Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 patients in a Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, and global literature review

Abstract Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a myriad of cutaneous manifestations have been described in association with this viral infection. However, in Latin America, this kind of data is still scarce. Objective: In this sense, the goal of this study was to describe the dermatological findings observed during SARS-CoV-2 infection, in a Brazilian Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study of 50 cases of new-onset dermatologic symptoms in patients with COVID-19, treated at Hospital Sírio-Libanês, from February to June 2020. Results: The patients (n = 50) were classified into 6 groups, according to the elementary lesions and the statistical analysis was performed. The most common cutaneous lesions were maculopapular eruptions (44%), necrosis, purpura, and livedo (32%), urticarial lesions (12%), pseudochilblains (4%) and papular-vesicular eruption (4%). In 46% of the patients the cutaneous lesions occurred in association with other symptoms, such as pruritus (38%), pain and burning sensation (8%). Lower limbs were affected in 44% of the cases, followed by the trunk (38%), upper limbs (24%) and face (14%). Cutaneous lesions were mostly found after other COVID-19 systemic symptoms, with a mean period between the viral syndrome and cutaneous signs of 5 days (SD = 6.1 days). Study limitations: It is a small sample, in a single-center study, with patients exclusively from a private Hospitals. Conclusions: Patients in Brazil have the same proportion of lesions as revealed in other studies in Europa. The compiled data is essential for a better understanding of cutaneous manifestations deemed secondary to COVID.

Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 patients in a Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, and global literature review.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a myriad of cutaneous manifestations have been described in association with this viral infection. However, in Latin America, this kind of data is still scarce. OBJECTIVE: In this sense, the goal of this study was to describe the dermatological findings observed during SARS-CoV-2 infection, in a Brazilian Hospital. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study of 50 cases of new-onset dermatologic symptoms in patients with COVID-19, treated at Hospital Sírio-Libanês, from February to June 2020. RESULTS: The patients (n = 50) were classified into 6 groups, according to the elementary lesions and the statistical analysis was performed. The most common cutaneous lesions were maculopapular eruptions (44%), necrosis, purpura, and livedo (32%), urticarial lesions (12%), pseudochilblains (4%) and papular-vesicular eruption (4%). In 46% of the patients the cutaneous lesions occurred in association with other symptoms, such as pruritus (38%), pain and burning sensation (8%). Lower limbs were affected in 44% of the cases, followed by the trunk (38%), upper limbs (24%) and face (14%). Cutaneous lesions were mostly found after other COVID-19 systemic symptoms, with a mean period between the viral syndrome and cutaneous signs of 5 days (SD = 6.1 days). STUDY LIMITATIONS: It is a small sample, in a single-center study, with patients exclusively from a private Hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in Brazil have the same proportion of lesions as revealed in other studies in Europa. The compiled data is essential for a better understanding of cutaneous manifestations deemed secondary to COVID.

Livedoid vasculopathy in 75 Brazilian patients in a single-center institution: Clinical, histopathological and therapy evaluation.

This study presents a single center experience with livedoid vasculopathy (LV). A rare disease that can lead to severe quality of life impairment. Characterize clinical data of LV patients at the Dermatology Division at the University of São Paulo. A retrospective and transversal study was conducted, from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2019. About 75 patients diagnosed as LV and confirmed by skin biopsy were included. Epidemiology, clinical appearance, histopathology data, and treatment history were observed. There were 78.66% Caucasian women, with a mean age of 39.9 years. Frequent cutaneous manifestations were ulcers, atrophic blanche-like scars, hyperpigmentation, purpuras, telangiectasias, and livedo racemosa. Pain, pruritus, and hypoesthesia were the main symptoms. After treatment, almost 40% of cases relapsed during spring and summer months. About 66% of cases had thrombophilia factors associated, such as high levels of lipoprotein(a). Frequent treatments included acetylsalicylic acid, pentoxifylline, and diosmin with hesperidin. Not being a prospective study. This research provides useful data on Latin American LV patients, indicating multifactorial conditions involved in LV pathogenesis. An extensive work-up including autoimmune laboratory tests, thrombophilia factors, and other conditions associated with venous stasis should be part of LV investigation and controlled to improve treatment response.

Livedo Racemosa: Clinical, Laboratory, and Histopathological Findings in 33 Patients.

Livedo racemosa is a cutaneous finding characterized by a persistent, erythematous, or violaceous discoloration of the skin, in a broken, branched, discontinuous, and irregular pattern. A retrospective review of 33 cases with clinical diagnosis of livedo racemosa over the past 6 years was evaluated in the dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital. We found predominance in Caucasian women (78.8%); age ranged from 8 to 81 years, with a mean age of 36 years. Livedo racemosa was described as generalized in 12 patients (36.4%), although the main localization was on lower limbs (42%). After laboratory testing and histopathological examinations, 12 patients (36.4%) were classified with idiopathic livedo racemosa; secondary diseases were diagnosis in 21 patients (63.6%), including Sneddon's syndrome, cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus erythematosus, and others. Medical history of thrombotic events was described in 8 (24.2%) patients, and also 8 (24.2%) patients had abnormal results for 2 or more thrombophilia laboratory tests. Skin biopsy showed no histological abnormalities in 11 cases (33.3%), thrombosis of dermal blood vessels in 10 (30.3%), intimal/subintimal thickening in 7 (21.2%), and vasculitis in 5 (15.2%). In conclusion, livedo racemosa is a clinical feature that might be correlated to vascular disorders, such as thrombotic and/or hypercoagulable states, autoimmune diseases, and neoplastic diseases, or it can be secondary to specific medications. It is essential to establish a correct approach in cases of livedo racemosa, which includes anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory test, histological examination, and complementary examination according to clinical findings, in order to diagnosis underlying causes.

What the physicians should know about mast cells, dendritic cells, urticaria, and omalizumab during COVID-19 or asymptomatic infections due to SARS-CoV-2?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents several dermatological manifestations described in the present indexed literature, with around 700 cases reported until May 2020, some described as urticaria or urticarial rashes. Urticaria is constituted by evanescent erythematous-edematous lesions (wheals and flare), which does not persist in the same site for more than 24 to 48 hours and appears in other topographic localization, resolving without residual hyper pigmentation. During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, some cytokines are synthesized, including Interferon (IFN) type I, TNF-α, and chemokines which may induce mast cells (MCs) and basophils degranulation by mechanisms similar to the autoinflammatory monogenic or polygenic diseases. In this article, we discuss the spectrum of the urticaria and urticarial-like lesions in the COVID-19's era, besides other aspects related to innate and adaptative immune response to viral infections, interactions between dermal dendritic cells and MCs, and degranulation of MCs by different stimuli. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells share, in allergic patients, expression of the high-affinity IgE receptors on cell membranes and demonstrated a low pattern of type I IFN secretion in viral infections. We discuss the previous descriptions of the effects of omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed to IgE and high-affinity IgE receptors, to improve the IFN responses and enhance their antiviral effects.

Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory profiles of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa patients: Report of 22 cases and literature review.

UNLABELLED: Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a rare disease that affects small and middle caliber vessels of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue and its etiopathology remains yet to be understood. METHODS: Retrospective review of twenty two cases diagnosed as CPAN and confirmed by skin biopsy over the last 11 years was evaluated in our department. RESULTS: We found predominance in white woman, mean age of 39.4 years, showing no comorbidities in most of our sample. Mean follow-up time was 58 months. The most frequent cutaneous manifestations were ulcers, livedo racemosa, subcutaneous nodules, atrophie blanche lesions and purpuras; with lower limb involvement in all cases, however other areas were also involved. The main regional symptoms were pain and paresthesia, while systemic complaints were absent in the majority of cases. Mononeuritis multiplex was identified in a quarter of our sample. Most of the laboratory findings were non-specific. There was evidence for previous contact with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 46.1% of cases which were tested for purified protein derivative (PPD) test. In our patients the disease course was benign and without complications, and systemic polyarteritis nodosa did not develop in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: An extensive work-up including laboratory tests on autoimmunity and thrombophilic factors and investigation of infectious diseases, especially previous contact with tuberculosis agent, should be part of the CPAN investigation.

Tuberculoid leprosy presenting as a "racket" lesion.

The "racket" lesion is a rare presentation of tuberculoid leprosy, which consists of a thickened nerve branch emerging from a tuberculoid plaque. It results from centripetal damage to cutaneous nerves caused by granuloma formation. We describe a typical case of tuberculoid leprosy presenting as a "racket" lesion. The lesion persisted after treatment with paucibacillary multidrug therapy.

Characterization of sporotrichosis cases treated in a dermatologic teaching unit in the state of São Paulo - Brazil, 2003 - 2013.

We conducted a transversal retrospective study with secondary data collection from 25 cases of sporotrichosis, treated at a teaching unit in inner São Paulo (Brazil), between the years 2003-2013. We found that the prevalence was higher in men (72%), rural workers (44%) and those living in rural areas (60%), with an average age of 42.48 years. The median between the onset of lesions and diagnosis was six weeks. Lesions predominated in the upper limbs (92%), and were classified as lymphocutaneous (80%) and fixed cutaneous (20%) forms. Clinical cure was observed in 62.5% of the cases treated with potassium iodide and 100% of cases treated with itraconazole.

Clinical and demographic profile of chromoblastomycosis in a referral service in the midwest of São Paulo state (Brazil).

Chromoblastomycosis is one of the most frequent deep mycoses found in rural populations. This cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study was conducted with cases of chromoblastomycosis diagnosed throughout 20 years. A higher prevalence was observed among White male rural workers, with an average age of 59.69 years. Median time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 156 months. Lesions were predominantly located on the lower limbs; 34% of cases reported previous trauma. The most common associated symptoms were itching, pain and burning sensation. Mycological examination was positive in 91% of cases and Fonsecaea pedrosoi was the most prevalent etiologic agent.

Melanoníquia estriada secundária a fibroma da matriz ungueal pigmentado simulando melanoma nodular / Melanonychia striata secondary to pigmented nail matrix fibroma simulating nodular melanoma

Melanoníquia é a coloração da lâmina ungueal variando do marrom ao negro. Representa um desafio diagnóstico, pois há diversos diagnósticos diferenciais incluindo entidades benignas e malignas. Não há relatos de fibroma da matriz ungueal pigmentado causando melanoníquia longitudinal. Diante disso, os autores relatam um caso de melanoníquia estriada secundária a fibroma ungueal pigmentado, com achados do exame clínico e dermatoscópico sugestivos de melanoma nodular.

Melanonychia corresponds to color patterns in the nail plate, ranging from brown to black. It is a diagnostic challenge due to the fact it has several differential diagnoses, including benign and malignant entities. There are no reports of pigmented fibroma of the nail matrix causing striata (or longitudinal) melanonychia. In light of this fact, the authors report a case of melanonychia striata secondary to pigmented fibroma of the nail, with clinical examination and dermoscopic findings suggestive of nodular melanoma.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: report of two cases.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a rare inherited multisystem disorder that is characterized by a pathological mineralization of the elastic connective tissue, which involves predominantly the skin, eyes and cardiovascular system. Its cause lies on mutations in the ABCC6 gene, which lead to reduction or absence of the transmembrane transport ADP dependent protein (MRP6), causing an accumulation of extracellular material and subsequent deposition of calcium and other minerals in the elastic tissue. The authors report two cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum, emphasizing its major clinical features and the importance of early diagnosis of the disorder, aiming for adequate therapeutic management of associated complications.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: report of two cases

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a rare inherited multisystem disorder that is characterized by a pathological mineralization of the elastic connective tissue, which involves predominantly the skin, eyes and cardiovascular system. Its cause lies on mutations in the ABCC6 gene, which lead to reduction or absence of the transmembrane transport ADP dependent protein (MRP6), causing an accumulation of extracellular material and subsequent deposition of calcium and other minerals in the elastic tissue. The authors report two cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum, emphasizing its major clinical features and the importance of early diagnosis of the disorder, aiming for adequate therapeutic management of associated complications.

Incontinentia pigmenti or Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome: a rare X-linked genodermatosis.

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare X-linked genodermatosis that affects mainly female neonates. The first manifestation occurs in the early neonatal period and progresses through four stages: vesicular, verruciform, hyperpigmented and hypopigmented. Clinical features also manifest themselves through changes in the teeth, eyes, hair, central nervous system, bone structures, skeletal musculature and immune system. The authors report the case of a patient with cutaneous lesions and histological findings that are compatible with the vesicular stage, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management.

Incontinentia pigmenti or Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome: a rare X-linked genodermatosis

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare X-linked genodermatosis that affects mainly female neonates. The first manifestation occurs in the early neonatal period and progresses through four stages: vesicular, verruciform, hyperpigmented and hypopigmented. Clinical features also manifest themselves through changes in the teeth, eyes, hair, central nervous system, bone structures, skeletal musculature and immune system. The authors report the case of a patient with cutaneous lesions and histological findings that are compatible with the vesicular stage, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management.

Onicomatricoma: tumor raro do aparelho ungueal: relato de três casos / Onychomatricoma: a rare tumor of the nail apparatus: report of three cases

Os onicomatricomas são tumores benignos raros que se originam a partir da matriz ungueal e do estroma subjacente. São geralmente assintomáticos e de crescimento lento. Acometem igualmente homens e mulheres de meia idade, comprometendo com maior frequência os dígitos das mãos. As características clínicas fundamentais para o diagnóstico são: faixa longitudinal amarelada de espessura variável, estilhaços hemorrágicos, estrias longitudinais associadas à hipercurvatura transversal e projeções digitiformes emergentes da matriz ungueal. Os autores relatam três casos desse tumor acometendo pododáctilos, enfatizando seus principais aspectos clínicos, achados dermatoscópicos e tratamento cirúrgico.

Onychomatricomas are rare benign tumors originating from the nail matrix and underlying stroma. They are usually asymptomatic and slow growing, affecting both middle-aged men and women, and more frequently involve the digits of the hands. Key clinical features for diagnosis are: yellowish longitudinal band of variable width, splinter hemorrhages, longitudinal grooves associated with the transverse overcurvature and fingerlike projections emerging from the nail matrix. The authors report three cases of this tumor affecting toes, emphasizing main clinical aspects, dermoscopic findings, and surgical treatment.

Esquema alternativo para tratamento de hanseníase multibacilar em um caso de hepatotoxicidade durante a poliquimioterapia / Alternative treatment of multibacillary leprosy in a case of hepatotoxicity during multidrug therapy

A associação da dapsona, rifampicina e clofazimina tem se mostrado eficaz do tratamento da hanseníase multibacilar,entretanto a dapsona é responsável por inúmeros efeitos colaterais. Relata-se um caso de hepatoxocidade durante a poliquimioterapia, tratado com sucesso com a introdução de esquema alternativo com rifampicina,clofazimina e ofloxacino.

The combination of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine has proven quite effective in the treatment of multibacillary leprosy, however dapsone is responsible for numerous side effects. We report a case of hepatoxocidade during multidrug therapy, successfully treated with the introduction of alternative treatment with rifampicin,clofazimine and ofloxacin.

Síndrome da Sulfona: uma grave reação de hipersensibilidade / Sulfone syndrome: a severe hypersensitivity reaction

A dapsona é uma medicação utilizada no tratamento da hanseníase e outras doenças cutâneas. Mesmo em doses habituais pode causar um quadro denominado síndrome da sulfona caracterizado por febre, hepatite,dermatite esfoliativa, linfadenomegalia, anemia hemolítica e atipia linfocitária. Trata-se de uma rara e grave reação de hipersensibilidade à sulfona com curso clínico imprevisível. Os autores relatam um caso de síndrome da sulfona, enfatizando seus principais achados clínicos,laboratoriais e histopatológicos.

Dapsone is a drug used to treat leprosy and other skin diseases. Even in normal doses can cause a condition called sulfona syndrome, characterized by fever, hepatiti sexfoliative dermatitis, generalised lymphadenopathy, hemolytic anemia and atypical lymphocytes in peripheral blood. It’s a rare and severe hypersensitivity reaction to sulfone with an unpredictable clinical course. The authors report a case of sulfone syndrome, emphasizing its main clinical, laboratory and histopathological findings.