Imaging features for the evaluation of skin and nail infections.

Clinical manifestations of dermatological and musculoskeletal conditions can sometimes overlap, leading to confusion in diagnosis. Patients with nail and skin infections may undergo imaging examinations with suspicions of muscle, tendon, or joint injuries. Dermatological infections often involve soft tissues and musculoskeletal structures, and their etiology can range from fungi, bacteria, viruses, to protozoa. Relying solely on physical examination may not be sufficient for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, necessitating the use of complementary imaging exams. The objective of this paper is to present and discuss imaging findings of the main infectious conditions affecting the nail apparatus and skin. The paper also highlights the importance of imaging in clarifying diagnostic uncertainties and guiding appropriate treatment for dermatological conditions.

High-frequency ultrasonography for subungual glomus tumor evaluation - imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to describe the common imaging features of subungual glomus tumors. METHODS: The study involved data collected between January 2019 and December 2022. Twenty-three patients with a total of 31 glomus tumors underwent high-frequency ultrasound examinations with a 24-MHz probe. Two experienced radiologists independently evaluated the images, and only data from the more experienced radiologist were used for subsequent analyses. RESULTS: The average size of the tumors was 4.6 mm, and most of them appeared homogeneously hypoechogenic (90.3%). Bone remodeling of the distal phalanx was observed in 87.1% of cases, with an average axial circumference loss of 0.8 mm, indicating the slow and expansive growth of glomus tumors. Intense vascularization was found in 54.8% of cases on Doppler images, and the stalk sign, reflecting the vascular origin of the tumor, was present in 64.5% of cases. The most common clinical feature was pain, reported in 84.6% of cases, with a mean pain scale score of 7.0, indicating a negative impact on patients' lives despite being benign tumors. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that ultrasound evaluation is highly useful for diagnosing glomus tumors, especially when multiple findings, such as bone remodeling, hypervascularization, and the stalk sign, are present. This method allows for accurate diagnosis, observation of periungual structures, and proper surgical planning, ultimately reducing recurrence rates.

Ultrasound imaging of onychopapilloma: Evaluation of 43 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Onychopapilloma is a benign tumor presenting as an isolated benign warty distal matrix and bed lesion in association with longitudinal erythronychia for which no underlying cause can be identified. Diagnosis might be challenging due to other, more severe, causes of erythronychia. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and sonographic features of onychopapilloma using high-frequency ultrasound. METHODS: Between February 2022 and May 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 39 patients displaying clinical features suggestive of onychopapilloma. These patients were selected at random and underwent examination using high-frequency ultrasound. High-frequency ultrasound assessments of the nail unit were carried out using 33 MHz and 24 MHz high-frequency linear transducers. An experienced radiologist performed the ultrasound scans while participants assumed an orthostatic seated position. Subsequently, the collected ultrasound images were independently evaluated by two radiologists specializing in nail injuries, ensuring a blinded assessment. This evaluation aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the imaging characteristics of onychopapilloma. RESULTS: High-frequency ultrasound revealed oval or linear hyperechoic masses located in the middle of the nail plate, without vascularity or posterior acoustic shadowing. Nail plate irregularity, thickening, and nail bed indentation were observed in some cases. These findings demonstrate that high-frequency ultrasound can aid in the diagnosis and surgical planning of onychopapilloma, providing detailed visualization of the lesion and surrounding structures. CONCLUSIONS: This imaging method could represent a potential tool to differentiate onychopapilloma from other nail conditions, especially malignant neoplasms. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

Ultrasound of nails: why, how, when.

Nail disorders are frequently a challenge to diagnose correctly only based on clinical findings. Moreover, biopsies may leave scars due to damage to the nail matrix. Currently, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) with probes >15 MHz is the first-choice imaging technique to study the nail. Compared with other imaging tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, HFUS has the advantage of high-resolution imaging of the nail apparatus without exposure to radiation, contrast media, and the risk of claustrophobia of these other expensive imaging methods. Notably, the axial spatial resolution of HFUS is higher than computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging; therefore, it can better discriminate the anatomical alterations. Our objective is to review the main applications of HFUS of the nail through literature analysis and illustration of cases of the most frequent pathologies found in our experience, exemplifying why, how, and when HFUS could help diagnose nail diseases.

Histopathological analysis of chronic paronychia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic paronychia is an inflammatory process of the nail folds lasting more than 6 weeks. Clinically, there is hypertrophy and retraction of the folds and absence of the cuticle. Treatment involves clinical measures and, when there is no response or the hypertrophy of the folds is very pronounced, surgical treatment is indicated. Post-surgical histopathology is little studied in the literature. In this sense, we believe that the histopathological study is important not only for the individualized understanding of the patient's chronic disease, avoiding relapses, but also for the understanding of its pathophysiology and treatment possibilities. OBJECTIVE: To describe the histopathological changes found in biopsies of the proximal nail fold of patients with chronic paronychia undergoing surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A histopathological study of 16 nail folds from 6 patients after surgery was performed at 2 study centers. RESULTS: The most prevalent epidermal findings were orthokeratosis, hypergranulosis, acanthosis and spongiosis and the dermal findings were fibrosis and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSION: The histopathological study allowed us to conclude that chronic paronychia is primarily an inflammatory process, but it is not possible to conclude whether microorganisms such as Candida and bacterial cocci are part of the etiology or just secondary and opportunistic agents.

Treatment of Nail Fold Hypertrophy by Combining Conservative Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertrophy of the nail folds is a common condition. It occurs by alteration of shape, partial loss, or absence of the nail, resulting in loss of the nail fold physiological limit. This can also occur by the friction of the nail with the nail fold. Consequently, there is an increase in the volume of the lateral or distal nail fold and a decrease in the space of the nail bed and the nail plate. Management of this onychodystrophy may be conservative or surgical. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of distal nail embedding after trauma, submitted to conservative treatment. Combined techniques were required as trichloroacetic acid application, rolled cotton padding maneuver, artificial resin nail technique, and orthesis. After 14 months, good functional and aesthetic results were obtained, with correction of the anatomical shape of the nail unit. CONCLUSION: The conservative techniques for hypertrophy of the nail folds are a useful option with good functional and aesthetic results. The indication must be precise, considering the history of the patient and after discarding bone alterations by image exams. The disadvantage of the method is the long treatment time and constant visits to the doctor's office.

Onychomatricoma with Onychomycosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Onychomatricoma is a primary benign neoplasm of the nail matrix. Currently, a limited number of cases have been reported, so it is still considered a rare neoplasia. However, it is debatable if this condition is underdiagnosed and underreported. Onychomycosis is an important differential diagnosis of onychomatricoma, and sometimes, both these conditions may even coexist in the same nail. As the tumor grows, tissue microenvironment is more vulnerable to dermatophytes. Probably, the altered keratin appears to be susceptible to fungal invasion. Careful clinical assessment and dermoscopic evaluation help nailing the diagnosis. Usually, total nail avulsion is the preferred therapeutic approach when they coexist. Herein, we present a case of a middle-aged woman with onychomycosis and onychomatricoma affecting a single fingernail. The proposed therapy was oral terbinafine for 6 months followed by a conservative surgery. There were dramatic changes in dermoscopic features after fungal treatment, which, to our knowledge, have not been previously reported.

Onychocytic matricoma.

Onychocytic matricoma is a newly described tumor of the nail matrix. Clinically, it presents with localized thickening of the nail plate and melanonychia. Histologically, it represents a benign acanthoma of onychocytes. There are 8 cases reported in the literature. A 12-year-old girl presented with localized melanonychia and concurrent thickening of the nail plate restricted to the area of pigmentation affecting the right thumb, with no history of trauma or pain. We report a case of this rare tumor occurring in late childhood and provide a comprehensive review of its clinical presentation and differential diagnosis. Both clinicians and dermatopathologists should be aware of the presentation of onychocytic matricoma and include it in their scope of diagnosis of longitudinal nail bands.

Onychocytic matricoma

Abstract Onychocytic matricoma is a newly described tumor of the nail matrix. Clinically, it presents with localized thickening of the nail plate and melanonychia. Histologically, it represents a benign acanthoma of onychocytes. There are 8 cases reported in the literature. A 12-year-old girl presented with localized melanonychia and concurrent thickening of the nail plate restricted to the area of pigmentation affecting the right thumb, with no history of trauma or pain. We report a case of this rare tumor occurring in late childhood and provide a comprehensive review of its clinical presentation and differential diagnosis. Both clinicians and dermatopathologists should be aware of the presentation of onychocytic matricoma and include it in their scope of diagnosis of longitudinal nail bands.

Laser treatment of onychomycosis due to Neoscytalidium dimidiatum: An open prospective study.

Conventional systemic and topical treatments have proven ineffective for the treatment of onychomycosis caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser monotherapy for the treatment of onychomycosis caused by this pathogen. Patients with clinical onychomycosis of the toenails and positive results both on direct mycological examination and N. dimidiatum culture underwent four 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser sessions with 6-week intervals between sessions. Participants were monitored by clinical examination supported by dermoscopy, measurement of diseased nail and the onychomycosis severity index (OSI), and by mycological examination for 12 months after completion of treatment. Treatment outcome was based on clinical and laboratory criteria and was divided in complete or partial cure, clinical improvement, treatment failure and relapse. No patient had complete or partial cure at any time during the study. Clinical improvement was observed in 40.6% of the patients at the end of the laser sessions; however, it did not persist during the follow-up. Treatment failure was observed in 64.7% of the patients at the end of 12 month follow-up period. Direct microscopy and culture results remained positive in most patients. Adverse events, in addition to treatment-related pain, were observed and considered severe in one case. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser was not able to cure onychomycosis caused by N. dimidiatum but temporarily improved the clinical appearance of the nail; however, adverse events may occur.

Dermatoscopy of nail lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Nail lichen planus affects 10% of all patients with lichen planus. It is a severe disease that may lead to destruction of the nail plate. It affects fingernails more than toenails. Early diagnosis is important due to its aggressive behavior. Histopathology should be carried out, but in many occasions it is not enough to come to a conclusive diagnosis. Dermatoscopy, a complementary tool, has proven to be useful in its diagnosis, management, and prognosis. Currently, there is very little data regarding dermatoscopy of nail lichen planus. METHODS: Dermatoscopic photographic data of 11 patients having 79 nails affected with nail lichen planus, seen in a specialized nail disease facility, were selected and analyzed. The data was confirmed with histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Dermatoscopy showed abnormalities of the nail matrix, with trachyonychia in 40.51% and pitting in 34.18%. As to nail bed anomalies, there was chromonychia in 55.70%, fragmentation of body of nail in 50.63%, splinter hemorrhage in 35.44%, onycholysis in 27.85%, and subungual keratosis in 7.59%. Concerning anomalies that involved nail matrix, bed, and perionychial region altogether, there were longitudinal streaks in 82.28% and anonychia in 1.27%. Paronychia was present in 31.65% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Considering that nail lichen planus is an underdiagnosed disease with severe consequences, early diagnosis is essential. This descriptive study of dermatoscopic characteristics of nail lichen planus would highlight some key changes in the course of the disease that will contribute to early diagnostic suspicion, early treatment, and could improve prognosis.

Utilidade da técnica de fechamento cirúrgico "ponto em alfa" na onicocriptose / Benefits of the alpha stitch technique in surgical closure in onychocryptosis

Introdução: Aspecto pouco avaliado da onicocriptose ­ principal causa de cirurgia do aparelho ungueal ­ é como deve ser realizado o fechamento cirúrgico. Descreve-se nova técnica denominada "ponto alfa" que permite a retificação da dobra ungueal por posicioná-la no nível da placa ou abaixo dela. Objetivo: Demonstrar a utilidade da técnica de fechamento cirúrgico "ponto alfa" na matricectomia cirúrgica da onicocriptose. Métodos: Selecionados 20 pacientes com onicocriptose graus II e III, submetidos à matricectomia cirúrgica com acompanhamento durante seis meses. O fechamento cirúrgico foi realizado com a técnica "ponto alfa". Resultados: No total, 27 dobras ungueais laterais foram operadas, 81,8% delas com resultado esperado, e 18,1% com resultado duvidoso. Conclusões: O "ponto alfa" permite correta cicatrização da dobra ungueal retificada, posicionada no nível da placa ungueal ou abaixo dela, com bons resultados estéticos, rápida recuperação, mínima morbidade e baixo número de recidivas. Poderá ser usado em procedimentos cirúrgicos de outras afecções ungueais.

Introduction: A poorly described aspect of onychocryptosis ­ the main cause for nail unit surgeries ­ is how to perform its surgical closure. The present article describes a new technique denominated alpha stitch that allows the straightening out of the nail fold by positioning it at or below the nail plate's level.Objective: To demonstrate the benefits of the alpha stitch surgical closure technique in the surgical matricectomy for onychocryptosis.Methods: Twenty patients with onychocryptosis grades II and III underwent surgicalmatricectomy and were followed up for six months. The surgical closure was performed using the alpha stitch technique.Results: A total of 27 lateral nail folds were operated, with 81.8% yielding the expected result, and 18.1% presenting uncertain outcomes.Conclusions: The alpha stitch allows the proper healing of the straightened out nail fold, which is positioned at or below the nails plate's level, with good results, fast recovery, minimal morbidity and a small number of recurrences. The technique can also be used in surgical procedures involving other nail disorders.

Comparison of nail lacquer clobetasol efficacy at 0.05%, 1% and 8% in nail psoriasis treatment: prospective, controlled and randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Nail psoriasis may affect up to 90% of patients with psoriasis in the course of the disease throughout their lives and it is often a therapeutic challenge to dermatologists. Topical treatments described in the literature have demonstrated variable efficacy, and unsatisfactory results have been associated to inefficient penetration of the active ingredient into the nail plate and proximal nail fold. Recently the use of clobetasol on nail lacquer vehicle has been suggested, with satisfactory results and no side effects. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of clobetasol in nail lacquer vehicle in three concentrations (0.05%, 1% and 8%) in patients with nail psoriasis. METHODS: Prospective, controlled, randomized pilot study in fifteen patients with nail bed and/or nail matrix psoriasis in both hands, subdivided into three groups: A(0.05% clobetasol nail lacquer), B(1% clobetasol nail lacquer) and C(8% clobetasol nail lacquer). All groups used clobetasol nail lacquer on the left hand and base coat nail lacquer as control on the right, twice a week for 16 weeks. Clinical evaluation was done by photographic records and the NAPSI score of both treated and control hands, as well as modified NAPSI score of the most affected nail of the treated hand. RESULTS: Group C showed a statistically relevant clinical response compared to the other groups, reflected in the improvement of clinical parameters, of treated hand NAPSI score, when compared to the control hand, and modified NAPSI score of the most affected nail in the treated hand. CONCLUSION: The 8% clobetasol nail lacquer was effective and safe, and it can be considered a good option of topical therapy in the treatment of nail psoriasis.

Comparison of nail lacquer clobetasol efficacy at 0,05%, 1% and 8% in nail psoriasis treatment: prospective, controlled and randomized pilot study / Comparação da eficácia do clobetasol em esmalte 0,05%, 1% e 8% no tratamento da psoríase ungueal: estudo piloto, prospectivo, controlado e randomizado

BACKGROUND: Nail psoriasis may affect up to 90% of patients with psoriasis in the course of the disease throughout their lives and it is often a therapeutic challenge to dermatologists. Topical treatments described in the literature have demonstrated variable efficacy, and unsatisfactory results have been associated to inefficient penetration of the active ingredient into the nail plate and proximal nail fold. Recently the use of clobetasol on nail lacquer vehicle has been suggested, with satisfactory results and no side effects. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of clobetasol in nail lacquer vehicle in three concentrations (0.05%, 1% and 8%) in patients with nail psoriasis. METHODS: Prospective, controlled, randomized pilot study in fifteen patients with nail bed and/or nail matrix psoriasis in both hands, subdivided into three groups: A(0.05% clobetasol nail lacquer), B(1% clobetasol nail lacquer) and C(8% clobetasol nail lacquer). All groups used clobetasol nail lacquer on the left hand and base coat nail lacquer as control on the right, twice a week for 16 weeks. Clinical evaluation was done by photographic records and the NAPSI score of both treated and control hands, as well as modified NAPSI score of the most affected nail of the treated hand. RESULTS: Group C showed a statistically relevant clinical response compared to the other groups, reflected in the improvement of clinical parameters, of treated hand NAPSI score, when compared to the control hand, and modified NAPSI score of the most affected nail in the treated hand. CONCLUSION: The 8% clobetasol nail lacquer was effective and safe, and it can be considered a good option of topical therapy in the treatment of nail psoriasis.

FUNDAMENTOS: A psoríase ungueal, de difícil manejo terapêutico, pode afetar até 90% dos portadores de psoríase no transcurso da doença, ao longo de suas vidas. Os tratamentos tópicos descritos na literatura têm eficácia variável, muitas vezes com resultados insatisfatórios causados pela ineficiência da penetração da substância ativa através da placa ungueal e dobra proximal. Recentemente tem sido proposto o uso do clobetasol em veículo esmalte, demonstrando resultados satisfatórios e ausência de efeitos colaterais. OBJETIVO: Determinar a eficácia e segurança do clobetasol em veículo esmalte em três concentrações (0,05%, 1% e 8%) nos pacientes com psoríase ungueal. MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto, prospectivo, controlado e randomizado com quinze pacientes portadores de psoríase ungueal em ambas as mãos. Os pacientes foram subdivididos em três grupos: A (esmalte clobetasol 0,05%), B (esmalte de clobetasol 1%) e C (esmalte de clobetasol 8%). Os pacientes usaram esmalte de clobetasol na mão esquerda e esmalte base (sem medicação - controle) na direita, aplicandoos duas vezes por semana, por 16 semanas. Fez-se a avaliação clínica por registros fotográficos e pelos MÉTODOS: NAPSI da mão tratada e controle e NAPSI modificado da unha mais acometida da mão tratada. RESULTADOS: O grupo C apresentou de forma estatisticamente significativa a resposta clínica mais relevante, refletida na melhora dos parâmetros clínicos, do NAPSI da mão tratada comparado ao da mão controle e do NAPSI modificado da unha mais acometida da mão tratada. CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo piloto, o esmalte de clobetasol a 8% foi eficaz e seguro, mostrando-se uma boa opção de terapêutica tópica no tratamento da psoríase ungueal.

Paracoccidioidomycosis: chronic adult unifocal form.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a highly prevalent systemic mycosis in Brazil. The primary cutaneous form is rare and occurs in the absence of pulmonary involvement. Lesions located in the distal regions of the lower limbs are not uncommon and particularly in the feet may go unnoticed or even be confused with infectious or neoplastic lesions of different etiologies. We report a case of paracoccidioidomycosis affecting the left great toe of a man, leading to complete destruction of the nail plate. Treatment was done with the sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim with excellent results.

Hiperlipoproteinemia tipo IIa: caso clínico com três manifestaçöes dermatológicas / Hyperlipoproteinemia type IIa: case report presenting three dermatological manifestations

Os autores relatam um caso de hiperlipoproteinemia tipo IIa, em paciente feminina, branca, 31 anos, com exuberante associaçao de xantelasma, xantoma tendinoso, xantoma tuberoso e hipertensao arterial. O diagnóstico foi estabelecido através dos exames: clínico, lipidograma e histopatológico. Foi feita também uma revisao da literatura.