 34% (N.=28) in the per-patient analysis of dissection and control groups, respectively (P=0.02). Loops were reported in 22% (N.=18) of dissection patients and 8% (N.=7) of controls (P=0.03). Retrojugular course of the internal carotid artery were seen in 23% (N.=38) of dissection patients and 9% (N.=15) of controls (P=0.0009) in the per-vessel analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that there is an association between the presence of tortuous carotid artery anatomy and spontaneous carotid artery dissection. This finding emphasizes the importance of the presence of tortuous arteries on CTA imaging to increase the index of suspicion for a potential dissection.

Duplicated Enhancer Region Increases Expression of CTSB and Segregates with Keratolytic Winter Erythema in South African and Norwegian Families.

Keratolytic winter erythema (KWE) is a rare autosomal-dominant skin disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of palmoplantar erythema and epidermal peeling. KWE was previously mapped to 8p23.1-p22 (KWE critical region) in South African families. Using targeted resequencing of the KWE critical region in five South African families and SNP array and whole-genome sequencing in two Norwegian families, we identified two overlapping tandem duplications of 7.67 kb (South Africans) and 15.93 kb (Norwegians). The duplications segregated with the disease and were located upstream of CTSB, a gene encoding cathepsin B, a cysteine protease involved in keratinocyte homeostasis. Included in the 2.62 kb overlapping region of these duplications is an enhancer element that is active in epidermal keratinocytes. The activity of this enhancer correlated with CTSB expression in normal differentiating keratinocytes and other cell lines, but not with FDFT1 or NEIL2 expression. Gene expression (qPCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry of the palmar epidermis demonstrated significantly increased expression of CTSB, as well as stronger staining of cathepsin B in the stratum granulosum of affected individuals than in that of control individuals. Analysis of higher-order chromatin structure data and RNA polymerase II ChIA-PET data from MCF-7 cells did not suggest remote effects of the enhancer. In conclusion, KWE in South African and Norwegian families is caused by tandem duplications in a non-coding genomic region containing an active enhancer element for CTSB, resulting in upregulation of this gene in affected individuals.

Neutrophilic Figurate Erythema.

Neutrophilic figurate erythema (NFE) has been rarely reported. This study aimed to identify the clinical and pathological features of NFE. We retrospectively reviewed the information from diagnostic cases from 2000 to 2013. The diagnosis of NFE includes clinically annular rash, histopathologically predominant neutrophilic perivascular and interstitial infiltrate in the dermis without evidence of vasculitis, and exclusion of other known specific entities. Fifteen cases of NFE were identified, including 11 women and 4 men. The age distribution was 18-66 years (average 41). The major characteristic patterns in NFE were blistering annular erythema (5/15 patients), purpuric annular erythema with vesicles (4/15 patients), and multiple annular rash with central ring-shaped scales (4/15 patients). There was no specific predicted location and no association with a major systemic disease. Papillary dermal edema and mild-to-moderate leukocytoclasis in the upper dermis are the main histopathological features. Ten of the 15 patients had recurrent episodes. Two patients who had single episode were associated with drug reaction. Antineutrophil therapy was required to control the symptoms in 3 patients. NFE has a similar clinical course as erythema annulare centrifugum but has distinct features that can be recognized clinically. The pathologists should be aware of the entity when making the diagnosis of neutrophil-mediated inflammatory disorders. The treatment regimen for neutrophilic dermatoses may be needed to manage the skin lesions.

Benign Miliary Osteoma Cutis of the Face: A Common Incidental CT Finding.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Osteoma cutis of the face represents a primary or secondary formation of ossific foci in the facial skin. Its primary form has been sparsely described in the plastic surgery and dermatology literature. As radiologists, we routinely encounter incidental, very small facial calcified nodules on CT studies performed for a variety of unrelated reasons. We hypothesized that this routinely encountered facial calcification represents primary miliary osteoma cutis and is a common, benign, age-related finding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1315 consecutive sinus CTs obtained during an 8-month period and their associated demographics. The number of dermal radiopaque lesions with Hounsfield units of >150 was counted, and we analyzed the association between the prevalence of these lesions and patients' demographics with logistic regression methods. RESULTS: Five hundred ninety-nine males and 716 females from 4 to 90 years of age were included in the study (mean, 52 versus 51 years; P = .259). Among these, 252 males and 301 females had small facial calcified nodules (42.1% versus 42.0%, P = .971). The patient's age was a statistically significant predictor for having facial calcified nodules (odds ratio = 1.02, P < .001), while the patient's sex was not (P = .826). CONCLUSIONS: Facial calcified nodules, observed in routine head and face CT imaging, are common, benign, age-related findings, which have been largely overlooked in the radiology literature. It is a manifestation of primary miliary osteoma cutis.

Cervical artery tortuosity is associated with intracranial aneurysm.

Background Intracranial aneurysms may be associated with an underlying arteriopathy, leading to arterial wall fragility. Arterial tortuosity is a major characteristic of some connective tissue disease. Aim To determine whether intracranial aneurysm is associated with an underlying arteriopathy. Methods Using a case-control design, from May 2012 to May 2013, we selected intracranial aneurysm cases and controls from consecutive patients who had conventional cerebral angiography in our center. Cases were patients with newly diagnosed intracranial aneurysm. Controls were patients who had diagnostic cerebral angiography and free of aneurysm. The prevalence of tortuosity, retrospectively assessed according to standard definitions, was compared between cases and controls and, association between tortuosity and some aneurysm characteristics was examined, in cases only. Results About 659 arteries from 233 patients (112 cases and 121 controls) were examined. Tortuosity was found in 57 (51%) cases and 31 (26%) controls (adjusted OR = 2.71; 95%CI, 1.53-4.80). The same trend was found when looking at each tortuosity subtype (simple tortuosity, coil, kink) or at carotid or vertebral territory separately. In contrast, no association between tortuosity and rupture status, aneurysm number or neck size was found. Conclusions Cervical artery tortuosity is significantly associated with intracranial aneurysm, although not related to main aneurysm characteristics. Our results support the presence of an underlying diffuse arteriopathy in intracranial aneurysm patients.