Case series of sporotrichosis at a teaching hospital in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection with a worldwide distribution and higher incidence in tropical and subtropical areas, such as the Brazilian territory, where it has been standing out due to its frequent epidemics. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sporotrichosis and profile the affected patients at a university teaching hospital in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: This study was a case series of patients diagnosed with Sporothrix spp. from January 2006 to December 2015 by microscopic examination or fungal isolates. Medical records were reviewed for epidemiological data. RESULTS: Forty-three cases of sporotrichosis were diagnosed through the period. The sample comprised predominantly young male adults and rural workers. The most common disease type was lymphocutaneous (51%), followed by fixed cutaneous form (32.5%). The predominant location was the upper limbs (70%), followed by the lower limbs (16%). A significant association was observed between the lymphocutaneous form and upper limb location and between the fixed cutaneous form and lower limb location (p = 0.019). Potassium iodine and itraconazole were the most common treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This study will help update the epidemiological situation of sporotrichosis in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, over the last decade.

Knowledge and habits of sun exposure in university students: a cross-sectional study in Southern Brazil

Abstract BACKGROUND: Excessive sun exposure is the major risk factor for skin cancer. Thus, sun exposure behavior is the major focus for prevention of this disease, since it is potentially modifiable. Increasing the knowledge on sun related habits and other skin cancer risk factors is fundamental in the development of preventive programs, especially when directed to young people. OBJECTIVES: To assess the photoprotection habits and the knowledge about skin cancer in college students. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from Oct. 16 to Feb. 17, including 371 students from the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, through a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The level of knowledge about skin cancer and photoprotection was unsatisfactory in more than 10% of the students. The occurrence of sunburn was extremely high among students, and 25% reported at least one episode of second degree sunburn. Proper use of sunscreen was referred by only 34% of individuals. Students who reported having received photo education in college were associated with a more consistent use of sunscreen. STUDY LIMITATIONS: health area represented a large part of the sample; instrument validated outside Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Young people are unaware of basic information about sun protection and exposure. Even among those with proper knowledge, the use of photoprotective measures is very low. The sun exposure has shown to be excessive in most of the students, which makes this population an important target for photo-educational measures.

Disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis in patient with alcoholism

Abstract Sporotrichosis is the most prevalent subcutaneous mycosis and is characterized by a subacute or chronic development of a cutaneous or subcutaneous nodular lesion. It is caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix spp, which may manifest in different clinical forms. The disseminated cutaneous form is uncommon and is more likely to occur in immunocompromised patients. We report a 47-year-old male patient with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis based on the isolation and identification of Sporothrix spp. The patient was treated with potassium iodide, which resulted in clinical improvement of the lesions.

Sarcoma de Ewing congênito: relato de um caso / Congenital Ewing's sarcoma: a case report

O sarcoma congênito da família Ewing é uma doença extremamente rara, que se manifesta através do surgimento de uma massa e sinais sistêmicos como dor e febre. Cerca de 70 a 80% dos casos ocorrem antes dos 20 anos de idade. Histologicamente se caracteriza pela presença de pequenas células arredondadas e azuis. Além disso, pode se manifestar em tecidos moles ou osso e em qualquer parte do corpo, sendo a forma congênita mais comumente encontrada nas extremidades. O diagnóstico é estabelecido através de exames de imagem, histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica. Esses tumores costumam ser agressivos e apresentar elevada mortalidade. Aqui, relatamos o caso de um recém-nascido que apresentou uma massa no membro superior esquerdo diagnosticada como sarcoma congênito da família Ewing por biópsia cutânea por punch e pela presença do marcador CD99 (AU)

Congenital Ewing's sarcoma is an extremely rare disease, manifested by the appearance of a mass and systemic signs such as pain and fever. About 70-80% of cases occur before 20 years of age. This condition is histologically characterized by the presence of small round blue cells and can manifest in bone or soft tissue, anywhere in the body, with the congenital form being the most commonly found in the extremities. The diagnosis is established by imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. These tumors tend to be aggressive and have high mortality rates. Here, we report the case of a newborn who presented a mass in the left upper limb diagnosed as congenital Ewing's sarcoma by punch skin biopsy and the presence of the CD99 marker (AU)