Real-life effectiveness and safety of baricitinib in patients with severe alopecia areata: A 24-week Italian study.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition characterized by rapid hair loss in the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes, for which treatments are limited. Baricitinib, an oral inhibitor of Janus kinases 1 and 2, has been recently approved to treat alopecia areata. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study involving 23 medical centres across Italy, enrolling patients affected by severe alopecia areata (SALT >50), for more than 6 months. Clinical and trichoscopic assessment was performed at each visit and impact on quality of life, anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Skindex-16 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 39 years and a mean SALT >95. The mean value of the SALT score decreased from an average of 96.6 (±8.23 sd) to 48 (±35.2 sd) after 24 weeks of treatment and 42.3% of patients achieved a SALT 30, 31.3% a SALT 20 and 20.3% a SALT 10 by Week 24. Trichoscopic signs showed fewer yellow dots and black dots significantly earlier than hair regrowth. Adverse events during the treatment period (mild laboratory test abnormalities) were reported in 12.7% patients. No drop-out were registered. CONCLUSION: Data on the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib are promising and support the use of this drug in severe forms of AA, also in the early stages. We also suggest performing trichoscopy in order to reveal early response to therapy.

Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography of psoriasis, eczema and lichen planus: a case series with histopathological correlation.

BACKGROUND: Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a novel, non-invasive technique that provides in vivo, high-resolution images in both vertical and horizontal sections. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate LC-OCT imaging in some inflammatory disorders and to correlate the resulting features with histopathology. METHODS: The retrospective study included patients with histopathological confirmed diagnosis of plaque psoriasis, atopic eczema and lichen planus, who were imaged with LC-OCT before the biopsy. LC-OCT was performed with the commercially available LC-OCT device. RESULTS: A total of 15 adult patients with histopathologically proven plaque psoriasis (N: 5), atopic eczema (N: 5) and lichen planus (N: 5) were included. In all cases, LC-OCT allowed the in vivo recognition of the main microscopic features of the examined inflammatory skin disease, with a strong correlation with histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: Although future studies on larger series of patients are necessary, LC-OCT, based on these preliminary findings, may represent a promising tool in inflammatory skin disorders with potential applications including enhanced diagnosis, biopsy guidance, follow-up and treatment monitoring.

Dermoscopy of glomus tumour: a cross-sectional study of 86 cases.

BACKGROUND: Glomus tumours (GTs) are benign cutaneous neoplasms derived from the neuromyoarterial apparatus with a strong predilection for acral sites, especially the subungual space. Current data regarding dermoscopy of these lesions are very limited. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the dermoscopic structures and patterns seen in a large series of subungual (SUGTs) and extraungual glomus tumours (EUGTs) and to determine their diagnostic significance. METHODS: Clinical and dermoscopic images of 86 histopathologically proven cases of GTs (47 SUGTs and 39 EUGTs) collected from 9 hospitals in Spain, France, Italy, and Brazil were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic structures and patterns. Similarly, 189 and 185 dermoscopic images of other ungual tumours and other extraungual non-pigmented tumours, respectively, were evaluated for the same structures and patterns. Finally, we evaluate diagnostic testing accuracy calculating sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), and positive and negative predictive values of the different patterns for the diagnosis of GT. RESULTS: Regarding SUGTs, four patterns were built from the combination of different structures. The pattern composed of a structureless purplish/red subungual spot with or without vessels reached the highest S (S1, 78.8%). The combination of a structureless purplish/red subungual spot and longitudinal erythronychia (LE) (S2) is highly specific (96.3%). Patterns S3 (proximal purplish/red subungual spot, LE, and distal notch) and S4 (bed subungual spot and onycholysis) are the most specific and exclusive of matrix and bed tumours, respectively. The most consistent pattern in EUGTs is composed of a structureless purplish-white to reddish-white homogeneous area and linear unfocused vessels (E) (S: 61.5%, Sp: 95.7%). EUGTs did not show lacunae, unlike other vascular tumours. CONCLUSIONS: Dermoscopy is helpful in improving the diagnostic accuracy of GTs, not only in SUGTs but also when these lesions arise out of the ungual apparatus.

Standardization of dermoscopic terminology and basic dermoscopic parameters to evaluate in general dermatology (non-neoplastic dermatoses): an expert consensus on behalf of the International Dermoscopy Society.

BACKGROUND: Over the last few years, several articles on dermoscopy of non-neoplastic dermatoses have been published, yet there is poor consistency in the terminology among different studies. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to standardize the dermoscopic terminology and identify basic parameters to evaluate in non-neoplastic dermatoses through an expert consensus. METHODS: The modified Delphi method was followed, with two phases: (i) identification of a list of possible items based on a systematic literature review and (ii) selection of parameters by a panel of experts through a three-step iterative procedure (blinded e-mail interaction in rounds 1 and 3 and a face-to-face meeting in round 2). Initial panellists were recruited via e-mail from all over the world based on their expertise on dermoscopy of non-neoplastic dermatoses. RESULTS: Twenty-four international experts took part in all rounds of the consensus and 13 further international participants were also involved in round 2. Five standardized basic parameters were identified: (i) vessels (including morphology and distribution); (ii) scales (including colour and distribution); (iii) follicular findings; (iv) 'other structures' (including colour and morphology); and (v) 'specific clues'. For each of them, possible variables were selected, with a total of 31 different subitems reaching agreement at the end of the consensus (all of the 29 proposed initially plus two more added in the course of the consensus procedure). CONCLUSIONS: This expert consensus provides a set of standardized basic dermoscopic parameters to follow when evaluating inflammatory, infiltrative and infectious dermatoses. This tool, if adopted by clinicians and researchers in this field, is likely to enhance the reproducibility and comparability of existing and future research findings and uniformly expand the universal knowledge on dermoscopy in general dermatology. What's already known about this topic? Over the last few years, several papers have been published attempting to describe the dermoscopic features of non-neoplastic dermatoses, yet there is poor consistency in the terminology among different studies. What does this study add? The present expert consensus provides a set of standardized basic dermoscopic parameters to follow when evaluating inflammatory, infiltrative and infectious dermatoses. This consensus should enhance the reproducibility and comparability of existing and future research findings and uniformly expand the universal knowledge on dermoscopy in general dermatology.

The 2020 International Alliance for the Control of Scabies Consensus Criteria for the Diagnosis of Scabies.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is a common parasitic skin condition that causes considerable morbidity globally. Clinical and epidemiological research for scabies has been limited by a lack of standardization of diagnostic methods. OBJECTIVES: To develop consensus criteria for the diagnosis of common scabies that could be implemented in a variety of settings. METHODS: Consensus diagnostic criteria were developed through a Delphi study with international experts. Detailed recommendations were collected from the expert panel to define the criteria features and guide their implementation. These comments were then combined with a comprehensive review of the available literature and the opinion of an expanded group of international experts to develop detailed, evidence-based definitions and diagnostic methods. RESULTS: The 2020 International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) Consensus Criteria for the Diagnosis of Scabies include three levels of diagnostic certainty and eight subcategories. Confirmed scabies (level A) requires direct visualization of the mite or its products. Clinical scabies (level B) and suspected scabies (level C) rely on clinical assessment of signs and symptoms. Evidence-based, consensus methods for microscopy, visualization and clinical symptoms and signs were developed, along with a media library. CONCLUSIONS: The 2020 IACS Criteria represent a pragmatic yet robust set of diagnostic features and methods. The criteria may be implemented in a range of research, public health and clinical settings by selecting the appropriate diagnostic levels and subcategories. These criteria may provide greater consistency and standardization for scabies diagnosis. Validation studies, development of training materials and development of survey methods are now required. What is already known about this topic? The diagnosis of scabies is limited by the lack of accurate, objective tests. Microscopy of skin scrapings can confirm the diagnosis, but it is insensitive, invasive and often impractical. Diagnosis usually relies on clinical assessment, although visualization using dermoscopy is becoming increasingly common. These diagnostic methods have not been standardized, hampering the interpretation of findings from clinical research and epidemiological surveys, and the development of scabies control strategies. What does this study add? International consensus diagnostic criteria for common scabies were developed through a Delphi study with global experts. The 2020 International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) Criteria categorize diagnosis at three levels of diagnostic certainty (confirmed, clinical and suspected scabies) and eight subcategories, and can be adapted to a range of research and public health settings. Detailed definitions and figures are included to aid training and implementation. The 2020 IACS Criteria may facilitate the standardization of scabies diagnosis.

Dermoscopy of genital diseases: a review.

The male and female external genital regions are anatomical areas in which various types of skin disorders may occur. Although most of these conditions can be diagnosed by means of clinical examination and an accurate medical history, in most cases further investigations with time-consuming and/or invasive procedures are needed in order to reach the correct diagnosis. Dermoscopy, as a modern non-invasive tool, is able to better diagnose pigmented and non-pigmented skin tumours along with various inflammatory and infectious skin and appendage disorders. The aim of this paper was to provide a review of the use of dermoscopy in genital disorders based on published data and to include personal experience gained from real life, focusing on any possible gender difference and whether disease mucosal/semimucosal dermoscopy features may differ from those observed on the skin. In conclusion, genital dermoscopy should always be considered during clinical inspection in order to enhance the diagnosis or to rule out those conditions that may look similar but that show a different dermoscopy pattern, thus narrowing down the differential diagnoses and avoiding unnecessary invasive investigations.

[Reluctance determinants of dermatologists about tattooing in patients with psoriasis. An international study]. / Déterminants de la réticence des dermatologues vis-à-vis du tatouage chez les patients atteints de psoriasis. Une étude internationale.

BACKGROUND: Tattoos are an increasingly common phenomenon, with a prevalence of around 10-30 % of the population in Western countries. The "Tatou" project assessed the risks of tattooing for patients with psoriasis. The first part revealed strong opposition to tattoos in these patients on the part of dermatologists, despite fewer than a quarter of them having any personal experience of complications. The second part showed a very low rate (6.6 %) of local complications on tattoos in these patients as well as absence of severe complications. These observations led us to assess the reasons for reluctance about tattoos in the 468 dermatologists involved in the first part of the "Tatou" project. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional international study in France, Finland and Italy to evaluate the experience and opinions of dermatologists regarding tattoos in psoriasis patients via an anonymous questionnaire. We then examined the stated reasons for opposition to tattoos in order to establish the profiles of "tattoo-sceptical" dermatologists with regard to 4 different situations: active psoriasis, quiescent psoriasis, treatment with topical steroids and biotherapies. RESULTS: The opinion of dermatologists regarding tattoos was generally unfavourable (3.5±2.8/10), in particular, via multivariate analysis, among older dermatologists (P=0.01), dermatologists in private practice (P=0.04), and non-tattooed dermatologists (P<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, the main parameter affecting the position of practitioner with regard to tattoos was their personal opinion of tattoos (P<0.0001), regardless of disease activity or type of treatment. Italian, Finnish and female dermatologists exhibited greater reluctance but in a less consistent fashion. CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests a lack of objectivity among dermatologists opposed to tattoos probably stemming more from a poor opinion of this practice than from any fear of complications in their psoriatic patients.

Sex-related differences of clinical features in hidradenitis suppurativa: analysis of an Italian-based cohort.

The clinical characteristics associated with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) severity are poorly understood. In this study, 124 patients with HS from 6 Italian dermatology centres participated in this study. Disease severity was assessed using the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Physician's Global Assessment score (HS-PGA) and Hurley score. The impact of clinical characteristics on disease severity was assessed by logistic regression. Clinical characteristics were similar between men (n = 53) and women (n = 71). Disease severity was also similar; 75% of the patients had Hurley stage II or III disease, and > 60% had moderate, severe or very severe HS as judged by HS-PGA. Lesions were more frequent in the gluteal region in men (32.3% in men vs. 8.7% in women, P < 0.001) and more frequent on the breast in women (16.3% in women vs. 4.6% in men, P = 0.02). Obesity was associated with increased disease severity as measured by HS-PGA (OR: 3.28, 95% CI 1.55-6.95, P < 0.01) and Hurley classification (OR: 3.22, 95% CI 1.34-7.31, P < 0.01). Although severity of HS is similar between the sexes, the localization of lesions is different.

Accuracy of dermoscopy in distinguishing erythroplasia of Queyrat from common forms of chronic balanitis: results from a multicentric observational study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical differentiation of erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ) and chronic forms of balanitis may be challenging, especially in early phases or in overlapping cases. Dermoscopy has been shown to be a useful supportive tool in facilitating the distinction between tumoral and inflammatory skin conditions; yet, data on EQ and balanitis are scarce or sparse. OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess the dermoscopic features of both EQ and common forms of chronic balanitis and to investigate the accuracy of dermoscopy in distinguishing these conditions. METHODS: Subjects with EQ or chronic balanitis confirmed histologically or microbiologically (for infectious forms) were recruited. A representative dermoscopic image of a target lesion was retrospectively assessed for the presence of specific morphological findings. A correlation matrix was created using Spearman's rho. Proportions of dermoscopic variables scoring among different conditions were compared with the non-parametric Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 81 lesions (14 EQ, 23 psoriasis, 31 Zoon plasma cell balanitis and 13 candidal balanitis) from 81 patients were included in the study. Glomerular vessels (both clustered and diffusely distributed) were highly predictive for the diagnosis of EQ, while diffuse dotted vessels were strongly associated with psoriatic balanitis. Finally, Zoon plasma cell balanitis was characterized by orange structureless areas (focal or diffuse) and focused linear curved vessels, whereas cottage cheese-like structures (sparse white coating corresponding to Candida yeast colonies growth) showed a strong correlation with candidal balanitis. CONCLUSIONS: Erythroplasia of Queyrat and balanitis may display different dermoscopic patterns, thereby bearing the usefulness of dermoscopy as a supportive non-invasive tool for the recognition and differential diagnosis of such conditions.

Ultrasonography in the pathway to an optimal standard of care of hidradenitis suppurativa: the Italian Ultrasound Working Group experience.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) is a real-time non-invasive technique that has been demonstrated to support an early diagnosis and a more precise assessment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical and US evaluation of a series of HS patients. METHODS: 434 HS patients (259 F, 175 M; mean age 33.82 ±13.31 years) observed across 19 Italian dermatology centres [members of the Italian Ultrasound Working Group (IUWG)] were enrolled in a retrospective study. Clinical staging was obtained by the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Physician's Global Assessment score (HS-PGA), while the ultrasonographic staging was determined by the US HS-PGA, based on the same scores as clinical HS-PGA but performed with the aid of US. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the mean clinical and US HS-PGA scores were 2.70 and 2.92, respectively. Direct comparison of clinical and ultrasonographic assessment revealed that a higher proportion of patients was classified as having moderate and very severe disease by US. In particular, 117 patients (26.96%) had a worse classification by US HS-PGA compared to clinical assessment. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that the use of clinical grading only to assess HS severity may underestimate the real disease severity. US examination can be considered an essential non-invasive imaging tool available to dermatologists for a more accurate diagnosis, staging, treatment planning and monitoring of HS and should be included in the pathway to an optimal standard of care of HS.

Dermoscopy of cutaneous smooth muscle neoplasms: a morphological study of 136 cases.

BACKGROUND: A variety of cutaneous smooth muscle neoplasms may arise in the skin and are frequently unrecognized by clinicians. There is sparse data relating to the dermoscopy of piloleiomyomas (PL), and nothing has been published about the dermoscopy of angioleiomyomas (AL) and leiomyosarcomas (LS). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphological findings of a large series of cutaneous PL, AL and LS under dermoscopic observation, comparing these findings among them. METHODS: Digital dermoscopic images of 136 histopathologically confirmed cases of cutaneous smooth muscle neoplasms (114 PL, 13 AL and 9 LS) collected from 10 Hospitals in Spain, Austria and Italy were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic structures and patterns. RESULTS: The pattern composed of a symmetric, total delicate pigment network with the variable presence of multiple hypopigmented areas in a painful lesion is the most common dermoscopic pattern associated with PL. This pattern was found in 69.3% of PL and in no cases of AL and LS. The most common and characteristic pattern associated with AL was the one composed of symmetric pink-reddish tumour with vessels, white structures and the absence of ulceration, which was found in 46.2% of AL, but also in 3.5% of PL, and in 22.2% of LS. Finally, the most common pattern associated with LS was the one composed of an asymmetric, multilobulated tumour with linear-irregular or polymorphic-atypical vessels and white structures, which was found in 44.4% of cases, but also in 0.9% of PL and in 15.4% of AL. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopy is helpful in improving the diagnostic accuracy of PL. The dermoscopic patterns associated with AL and LS were more variable and less specific.

Erythema-directed digital photography for the enhanced evaluation of topical treatments for acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Erythema-directed digital photography is a novel method for evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of topical acne treatments. Here, we describe three case reports in which erythema-directed digital photography was used to evaluate acne before and after up to 12 weeks of treatment with clindamycin 1%/tretinoin 0.025% (Clin-RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Erythema-directed digital photography was used to evaluate acne in three patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne, two of whom had refused to continue previous topical acne treatment (benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5%) due to persistent irritation. Acne lesions and erythema were evaluated using standard clinical photography and erythema-directed digital photography (VISIA-CR™ system) before and after 8-12 weeks of treatment with Clin-RA. RESULTS: Erythema-directed digital photography revealed background erythema from previous topical acne treatments that was not evident from standard clinical photographs and allowed a better visualization of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. In all patients, there was a clear improvement in background erythema and a reduction in acne lesions following treatment with Clin-RA. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated for the first time that erythema-directed digital photography can enhance the evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of topical acne treatments. These cases show that Clin-RA was associated with improved efficacy and tolerability vs previous treatments with topical monotherapy (benzoyl peroxide 5%) or a topical fixed-dose combination (clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5%).

Handheld reflectance confocal microscopy, dermatoscopy and histopathological correlation of common inflammatory balanitis.

BACKGROUND: The term balanitis includes a variety of inflammatory skin diseases involving the glans penis whose clinical diagnosis may be challenging. A biopsy is often required to obtain a definitive diagnosis, although it is barely accepted by patients. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), that provides a real-time, en face imaging of the epidermis and upper dermis, is currently utilized for the diagnosis of some neoplastic and inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the RCM handheld findings of some common balanitis and to correlate them with dermatoscopy and histopathological features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with biopsy-proven diagnosis of psoriatic balanitis (10 patients), Zoon's balanitis (11 patients) and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (11 patients) were evaluated using a handheld RCM device and ×10 dermatoscopy. RESULTS: At the end of the study, each disorder presented specific RCM patterns that correlated with dermatoscopy and histopathological findings. CONCLUSION: The use of handheld RCM as complementary tool in everyday clinical practice for the evaluation of inflammatory diseases involving sensitive areas such as male genitalia, may contribute to reduce the need of invasive procedures.

Dermoscopy vs. reflectance confocal microscopy for the diagnosis of lentigo maligna.

BACKGROUND: Several dermoscopic and in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) diagnostic criteria of lentigo maligna (LM)/lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) have been identified. However, no study compared the diagnostic accuracy of these techniques. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy and RCM for LM/LMM using a holistic assessment of the images. METHODS: A total of 223 facial lesions were evaluated by 21 experts. Diagnostic accuracy of the clinical, dermoscopic and RCM examination was compared. Interinvestigator variability and confidence level in the diagnosis were also evaluated. RESULTS: Overall diagnostic accuracy of the two imaging techniques was good (area under the curve of the sROC function: 0.89). RCM was more sensitive (80%, vs. 61%) and less specific (81% vs. 92%) than dermoscopy for LM/LMM. In particular, RCM showed a higher sensitivity for hypomelanotic and recurrent LM/LMM. RCM had a higher interinvestigator agreement and a higher confidence level in the diagnosis than dermoscopy. CONCLUSION: Reflectance confocal microscopy and dermoscopy are both useful techniques for the diagnosis of facial lesions and in particular LM/LMM. RCM is particularly suitable for the identification of hypomelanotic and recurrent LM/LMM.

Reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of vesicobullous disorders: case series with pathologic and cytologic correlation and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Vesicobullous disorders are characterized by intraepidermal or subepidermal blistering resulting from different pathogenetic mechanisms. The diagnosis is generally based on clinical examination and semi-invasive/invasive procedures such as cytology and histopathology. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non-invasive technique for real-time, en face imaging of the epidermis and upper dermis with high resolution close to conventional histopathology. PURPOSE: To evaluate RCM features of different vesicobullous diseases and correlate with cytologic and histopathologic examination. METHODS: Ten patients (6M/4F, age range: 9-81 years) affected by blistering diseases, such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, Kaposi's varicelliform eruption, pemphigus vulgaris, Hailey-Hailey disease, bullous pemphigoid, and porphyria cutanea tarda were evaluated using a handheld RCM device. RESULTS: In our study, a clear correlation between RCM and Tzanck's test and/or histopathology was observed. RCM allowed in all cases an easy identification of the blister spaces and of the split levels, and in some cases specific features were detected, such as giant keratinocytes in herpes infections and acantholytic cells in pemphigus vulgaris and Hailey-Hailey disease. CONCLUSION: Reflectance confocal microscopy may support the clinical diagnosis of vesicobullous disorders and indicate to the physician the appropriate patient management and/or the need for further investigation.

Clinical, ultrasound, and videodermatoscopy monitoring of psoriatic patients following biological treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Effective non-invasive techniques to monitor plaque psoriasis progression and treatment are desirable. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in vascular pattern using videodermatoscopy (VD) and in skin thickness by ultrasound (US), along with clinical observation, during treatment with biologicals. METHODS: Forty-two patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with adalimumab, etanercept, or ustekinumab were evaluated. Following the identification of a 'target' plaque at baseline, lesion changes were monitored at 15, 30 and 60 days by clinical observation using a Target Lesion Score (TLS), and by VD and US. RESULTS: After 60 days, a significant improvement in all three parameters was observed. In adalimumab-treated patients mean values of TLS, VD, and US were reduced by 83.9%, 73.5%, and 90%, respectively; in etanercept-treated patients by 67.9%, 49.7%, and 79.3%; in ustekinumab-treated patients by 80.9%, 66.4%, and 80.1%. Skin thickness was the first parameter to improve. Vascular improvement was slower compared to clinical and US responses. CONCLUSION: VD and US may be useful to monitor psoriasis treatment. Further investigations are warranted to assess if the persistence of an altered vascular pattern despite clinical and US normalization, as observed in 22% of patients, may influence disease progression and/or correlate with rate and severity degree of relapse.