Horizontal histological sections in the preliminary evaluation of basal cell carcinoma submitted to Mohs micrographic surgery

Abstract Background: Mohs micrographic surgery is a surgical technique for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Surgery begins by removing the visible tumor before excision of the tissue specimens for evaluation of the tumor margins. Objectives: To present a new way to evaluate the material obtained from debulking, by horizontal histological analysis of the fragment. Methods: Descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study based on the medical records and histological lamellae of patients with primary basal cell carcinomas smaller than 1.5 cm submitted to Mohs micrographic surgery and who had the visible tumor analyzed by horizontal histological sections. Results: The sample evaluated included 16 patients with lesions located on the face. Comparing the histopathological examinations of incisional biopsy in vertical sections and debulking in horizontal sections, there was agreement in seven cases. The histological analysis performed in horizontal sections allowed identification of the tumor site in 13 cases, and the relation between tumor and margin showed that in 11 cases, the lateral margin was compromised.Study limitations: The technique was better-applied in lesions smaller than 2 cm. Conclusion: Horizontal histological analysis of debulking has advantages for Mohs surgery, since it allows visualization of almost all tumor extension in the same view plane of the dermatoscopy, allowing better definition of the histological subtype, tumor site, and tumor/margin of lesions less than 1.5 cm.

Lucio's Phenomenon. Case study of an exceptional response to treatment exclusively with multibacillary multidrug therapy / Fenomeno de Lucio. Relato de um caso exuberante com excelente resposta ao tratamento com Poliquimioterapia Multibacilar

Lucio's phenomenon represents a serious cutaneous necrotizing reaction, which can occur with Lucio's leprosy and also in other forms of lepromatous leprosy. The authors discuss the case of a 63-year-old male patient presenting with ulcers and necrotic cutaneous lesions on the limbs, torso and face, associated with recurring sinusitis, hoarseness and a weight loss of 25 kilos over the last year. Bacilloscopy of intradermal scrapings showed a bacilloscopic index of 5 and the histopathological findings were compatible with the diagnosis of Lucio's phenomenon. The chosen treatment was exclusively multibacillary multidrug therapy, resulting in important dermatological improvement after one month of therapy. The authors present an impressive case of Lucio's phenomenon with an exceptional response to treatment exclusively with multibacillary multidrug therapy.

O fenômeno de Lúcio representa uma reação cutânea necrosante grave que pode ocorrer na hanseníase de Lúcio e em outras formas de hanseníase virchowiana. Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente masculino de 63 anos de idade apresentando há um ano lesões ulceronecróticas nos membros, lóbulos auriculares e tronco, associadas a sinusite de repetição, rouquidão e perda ponderal de 25 kg. A baciloscopia de raspado intradérmico mostrou índice baciloscópico de 5 e o exame histopatologico foi compatível com fenômeno de Lúcio. O tratamento instituído foi exclusivamente com poliquimioterapia multibacilar (PQT-MB), havendo melhora importante do quadro cutâneo após um mês de tratamento. Os autores apresentam um caso exuberante de fenômeno de Lúcio que obteve excelente resposta ao tratamento somente com PQT-MB.

Folliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens: boa resposta a terapias combinadas com abordagem precoce / Folliculitis abscedens capitis et suffodiens: good response to combine therapies with earlier approach

Folliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens é uma afecção infrequente do couro cabeludo que acomete predominantemente os homens jovens e negros, resultando em alopecia e cicatrizes. É caracterizada por nódulos inflamatórios que se intercomunicam por intermédio de fístulas com drenagem de material purulento. Sua etiologia não é bem compreendida e seu tratamento é difícil e, geralmente, com resultados insatisfatórios. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso clínico incomum, com manifestações clínicas exuberantes, que obteve uma resposta satisfatória com abordagem terapêutica intensiva e precoce. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente com lesões nodulares, dolorosas, de consistência amolecida, flutuação e odor fétido no couro cabeludo há um mês. Realizamos drenagem com coleta de material para cultura e iniciamos limeciclina e prednisona orais, infiltração intralesional com betametasona e retapamulina tópica. O paciente apresentou importante melhora clínica após três meses de tratamento...

Dermoscopy of lichen aureus / Dermatoscopia do liquen aureus

Lichen aureus (also called "lichen purpuricus") is an uncommon subtype of pigmented purpuric dermatosis. Clinically characterized by rust macules, papules or plaques, it is a chronic disease which more often affects young adults and is localized mainly on the lower extremities. The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical and histopathological features. Dermoscopy findings are useful to confirm clinical diagnosis.

O líquen aureus (também denominado "liquen purpuricus") é um subtipo pouco comum entre as dermatoses purpúricas pigmentadas. Clinicamente caracterizado por máculas, pápulas ou placas de coloração ferruginosa, é doença crônica, que acomete mais frequentemente adultos jovens e localiza-se principalmente nos membros inferiores. O diagnóstico pode ser feito a partir das características clínicas e histopatológicas, sendo os achados dermatoscópicos úteis para corroborar o diagnóstico clínico.

Tratamento cirúrgico do xantelasma com técnica de blefaroplastia / Surgical treatment of xanthelasma using blepharoplasty

O xantelasma é queixa frequente nos consultórios de dermatologia, principalmente entre as mulheres. Clinicamente apresenta-se como placas amareladas, planas ou ligeiramente elevadas, na região palpebral. Há diversas modalidades descritas no tratamento dessa condição, sendo que, para correção de xantelasmas extensos, particularmente em pacientes com excesso de pele, a técnica mais utilizada é a blefaroplastia.

Xanthelasma is a frequent complaint in dermatology, especially among women. Clinically, the condition has the appearance of flat or slightly raised yellowish plaques in the eyelid region. There are several procedures described for treating this condition. Blepharoplasty is the most commonly used technique to correct extensive xanthelasmas, particularly in patients with excess skin.

Knowledge and practices of medical students to prevent tuberculosis transmission in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Conocimientos y prácticas de los estudiantes de medicina para prevenir la transmisión de la tuberculosis en Río de Janeiro, Brasil

OBJECTIVES: To describe knowledge, practices, and associated factors of medical students to prevent transmission of tuberculosis (TB) in five medical schools. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of undergraduate medical students in preclinical and in early and late clinical years. Information was obtained on sociodemographic profile, previous lectures on TB, knowledge about TB transmission, exposure to patients with active pulmonary TB, and use of respiratory protective masks. RESULTS: Among 1 094 respondents, 575 (52.6 percent) correctly answered that coughing, speaking, and sneezing can transmit TB. Early [adjusted odds ratio = 4.0 (3.0, 5.5)] and late [adjusted odds ratio = 4.2 (3.1, 5.8)] clinical years were associated with correct answers, but having had previous lectures on TB was not. Among those who had previous lectures on TB, the rate of correct answers increased from 42.1 percent to 61.6 percent. Among 332 medical students who reported exposure to TB patients, 194 (58.4 percent) had not used protective masks. More years of clinical experience was associated with the use of masks [adjusted odds ratio = 2.9 (1.4, 6.1)], while knowledge was inversely associated with the use of masks [adjusted odds ratio = 0.4 (0.2, 0.6)]. CONCLUSIONS: Many medical students are not aware of the main routes of TB infection, and lectures on TB are not sufficient to change knowledge and practices. Regardless of knowledge about TB transmission, students engage in risky behaviors: more than two-thirds do not use a protective mask when examining an active TB case. We suggest innovative, effective active learning experiences to change this scenario.

OBJETIVOS: Describir los conocimientos y las prácticas de los estudiantes de medicina para prevenir la transmisión de la tuberculosis (TB) en cinco escuelas de medicina y sus factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta a estudiantes de medicina de cursos preclínicos, clínicos iniciales y clínicos avanzados. Se obtuvo información del perfil sociodemográfico, las conferencias recibidas sobre TB, el conocimiento sobre la transmisión de la TB, la exposición a pacientes con TB pulmonar activa y el uso de máscaras respiratorias de protección. RESULTADOS: De los 1 094 encuestados, 575 (52,6 por ciento) respondieron correctamente que toser, hablar y estornudar pueden transmitir la TB. Estar en los cursos clínicos iniciales (razón de posibilidades ajustada [ORa] = 4,0; intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento [IC95 por ciento]: 3,0 a 5,5) y avanzados (ORa = 4,2; IC95 por ciento: 3,1 a 5,8) se asociaron con las respuestas correctas, no así haber recibido conferencias sobre TB. La tasa de respuestas correctas aumentó de 42,1 por ciento a 61,6 por ciento en los estudiantes que habían recibido conferencias sobre TB. De los 332 estudiantes de medicina que informaron haber estado expuestos a pacientes con TB, 194 (58,4 por ciento) no usaron máscaras protectoras. El mayor número de años de experiencia clínica se asoció con el uso de máscaras (ORa = 2,9; IC95 por ciento: 1,4 a 6,1), mientras que el conocimiento sobre el tema se asoció inversamente con el uso de máscaras (ORa = 0,4; IC95 por ciento: 0,2 a 0,6). CONCLUSIONES: Muchos estudiantes de medicina no conocen las vías principales de infección de la TB y las conferencias sobre TB no son suficientes para modificar sus conocimientos y actitudes. Independientemente del conocimiento sobre la transmisión de la TB, los estudiantes incurrieron en conductas de riesgo: más de dos terceras partes no usó máscaras protectoras al examinar casos activos de TB. Se recomienda establecer prácticas...