Radiotherapy as a Treatment Option for Local Disease Control in Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type.

BACKGROUND: Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL, LT) is an aggressive lymphoma variant. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy with rituximab is recommended as first-line treatment. Radiotherapy (RT) has been considered as a therapeutic option for local disease control in patients with solitary or localized lesions. METHODS: We report the results of a retrospective analysis of PCDLBC, LT patients treated either with RT alone or with physician's decision as first-line treatment, aiming to assess disease progression and/or first recurrence in these treatment groups. RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients treated either with RT alone (n = 8) or with investigator's choice treatment (n = 12), which included chemotherapy alone or combined with local therapy (RT and wide local excision). Complete response (CR) was achieved in 8 patients from the first group and 9 patients from the second group, with 1 treatment failure. Six patients treated with RT alone progressed with a median time to progression (TTP) of 12.5 months. In the second group, 5 patients progressed with a median TTP of 5.2 months. RT showed good local disease control in both groups without any skin relapses during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: RT as first-line monotherapy followed by watchful waiting did not significantly improve the overall risk of disease progression but resulted in good local disease control. After progression, RT could still easily be combined with systemic treatment. The strength of this analysis needs to be evaluated in a larger patient cohort.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis of childhood.

A 4-year-old boy presented with blistering on his face and distal upper and lower extremities. Subepidermal blisters containing neutrophils and eosinophils visualized on histology supported the diagnosis of linear IgA bullous dermatosis of childhood (LABDC). The dermatosis presents with vesicles and tense blisters in an annular distribution, erythematous papules, and/or excoriated plaques. Histopathology shows subepidermal blisters with a neutrophilic infiltrate in the dermis, mainly concentrated at the tips of dermal papillae in the early stage of the disease, which can be mistaken for the pattern of neutrophilic infiltration as seen in dermatitis herpetiformis. Dapsone is the treatment of choice, which is started at a dosage of 0.5mg/kg/day. Linear IgA bullous dermatosis of childhood is a rare autoimmune disease that can be mistaken for other conditions with similar presentations but should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with blistering.

Novel morphological and genetic features of fumarate hydratase deficient renal cell carcinoma in HLRCC syndrome patients with a tailored therapeutic approach.

The hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome (HLRCC) is defined by germline mutations in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene and associated with leiomyomas and aggressive renal cell carcinomas with FH deficiency. Here, we comprehensively characterize two new patients with HLRCC syndrome on a morphological, immunohistochemical and genetic level. The patients developed aggressive HLRCC syndrome-associated RCCs, uterine leiomyomas and dermal leiomyomas. One HLRCC syndrome-associated RCC exhibited an unusual morphology with accumulation of "colloid-like" cytoplasmic inclusions, which might serve as a novel sentinel feature to trigger further testing. This case showed partially retained FH expression, initially hampering correct diagnosis. Comprehensive next-generation sequencing analyses of HLRCC syndrome-associated RCC and leiomyomas in our patients revealed divergent genetic changes in the FH gene in different tumors from the same patient. While all leiomyomas (uterine and cutaneous) showed a FH loss of heterozygosity (LOH) as a wildtype allele inactivating event, one HLRCC-RCC showed a second, undescribed NM_000143.3; c.947C>T; p.Ala316Val FH mutation accompanying the preexisting splice site mutation c.378+2T>C. In the other HLRCC syndrome-associated RCC, the FH mutation (NM_000143.3; c.462T>G; p.Asn154Lys with a somatic LOH) represents another variant of unknown significance that we link to HLRCC - and thus classify as likely pathogenic. Due to the specific diagnosis of metastatic HLRCC syndrome-associated RCC, both cases were treated in first line with bevacizumab/erlotinib and showed remarkable and long lasting responses. These findings allow new morphological and molecular insights into the biology of the HLRCC syndrome, corroborate the "second hit" hypothesis of tumor formation in HLRCC patients and may promote a distinct therapeutic approach.

[Paraneoplastic subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus]. / Paraneoplastischer subakut kutaner Lupus erythematodes.

The genesis of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is multifactorial and includes idiopathic, drug-related and paraneoplastic etiologies. This article reports the case of a 70-year-old female patient with paraneoplastic SCLE in whom a lung adenocarcinoma was detected during the extended examination. A paraneoplastic SCLE should be considered when a patient with SCLE presents with lesions in regions of the skin not exposed to sunlight and beginning B symptoms.

Generalized Pustular Psoriasis, Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis, and Other Pustular Reactions: A Clinical Review.

Generalized pustular rashes have various etiologies and can be challenging to diagnose and manage at first presentation. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of common pustular skin eruptions including generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, focusing on their pathophysiology, triggers, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies. The article also highlights recent advances in genetic research and biologic therapies for GPP and the future directions in personalized medicine and prevention strategies.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin induces considerable sustained cost of care in organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent cancer in organ transplant recipients (OTR). OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively analyzed the cost of dermatologic care in our OTR specialty clinic. METHODS: We collected billing data for OTR (n = 198) seen at the Dermatology Department of Zurich University Hospital over 4 years (2004-2007). Grouping by histology yielded the groups: SCC (n = 70), with SCC occurring within the observation period; past SCC (n = 40), with SCC before the observation period; in situ SCC (n = 13), when only in situ SCC had been diagnosed; biopsy negative (n = 49) for SCC and in situ SCC; and no biopsy ever (n = 26) within the observation period. RESULTS: Median annual costs for dermatologic care were US$1398 for SCC; US$776 for past SCC; US$308 for in situ SCC; US$211 for biopsy negative; and US$156 for no biopsy ever. Median cost per case of invasive SCC (US$1830) was higher than cost per case of in situ SCC (US$603). Regression analysis showed male sex (P = .006), age at transplantation (P = .001), and time since transplantation (P < .001) as independent cost factors. LIMITATIONS: This was an open, retrospective, single-center study with limited patient numbers. CONCLUSION: Dermatologic care for OTR is costly, and the majority of the costs are associated with SCC. Once SCC occurs, costs increase in a pronounced and sustained fashion. Interventions reducing the progression from in situ SCC to SCC could lead to considerable financial savings. We advocate sun protection, early diagnosis, and intervention to minimize the costs associated with SCC.

IL-31 expression by inflammatory cells is preferentially elevated in atopic dermatitis.

Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a recently discovered cytokine expressed in many human tissues, and predominantly by activated CD4(+) T cells. IL-31 signals through a heterodimeric receptor consisting of IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) and oncostatin M receptor beta (OSMR). Earlier studies have shown involvement of IL-31 and its receptor components IL-31RA and OSMR in atopic dermatitis, pruritus and Th2-weighted inflammation at the mRNA level. The aim of this study was to investigate IL-31 protein expression in skin of such conditions. Immunohistochemical staining for IL-31, IL-31RA and OSMR was performed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. IL-31 expression was increased in the inflammatory infiltrates from skin biopsies taken from subjects with atopic dermatitis, compared with controls (p ≤ 0.05). IL-31, IL-31RA and OSMR protein immunoreactivity was not increased in biopsies from subjects with other Th2-weighted and pruritic skin diseases. Our results confirm, at the protein level, the relationship between IL-31 expression and atopic dermatitis. Our results do not support a general relationship between expression of IL-31/IL-31R and pruritic or Th2-mediated diseases.

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis secondary to COVID-19 infection leading to extensive skin necrosis.

A wide range of extrapulmonary manifestations in patients with COVID-19 has been reported during the ongoing pandemic, thus making the clinical spectrum of this new disease very heterogeneous. While COVID-19-associated vasculitis and vasculopathy have been described, cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (cLcV) due to SARS-CoV-2 has rarely been reported, and if it has, with relatively mild courses. We present the case of a 93-year-old man who, after having survived classic COVID-19 infection, developed a fulminant cLcV leading to extensive skin necrosis and tissue damage that resulted in his death. Considering the negative workup for other triggers of vasculitis, we find that cLcV is a secondary manifestation of COVID-19, even though SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction in the skin biopsy was not present in the tissue. We hypothesize this by providing a pathophysiologic rationale (eg, SARS-CoV-2-induced endotheliitis, complement activation, and interleukin 6 dominant intra- and perivascular inflammation).

Standardized diagnostic algorithm for spitzoid lesions aids clinical decision-making and management: a case series from a Swiss reference center.

IMPORTANCE: Spitzoid lesions are a group of melanocytic tumors characterized by spindle-like or epithelioid cells with variable malignant potential. While some spitzoid lesions are classified as evidently benign or malignant by clinic and histology, others present with unclear clinical and histological characteristics and are categorized as lesions of intermediate biologic potential. These lesions represent a challenge for pathologists and clinicians alike. No consensus on ancillary diagnostics and clinical management exists. Prediction of their clinical course is difficult. The implementation of ancillary diagnostics is currently subject of extensive discussions. OBSERVATIONS: We report three cases of spitzoid lesions in three young female patients (3-, 15- and 17 years old) from a single reference center with different clinical and histological manifestations. In each case, uncertain clinical and histological presentation led to the stepwise application of additional diagnostics using immunohistochemistry and a custom next generation sequencing panel optimized for melanocytic lesions (MelArray). Combining ancillary diagnostics helped determine clinical management in all cases by characterizing the biology of these lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: We illustrate how clinical, histological and molecular features contribute to an optimized management plan in these critical situations and present a possible algorithm for the assessment of spitzoid neoplasms.

Ecthyma-gangrenosum-like bullous pemphigoid.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic, autoimmune, subepidermal blistering skin disease with varied clinical presentations. Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, histopathological findings, and direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies. In unclear cases, ELISA or Western blot analysis helps to establish a definite diagnosis by the detection of immunoglobulin G autoantibodies specific for the hemidesmosomal BP antigens BP230 and BP180. We report 3 cases of BP with an as yet not characterized, distinctive ecthyma-gangrenosum-like presentation. Patients were female, above 80 years of age, physically immobile, and skin lesions showed truncal localization and bacterial colonization. Factors contributing to physical immobility were a high body mass index, psychiatric disease, sedative medication and rheumatic disease. The clinical picture resembled ecthyma gangrenosum but lacked systemic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Lesional bacteriological studies revealed Staphylococcusaureus and/or P. aeruginosa. Diagnosis proved challenging in all cases. Suspicion has to be high, and repeated diagnostic procedures and additional laboratory studies may be necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis of BP. In summary, we propose this combination of truncal ecthyma-gangrenosum-like lesions with bacterial colonization in the context of older age and immobility as a clinically distinct presentation or variant of BP.

Photodynamic therapy improves skin antisepsis as a prevention strategy in arthroplasty procedures: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Current standard skin antisepsis to prevent surgical site infections are ineffective to eradicate all skin-colonizing bacteria. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown bactericidal effects in vitro, but no clinical study with improvements in skin antisepsis has been documented. METHODS: We investigated the effect of methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)-PDT versus no PDT for skin antisepsis treatment (povidone-iodine/alcohol) in the groin of 10 healthy participants. Skin swabs were taken at baseline, immediately after PDT, and after skin antisepsis treatment to cultivate bacteria. At day 7 and 21, bacterial cultures were repeated before and after antisepsis treatment without PDT. Skin biopsies were performed to examine the grade of inflammation. RESULTS: Skin-colonizing bacteria were found in all 20 participants at baseline sampling. Immediately after MAL-PDT, skin was sterile in 7 (70%) participants before and in all 10 (100%) participants after skin antisepsis treatment. In contrast, we found skin-colonizing bacteria in 5 (50%) participants of the control group receiving only skin antisepsis. After 7 and 21 days, skin sterility was similar to the baseline. We observed slight perivascular inflammation with lymphocytes and eosinophils without changes in the histomorphology of eccrine or sebaceous glands in skin biopsies. PDT was generally well tolerated except for localized redness. CONCLUSION: MAL-PDT with skin antisepsis treatment sterilized skin immediately after its use but did not maintain sterility 7-21 days post-treatment. Due to local side effects, further clinical studies with less intensive PDT conditions or other photosensitizers are needed before PDT is integrated into clinical practice.

Progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in immunosuppressed patients is associated with reduced CD123+ and FOXP3+ cells in the perineoplastic inflammatory infiltrate.

AIMS: Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC) increases dramatically in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). The aim was to determine whether qualitative and quantitative differences in perineoplastic inflammation in OTRs contribute to the increased carcinogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied the perineoplastic inflammatory infiltrate in SCC, assessing depth, density and phenotype (CD3, 4, 8, FOXP3, CD123 and STAT1) by immunohistochemistry in paired biopsy specimens of intraepithelial and invasive SCC in immunocompetent patients and OTRs. Considerable inflammation was observed in all intraepithelial SCC (inflammatory infiltrate depth 2.80 +/- 2.21 mm immunocompetent patients, 2.15 +/- 2.95 mm OTRs). Inflammation was more pronounced in invasive SCC of immunocompetent patients (4.60 +/- 4.67 mm) and OTRs (3.30 +/- 5.90 mm) (P < 0.005). The density of perineoplastic inflammatory infiltrates increased from intraepithelial to invasive SCC (P = 0.005). OTRs showed a lower density of perineoplastic inflammatory infiltrate (P = 0.041). OTRs also showed reduced CD3+ T-lymphocyte and CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte proportions in intraepithelial SCC (P = 0.025 and 0.027, respectively). FOXP3+ regulatory T-lymphocyte proportions in OTRs' invasive SCC were markedly diminished (P = 0.048). CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells increased in the progression from intraepithelial to invasive SCC in immunocompetent patients (P = 0.040). CD123+ cells were reduced in all SCC of OTRs (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Perineoplastic inflammation in intraepithelial SCC is pronounced both in immunocompetent patients and OTRs. Inflammation increases further in invasive SCC. OTRs show reduced proportions of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells and CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells. This distinct inflammatory infiltrate may result in increased cutaneous carcinogenesis and more aggressive behaviour of SCC in OTRs.

Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in psoriasis enables keratinocyte reactivity against TLR9 ligands.

Here we show that keratinocytes in psoriatic lesional skin express increased Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 that similarly localizes with elevated expression of the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37. In culture, normal human keratinocytes exposed to LL-37 increased TLR9 expression. Furthermore, when keratinocytes were exposed to LL-37 and subsequently treated with TLR9 ligands, such as CpG or genomic DNA, they greatly increased production of type I IFNs. This response mimicked observations in the epidermis of psoriatic lesional skin as keratinocytes in psoriatic lesions produce greater amounts of IFN-ß than normal skin lacking LL-37. The mechanism for induction of type I IFNs in keratinocytes was dependent on TLR9 expression but not on a DNA-LL-37 complex. These findings suggest that keratinocytes recognize and respond to DNA and can actively participate in contributing to the immunological environment that characterizes psoriasis.

Pronounced allelic imbalance at D9S162 in skin squamous cell carcinoma of organ transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate chromosomal instability at 9p21-22 with p16 protein expression in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) compared with immunocompetent patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). DESIGN: In a select population of intraepithelial and subsequent invasive SCC from the same anatomic region of the same patient at different times, we assessed loss of heterozygosity at 3 microsatellites­IFNA, D9S162, and D9S925­in the course of carcinogenesis in OTRs and immunocompetent patients. SETTING: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich. PATIENTS: Immunocompetent patients and OTRs with SCC on sun-damaged skin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Chromosomal allelic balance in SCC of OTRs and immunocompetent patients. RESULTS: Reduced allelic balance at IFNA, D9S162, and D9S925 in intraepithelial forms of SCC and similar allelic imbalance in invasive forms of SCC were found. Allelic balance at D9S162 was reduced for SCC in OTRs compared with SCC in immunocompetent patients. The study revealed broadly reduced allelic balance at 9p21-22 in all cutaneous SCCs, and OTRs presented a further reduced allelic balance for D9S162, suggesting a common trait for SCC in OTRs. Actinic keratosis and Bowen disease differed in allelic balance at D9S162, suggesting substantial differences in their carcinogenesis. CONCLUSION: Reduced allelic balance around locus D9S162 is a genomic correlate for enhanced carcinogenesis in OTRs.

Immunosuppression affects CD4+ mRNA expression and induces Th2 dominance in the microenvironment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in organ transplant recipients.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent cancer in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). The immune system plays a major role in the fight against SCC, however, little is known about the local inflammatory response in SCC at all. We analyzed quantity and quality of the perineoplastic inflammatory SCC microenvironment in immunocompetent patients and immmunosuppressed OTRs. RNA expression profile of SCC patients was analyzed for 8 different sets of genes relating to Th1 versus Th2 response using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. SCC from immunocompetent patients and OTRs were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reactions for CD4, CD8, TBET, GATA-3, FOXP3, RORC, IFN-gamma, IL-4, TGF-beta, IL-10, and IL-17A mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry was carried out in SCC for CD3, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3 expression. Considerable inflammation was seen in both patient groups. SCC in immunocompetent patients and OTRs was associated with a mixed Th1 and Th2 gene expression signature. CD4(+) mRNA was diminished in immunosuppression. Skin adjacent to SCC in OTRs showed Th2 expression pattern as compared with immunocompetent patients. T-BET and IFN-gamma mRNA expression were decreased in the OTR group. Although Th17-weighted inflammation was unchanged, IL-17A mRNA level was markedly decreased with immunosuppression. Regulatory T cells, characterized by FOX-P3 and TGF-beta mRNA level, were decreased in OTRs. Our findings support the hypothesis that nontumor-bearing skin adjacent to SCC in OTRs is not necessarily normal and that the local microenvironment may contribute to a field effect contributing to higher recurrence rates and more aggressive behavior observed in these patients.