Psoriasis in teledermatology: analysis of the 2016‒2020 period in Santa Catarina

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects 1.3% of Brazilians. The use of teledermatology (TD) in the public health sector has democratized access to dermatological care. Objective To analyze TD exams with suspected and/or diagnosed psoriasis performed between 2016‒2020 in the state of Santa Catarina (SC). Methods Analytical cross-sectional observational study that used secondary data collected from the records of TD exams from the Telemedicine and Telehealth System (TTS) of SC. The associations were evaluated by the chi-square test and Student'st test. The significance level was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results During the period, 6,146 TD exams were related to psoriasis, 58% due to the diagnosis provided by the reporting dermatologist and 42% exclusively due to the suspected disease on the request of the examination. The male sex predominated among the diagnoses of dermatosis (51%; p < 0.001). Regarding risk classification, psoriasis diagnoses were predominantly yellow (58.7%; p < 0.001) or blue (39.7%; p < 0.001) risk, respectively indicating moderate to severe psoriasis (referral to tertiary care) and mild psoriasis (treatment in the primary health care [PHC] level). True positive tests, suspected by PHC and diagnosed with psoriasis through TD, were 34.1% (p < 0.001). Study limitations The TD service is available only for the public health network and analysis for a limited period (five years). Conclusions Psoriasis diagnoses performed by TD, when compared to other dermatoses, tend to receive treatment at the primary (p < 0.001) or tertiary (p < 0.001) health care level, reducing the number of referrals to the secondary care level.

Skin infection by Mycobacterium marinum - diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Abstract The number of skin infections caused by atypical mycobacteria has increased in recent decades. They usually appear after contact with wounds and interruptions in the integrity of the skin. The present report describes a case of cutaneous infection by Mycobacterium marinum, in a young, immunocompetent patient, with a prolonged evolution, diagnosed through a skin lesion culture (from a spindle biopsy of the skin). The patient was treated with multidrug therapy, including clarithromycin, doxycycline, and rifampicin, due to the lesion extent, with satisfactory results. A brief review of the literature is also provided.

Mortality from malignant skin melanoma in elderly Brazilians: 2001 to 2016

Abstract Background: Malignant skin melanoma is a serious public health problem, especially among the elderly population. Knowing the dynamics of the mortality rates of this disease in Brazil is essential to support the creation of public health policies. Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of mortality from malignant skin melanoma in elderly people in Brazil, from 2001 to 2016. Methods: This was a descriptive analytical study of mortality rates from malignant skin melanoma in the elderly. The data were obtained from the Mortality Information System, and information related to the population was obtained from the 2010 population census and population estimates from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Mortality coefficients were calculated and simple linear regression analysis of the coefficients was performed by sex and macro-region. Results: A total 12,712 deaths due to malignant skin melanoma in the elderly were registered. The majority (56.8%) occurred in the male population. In females, a tendency of increase in mortality rates due to malignant skin melanoma was observed in the Northeast (p ≤ 0.001), Midwest (p = 0.002), and Brazil as a whole (p = 0.003). In males, an upward trend was observed in all regions, except for the Southeast region. For both sexes, there was also an upward trend in all regions, with the exception of the Southeast region. Study limitations: Secondary databases are directly influenced by the quality of death certificate completion and their heterogeneous scope in Brazilian regions. Conclusion: The increase in mortality indicates a potential public health challenge for the coming decades. The prevention of skin cancer among the elderly should become a priority, mainly through the implementation of preventive measures.

Use of methotrexate in an exuberant case of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud in a teenager

Abstract Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud is a rare dermatosis with onset during puberty, more prevalent in females than in males. The pathogenesis is unknown, but some theories suggest either a keratinization or endocrine disorder. The lesions are verrucous, brownish, hyperkeratotic papules or spots that coalesce in a confluent and/or reticulated pattern. This report presents a case with extensive cutaneous involvement associated with acanthosis nigricans and good response to treatment with methotrexate.

Quality of life and clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma submitted to tumor resection by double-bladed scalpel

Abstract: Background: Non-melanoma skin cancer accounts for a third of all malignancies registered in Brazil, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being one of its subtypes. It develops in photo-exposed areas, affecting social habits and causing negative influence on quality of life (QoL). Objectives: To evaluate QoL in patients with primary cutaneous SCC. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in patients with clinical diagnosis of SCC, corroborated by dermoscopy and confirmed by histopathology; prior to resection of the tumor using the double-blade scalpel technique, a questionnaire on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was applied. Results: Among the 46 evaluated patients, mean age was 67.1 ± 16.0 years, with a predominance of males, low educational level and socioeconomic status, Fitzpatrick II phototype, history of outdoor work, and tumor location in exposed photo areas. Mean DLQI was 4.02 ± 0.63, and in the categorization, 11 (23.9%) had a moderate to severe negative effect on QoL. The skin tumor had a negative impact on daily activities (33% of cases), treatment effects (30%), and symptoms and feelings (29%). Study limitations: There is no gold standard instrument for assessing QoL in dermatological patients. Conclusion: In the study sample, one-fourth of patients with SCC had a moderate to severe negative effect on quality of life.

Consensus on the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic immune mediated disease of universal distribution that causes great damage to the quality of life of the affected individual, whose prevalence is estimated at 0.41% in the Brazilian population. The objective of this work was update on physiopathogenesis, diagnosis and classification of hidradenitis suppurativa and to establish therapeutic recommendations in the Brazilian reality. It was organized as a work group composed of eight dermatologists from several institutions of the country with experience in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa and carried out review on the topic. Recommendations were elaborated and voted by modified Delphi system and statistical analysis of the results was performed. The Brazilian consensus on the clinical approach of hidradenitis suppurativa had the support of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for plaque psoriasis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 1.3% of the Brazilian population. The most common clinical manifestations are erythematous, scaling lesions that affect both genders and can occur on any anatomical site, preferentially involving the knees, elbows, scalp and genitals. Besides the impact on the quality of life, the systemic nature of the disease makes psoriasis an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially in young patients with severe disease. By an initiative of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, dermatologists with renowned clinical experience in the management of psoriasis were invited to form a work group that, in a partnership with the Brazilian Medical Association, dedicated themselves to create the Plaque Psoriasis Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines. The relevant issues for the diagnosis (evaluation of severity and comorbidities) and treatment of plaque psoriasis were defined. The issues generated a search strategy in the Medline-PubMed database up to July 2018. Subsequently, the answers to the questions of the recommendations were devised, and each reference selected presented the respective level of recommendation and strength of scientific evidence. The final recommendations for making up the final text were worded by the coordinators.

Melasma and assessment of the quality of life in Brazilian women

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a chronic, acquired hyperpigmentation disease on sun-exposed areas of the skin, which affects patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact on the quality of life of women living in Florianópolis, Brazil, through questionnaire (MelasQol), and investigate the clinical aspects and risk factors for melasma, correlating them with the MelasQol scores. METHODS: This study was performed on 51 melasma patients cared for at the University Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. The variables included were: age, gender, age of onset of melasma, Fitzpatrick phototype (I-VI), duration and family history of melasma, onset of melasma during pregnancy, use of hormonal contraceptive, thyroid disorder and distribution of melasma. The MelasQoL questionnaire, validated for Brazilian Portuguese (MelasQoL-BP), was applied. RESULTS: The mean age was 38.43±6.75 years. All patients were women. The most common Fitzpatrick skin phototypes were III (49.02%) and IV (33.33%). Melasma had a mean age of onset of 29.18±7.05 years and a mean duration of 9.25±6.18 years. The majority of patients did not have familial history of melasma (50.98%). Melasma onset was associated with pregnancy (45.10%). The MelasQoL-BP analysis revealed significant emotional impact on patients, such as feeling bothered (94.11%), frustrated and embarrassed (64.71%), and depressed (52.94%) about their skin appearance, as well as unattractive (78.43%). No social impact was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Melasma has a strong emotional impact on quality of life, resulting especially from feelings about skin appearance. .

Teledermatology protocol for screening of Skin Cancer

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine refers to the use of technology as improvement of healthcare delivery to places where distance becomes an obstacle. Its use represents a great potential for dermatology, a specialty whose visual analysis phase is essential in diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the compatibility index of skin cancer diagnoses between primary care and teledermatology, and to validate a protocol for standardization of digital imaging to obtain the reports in teledermatology. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study developed through the census of 333 examination requests, received between January/2012 and July/2012, in the Center for Telemedicine and Telehealth of SES-SC. We used a protocol for photographic lesion standardization, consisting of three steps (panoramic photo, close-up with ruler and dermoscopy). After collection, the data were sent to a virtual site on the Internet, and recorded with the use of an electronic health record containing the images, the skin phototype and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The level of compatibility between the diagnosis of skin cancer in Santa Catarina's primary care and the diagnosis proposed by teledermatology was 19.02%. Proportionally, it was 21.21% for BCC, 44.44% for SCC and 6.98% for MM. The protocol was statistically significant (p <0.05), with an OR of 38.77. CONCLUSION: The rate of diagnostic compatibility of skin cancer was low and the use of the protocol optimized the chance of validating requests for examination. .

Dermoscopic features of thin melanomas: a comparative study of melanoma in situ and invasive melanomas smaller than or equal to 1mm / Caracteristicas dermatoscopicas de melanomas finos: estudo comparativo entre melanomas in situ e melanomas invasivos menores ou iguais a 1mm

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopy allows the early detection of melanomas. The preoperative determination of Breslow index by dermoscopy could be useful in planning the surgical approach and in selecting patients for sentinel lymph node biopsy. OBJECTIVES: This study aims at describing the dermoscopic features of thin melanomas and comparing melanomas in situ with invasive melanomas less than or equal to 1 mm thick. METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study in which the dermoscopy photographs of 41 thin melanomas were evaluated. Three observers evaluated together 14 dermoscopic criteria. RESULTS: Among thin melanomas, the most frequent criteria were presence of asymmetry in two axes in 95% of cases (39 cases), 3 or more colors in 80.4% of cases (33 cases), atypical dots or globules in 58.5% of cases (24 cases) and atypical network or streaks in 53.6% of cases (22 cases). The group of invasive melanomas presented with a higher frequency and statistical significance (p <0.05) 3 or more colors (OR: 16.1), milky red areas (OR: 4.8) and blue-white veil (OR: 20.4), and a greater tendency to have streaks or atypical network (OR: 3.66). CONCLUSIONS: Thin melanomas tend to have asymmetry in the two axes, 3 or more colors, atypical dots or globules and atypical network or streaks. Melanomas in situ tend to have up to 2 colors, no blue-white veil and no milky red area. Invasive melanomas tend to have 3 or more colors, a milky red area, blue-white veil, and atypical network or streaks. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. .

FUNDAMENTOS: A dermatoscopia propicia o diagnóstico mais precoce do melanoma. A estimativa préoperatória da espessura de Breslow através da dermatoscopia poderia ser útil no planejamento da conduta cirúrgica e seleção dos pacientes para a biópsia de linfonodo sentinela. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo objetiva descrever as características dermatoscópicas encontradas em melanomas finos e comparar melanomas in situ com melanomas invasivos menores ou iguais a 1 mm. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo observacional, retrospectivo, no qual avaliouse o registro fotográfico da dermatoscopia de 41 melanomas finos. Três observadores avaliaram em conjunto 14 critérios dermatoscópicos. RESULTADOS: Dentre os melanomas finos, os critérios mais encontrados foram: presença de assimetria nos dois eixos em 95% (39 casos), 3 ou mais cores em 80,4% (33 casos), pontos ou glóbulos atípicos em 58,5% (24 casos) e rede atípica ou estrias radiadas em 53,6% (22 casos). O grupo dos melanomas invasivos apresentou com maior frequência e significância estatística (p<0,05) a presença de 3 ou mais cores (OR: 16,1), áreas vermelho-leitosas (OR: 4,8) e véu (OR: 20,4), além de uma maior tendência em apresentar rede atípica ou estrias radiadas (OR: 3,66). CONCLUSÕES: Os melanomas finos tendem a apresentar assimetria nos dois eixos, 3 ou mais cores, pontos ou glóbulos atípicos e rede atípica ou estrias radiadas. Os melanomas in situ tendem a apresentar até 2 cores, ausência de véu e de área vermelho-leitosa. Os melanomas invasivos tendem a exibir 3 cores ou mais, área vermelho-leitosa, véu, rede atípica ou estrias radiadas. Outros estudos são necessários para a confirmação dos achados. .

Epidermodisplasia verruciforme: apresentação clínica com variadas formas de lesões / Epidermodysplasia verruciformis: clinical presentation with varied forms of lesions

Epidermodisplasia verruciforme é uma genodermatose rara caracterizada por infecção disseminada por HPV, de caráter recessivo, com casos ligados ao cromossoma X. É caracterizada clinicamente por lesões maculares hipo ou hiperpigmentadas, lesões pitiríase versicolor like, verrugas planas e desenvolvimento precoce de carcinomas cutâneos. Descreve-se um caso de paciente com quadro clínico exuberante, apresentando todas as formas de lesões desta doença, inclusive presença de carcinoma espinocelular agressivo na face.

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare inherited skin disorder spread by HPV, with cases linked to chromosome X. It is characterized by hypo- or hyper-pigmented macular lesions, pityriasis versicolor-like lesions and an early tendency to develop skin malignancies. We present a case of epidermodysplasia verruciformis with a variety of lesions such as multiple plane warts, pityriasis versicolor-like lesions and aggressive squamous cell carcinoma on the face.

Paquidermoperiostose: forma completa da síndrome / Pachydermoperiostosis: the complete form of the syndrome

A paquidermoperiostose é uma genodermatose rara, com apresentações clínicas variadas, que se apresenta com espessamento cutâneo, baqueteamento digital e periostose. Apresenta patogênese ainda incerta e acomete, principalmente, homens. Descreve-se caso de paciente com manifestações clínicas típicas e exuberantes e alterações radiológicas clássicas desta síndrome, em sua forma completa.

Pachydermoperiostosis is a rare genodermatosis with various clinical presentations that include pachydermia (thickening of the skin), finger clubbing and periostitis. Its pathogenesis is uncertain and the condition affects mainly men. This report describes the case of a patient with typical, exuberant skin manifestations and classic radiological findings of this syndrome in its complete form.

Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com vitiligo e sua associação com doenças da tireoide / Vitiligo epidemiological profile and the association with thyroid disease

FUNDAMENTO: O vitiligo é considerado a hipomelanose adquirida mais frequente. Apesar de sua etiopatogenia ser incerta, acredita-se que a etiologia autoimune seja a mais plausível, teoria que se fundamenta na concomitância de vitiligo com doenças autoimunes. OBJETIVOS: Traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com vitiligo e estimar a prevalência da associação de vitiligo com doenças autoimunes da tireoide. MÉTODOS: Efetuou-se um estudo transversal, analisando-se prontuários dos pacientes com diagnóstico de vitiligo atendidos no Ambulatório de Dermatologia AME-Unisul e do HU-UFSC. Avaliaram-se as características clínicas e laboratoriais desses pacientes. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 85 prontuários, sendo 56 do sexo feminino, com idade média de 37,14 anos e idade média de início de 25,25 anos. O vitiligo vulgar ocorreu em 70,6 por cento dos casos. As doenças autoimunes da tireoide foram encontradas em 22,4 por cento dos casos. Outras doenças autoimunes foram identificadas em 5,9 por cento dos casos. Os pacientes com anticorpos antitireoidianos positivos revelaram uma probabilidade elevada de extensão do vitiligo maior que 25 por cento. Não houve diferença estatística quanto às características clínicas do vitiligo em portadores ou não de tireoidite autoimune com alteração hormonal. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo são similares aos de outros autores, mostrando que as doenças autoimunes da tireoide são mais frequentes nos pacientes com vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is considered the most frequent acquired hypomelanosis. Although its pathogenesis is uncertain, it is believed that autoimmune etiology is the most plausible. This theory is based on the coexistence of vitiligo with autoimmune diseases. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological profile of vitiligo patients and to estimate the prevalence of the association of vitiligo with autoimmune thyroid diseases. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted through analysis of the medical records of patients diagnosed with vitiligo in the AME-UNISUL Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology and at HU-UFSC. The clinical and laboratorial characteristics of these patients were assessed. RESULTS: 85 medical records were evaluated; 56 patients were female, with a mean age of 37.14 years and mean onset age of 25.25 years. Vitiligo vulgaris occurred in 70.6 percent. Autoimmune thyroid diseases were found in 22.4 percent. Other autoimmune diseases were identified in 5.9 percent. Patients with positive thyroid autoantibodies showed a probability of extension of vitiligo greater than 25 percent. There was no statistical difference with regard to the clinical characteristics of vitiligo in patients with or without autoimmune thyroiditis with hormonal change. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study are similar to those obtained by other authors, showing that autoimmune thyroid diseases are more common in patients with vitiligo.

Incidência do carcinoma de células escamosas da pele na cidade de Tubarão (SC) - Brasil nos anos de 2000, 2003 e 2006 / Incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in the city of Tubarao (SC) - Brazil in the years 2000, 2003, and 2006

FUNDAMENTOS: Observa-se tendência mundial de aumento na incidência do carcinoma de células escamosas da pele, porém na região sul do estado de Santa Catarina (SC) não há dados sobre a incidência desse tipo de câncer. OBJETIVOS: Estabelecer dados epidemiológicos do carcinoma de células escamosas da pele em Tubarão (Santa Catarina). MÉTODOS: Laudos anatomopatológicos positivos para o carcinoma de células escamosas da pele dos laboratórios de Tubarão foram revisados quanto às variáveis: ano, idade, gênero, localização, subtipo histológico, maior diâmetro da lesão e comprometimento das margens. A incidência anual foi calculada utilizando o número de neoplasias encontradas e a população anual estimada para os anos de 2000, 2003 e 2006. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada uma incidência de carcinoma de células escamosas da pele por 100.000 habitantes de 50,86 para o ano de 2000, de 71,16 para 2003 e de 94,39 para 2006. Não houve predomínio de gênero, a face foi o local de acometimento mais frequente em ambos os gêneros e o subtipo histológico mais comum foi o bem diferenciado. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência do carcinoma de células escamosas da pele encontrada superou a estimativa da literatura consultada. Houve aumento na sua incidência; as variáveis idade, localização e tipo histológico foram concordantes com a literatura, porém a distribuição quanto ao gênero se mostrou diferente.

BACKGROUND: A worldwide increasing trend in the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin has been observed but there are no studies regarding the incidence of this cancer in the Southern region of the State of Santa Catarina. OBJECTIVES: To establish epidemiological data regarding squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in Tubarao (state of Santa Catarina). METHODS: Anatomopathological reports, positive for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, found in laboratories of the city of Tubarao, were analyzed regarding year, age, gender, site, histological subtype, largest diameter, and biopsy margins. The annual incidence was calculated using the number of neoplasias found and the estimated population for the years 2000, 2003, and 2006. RESULTS: The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin per 100,000 habitants was 50.86 for the year 2000, 71.16 for 2003 and 94.39 for 2006. There was no gender dominance, the face was the most frequent location affected in both genders, and the most common histological subtype was well differentiated tumor. CONCLUSION: The detected incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin surpassed the incidence estimated in the literature. There was a considerable increase in its incidence; the variables age and location agreed with information found in the literature but gender distribution differed.

Avaliação do perfil epidemiológico e da mortalidade dos pacientes com diagnóstico de melanoma cutâneo primário no município de Florianópolis - SC, Brasil / Evaluation of the epidemiological profile and the mortality rate of the patients with primary cutaneous melanoma in Florianopolis - SC, Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: O melanoma é o câncer cutâneo com maior letalidade. Santa Catarina é o estado brasileiro com maior número de casos desse tumor. OBJETIVOS: Estimar a taxa de mortalidade por melanoma no quinto ano de doença. MÉTODOS: A amostra compreendeu 81 laudos de melanoma primário cutâneo, em 75 pacientes, emitidos em Florianópolis - SC em 2002 e 2003. O protocolo de pesquisa incluiu idade, sexo, cor do paciente e localização anatômica, tipo histológico, grau de invasão, índice de Breslow, infiltrado inflamatório, ulceração, regressão, invasão angiolinfática e estadiamento do tumor. Foi feito contato telefônico com os pacientes para verificar seu status (vivo, morto por melanoma ou morto por outra causa). Para análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste exato de Fisher e a curva de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: O perfil dos pacientes foi: feminino, branco, 51,3 anos, melanoma invasivo em tronco ou membros, tipo extensivo superficial, Breslow 2,63 mm. A taxa de mortalidade por melanoma cutâneo foi de 7,0 por cento, maior entre homens (11,1 por cento), com Breslow superior a 4,0 mm (66,0 por cento), com ulceração (33,3 por cento) e em estádio IV (80,0 por cento). A sobrevida média foi de 56,7 meses. Conclusões: A taxa de mortalidade por melanoma primário cutâneo foi de 7,0 por cento, e a ulceração e o estadiamento final foram os fatores com significância estatística sobre o resultado.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is the cutaneous cancer which has the greatest lethality. Santa Catarina is the Brazilian State that contributes the most to increase this rate. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the mortality rate of melanoma in the fifth year of illness. METHODS: The sample comprises 81 reports of primary cutaneous melanoma, in 75 patients, diagnosed in lorianopolis - SC in 2002 and 2003. The protocol of research includes age, sex, patient's color, anatomical location, histological type, degree of invasion, Breslow index, inflammatory reaction, ulceration, regression, angiolymphatic invasion and tumor staging. The patients were contacted by telephone to verify their status (alive, killed by melanoma or dead for another reason). Fisher's exact test and Kaplan-Meier's survival curve were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The patients' profile was: female, white, 51.3 years of age, with invasive melanoma on the trunk and limbs, extensive spreading type, Breslow 2.63 mm. The mortality rate was 7.0 percent, greater among men (11.1 percent), Breslow above 4.0 mm (66.0 percent), with ulceration (33.3 percent) and stage IV (80.0 percent). The average survival period was 56.7 months. Conclusions: The mortality rate of primary cutaneous melanoma was 7.0 percent; ulceration and the final staging were the factors with statistic significance on the result.

Avaliação dos métodos diagnósticos para onicomicose / Evaluation of the diagnostic methods of onychomycosis

FUNDAMENTOS: As onicomicoses são infecções fúngicas responsáveis por 15 a 40 por cento das doenças ungueais. Apesar do pleno conhecimento de seus agentes etiológicos e do surgimento de inúmeros medicamentos antifúngicos, mantêm-se as dificuldades para se estabelecer diagnóstico correto. OBJETIVOS: Comparar o exame micológico direto, o histopatológico e a cultura dos pacientes com suspeita de onicomicose e verificar a sensibilidade e especificidade de cada método. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados 40 pacientes com suspeita clínica de onicomicose e avaliados os três métodos diagnósticos. Calculou-se para cada exame: sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos, positivo e negativo. RESULTADOS: O exame micológico direto foi positivo em 29 pacientes (72,5 por cento), o histopatológico em 14 (35 por cento), a cultura em 22 (55 por cento). As especificidades foram: exame micológico direto 78,6 por cento, histopatológico 92,9 por cento e cultura 100 por cento. As especificidades não apresentaram diferença significativa (p > 0,05). Na análise dos valores preditivos positivo e negativo, a cultura e o exame micológico direto obtiveram maior eficácia, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: O exame micológico direto foi o mais confiável para seu resultado negativo. A cultura mostrou-se específica quando positiva. Quanto à biópsia, não se mostrou sensível e apresentou especificidade equivalente à dos outros exames.

BACKGROUND: Onychomycoses are frequent fungal infections, responsible for 15 percent to 40 percent of nail plate diseases. In spite of great existing knowledge on the etiological agents and of the emergence of numerous antifungal drugs, difficulties still remain in making a correct diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To compare direct mycological examination, histopathology and culture of patients with suspicion of onychomycosis and to verify the sensitivity and specificity of the methods. METHODS: Forty patients with clinical suspicion of onychomycosis were chosen and evaluated with the three diagnostic methods. For each of the methods, sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value and predictive negative value were calculate. RESULTS: Direct mycological examination was positive in 29 patients (72.5 percent), histopathology in 14 (35 percent), and culture in 22 (55 percent). Found specificities were: direct mycological examination: 78.6 percent, histopathology: 92.9 percent and culture: 100 percent. There were no significant differences in the specificity of the methods (p > 0,05). In the analysis of the predictive positive value and the predictive negative value, culture and direct mycological examination had the largest efficacies, respectively. CONCLUSION: Direct mycological examination was the most reliable exam when its result was negative. Culture showed specificity when positive. As to the biopsy, it was found not to be sensitive and presented equivalent specificity to the other evaluated exams.

Comparação dos casos de melanoma cutâneo diagnosticados por diferentes especialistas / A comparison of cutaneous melanoma cases diagnosed by different medical specialists

FUNDAMENTOS: A importância do diagnóstico e intervenção precoces nos casos de melanoma cutâneo é vital para o prognóstico do paciente. OBJETIVO: Comparar os casos de melanoma cutâneo diagnosticados primariamente por diferentes especialidades médicas no município de Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. MÉTODO: Analisados 396 laudos de 332 pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de melanoma, de dois centros de serviços de Anatomia Patológica, em Florianópolis, entre 1° de janeiro de 1999 e 31 de dezembro de 2004. O protocolo, com base no questionário do Grupo Brasileiro de Melanoma, incluiu sexo, idade, localização, especialidade requisitante e espessura do tumor (índice de Breslow). RESULTADOS: Foram observados 186 melanomas in situ e 210 invasivos, predominantemente em mulheres (56 por cento). O pico etário ocorreu entre a quinta e a sexta décadas. O índice de Breslow foi semelhante nos grupos masculino e feminino (p = 0,424), mas apontou diferença entre a dermatologia (1,852mm) e demais especialidades médicas (4,383mm), com p = 0,037. Número maior de ulcerações foi encontrado no grupo diagnosticado pelos cirurgiões gerais (p = 0,05). Os dermatologistas diagnosticaram 217 melanomas cutâneos (54 por cento), e a maioria dos tipos clínicopatológicos, exceto o acral. CONCLUSÃO: O papel do dermatologista é fundamental para o diagnóstico precoce do melanoma cutâneo, que permite modificar o curso natural da doença.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and intervention in melanoma cases are crucial for prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of cutaneous melanoma cases diagnosed by different medical specialists, in the city of Florianopolis, Brazil. METHOD: A total of 396 reports of 332 patients with histopathological diagnosis of melanoma were analyzed. The reports were collected from two laboratories in Florianopolis from January 1st, 1999 to December 31st, 2004. The protocol was based on the questionnaire of the Brazilian Group of Melanoma, including sex, age, lesion site, medical specialty that ordered the exam and tumor thickness (Breslow index). RESULTS: Our findings showed 186 melanomas in situ and 210 invasive melanomas, predominantly in females (56 percent). The incidence peak was between the 5th and 6th decades of life. Breslow index was similar in both male and female groups (p = 0.424). The mean Breslow index was 1.852mm for dermatology and 4.383mm for other medical specialties (p = 0.037). A higher number of ulceration was found in the group diagnosed by general surgeons (p = 0.05). Dermatologists diagnosed 217 (54 percent) cutaneous melanomas from the sample and most clinical histological types, except for the acral type. CONCLUSION: The role played by dermatologists is essential for early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma, therefore changing its outcome.

Avaliação de 496 laudos anatomopatológicos de melanoma diagnosticados no município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil / Assessment of 496 pathological reports of melanoma diagnosed in the city of Florianopolis, SC, Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS- O melanoma é a mais letal das neoplasias cutâneas, e sua incidência vem aumentando em todo o mundo. O conhecimento estatístico do comportamento biológico do melanoma cutâneo em Florianópolis é fundamental tanto para orientar o raciocínio clínico da prática ambulatorial diária como para auxiliar políticas de saúde pública. OBJETIVOS - Estabelecer dados epidemiológicos sobre melanoma em Florianópolis, Brasil. MÉTODOS - Foram analisados 496 laudos de 432 pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de melanoma, de dois centros de serviços de anatomia patológica entre primeiro de janeiro de 1999 e 31 de dezembro de 2004 em Florianópolis. O protocolo, baseado no questionário do Grupo Brasileiro de Melanoma, incluiu sexo, tipo histológico, presença de nevo no tumor, índice de Breslow, ulceração, mitose, presença de infiltrado inflamatório, margens e presença de metástase. RESULTADOS - Observaram-se 186 melanomas in situ, 210 invasivos, e 100 metastáticos. O tipo histológico mais comum foi o melanoma extensivo superficial (60 por cento). A média de Breslow dos melanomas lentigo maligno e extensivo superficial foi 1,829mm e dos melanomas nodular e acral de 5,035mm (p< 0,0001). Os principais locais de metástases foram a pele e o subcutâneo, linfonodos e o cérebro. CONCLUSÕES - O perfil histopatológico do melanoma cutâneo observado neste estudo foi de melanoma tipo extensivo superficial, invasivo, com Breslow de 1,25mm, com infiltrado inflamatório e margens livres.

BACKGROUND - Melanoma is the most lethal cutaneous neoplasm and its incidence has increased worldwide. Statistical knowledge about the biological behavior of cutaneous melanoma is fundamental to guide clinical reasoning in daily practice as well as to contribute to public health policies. OBJECTIVES - To establish epidemiological data on melanoma in Florianopolis, Brazil. METHODS : A total of 496 reports of two pathology laboratories on 432 patients with pathological diagnosis of melanoma were analyzed in a six-year period. The protocol, based on the questionnaire of the Brazilian Melanoma Group, included sex, histological type, presence of nevus, Breslow tumor thickness, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, mitotic index, ulceration, surgical margins and metastasis. RESULTS - A total of 186 in situ, 210 invasive and 100 metastatic melanomas were observed. The most common histological type was superficial spreading melanoma (60 percent). The mean Breslow thickness of malignant lentigo and superficial spreading melanomas was 1.829 mm, and of nodular and acral melanoma was 5.035 mm (p<0.0001). The main metastasis sites were skin and subcutaneous tissue, lymph nodes and brain. CONCLUSIONS - In this study, the histopathological profile was superficial spreading, invasive, 1.25-mm Breslow thickness, with inflammatory infiltrate and free margin cutaneous melanomas.

Prevalência das dermatoses no ambulatório de dermatologia da UNISUL / Prevalence of dermatosis at UNISUL dermatology ambulatory

Dermatoses são problemas comuns e podem refletir uma doença sistêmica ou um problema primário da pele. A prevalência de desordens cutâneas varia e depende da população estudada e a definição da importância.Objetivo: Traçar o perfil dos pacientes atendidos no ambulatório de Dermatologia da UNISUL, no período de fevereiro de 2003 a 31 de agosto de 2005.Métodos: Estudo com delineamento transversal na coleta dos dados baseado em demanda ambulatorial. Os dados foram obtidos através do BDAM (Boletim Diário de Atendimento Médico) ou dos prontuários médicos utilizados para anamnese dos pacientes durante as consultas.Resultados: Foram realizadas 1005 consultas dermatológicas no período estudado, gerando um total de 1220 diagnósticos; 537 pacientes se consultaram no ambulatório. As mulheres corresponderam a 65 dos pacientes atendidos. A doença mais freqüente foi a psoríase com 143 (11,72) diagnósticos, seguida dos eczemas com 106 (8,68) diagnósticos e das micoses superficiais com 105 (8,60) diagnósticos.Conclusão: Onze dermatoses foram responsáveis por 72 dos diagnósticos. Mulheres adultas foram responsáveis pela maioria das consultas...

Dermatosis are common problems and can reflect a systemic illness or a primary problem of the skin. The prevalence of cutaneous disorders varies and depends of the population studied and the importance of the definition. Objective: To define the patient profile consulted at UNISUL Dermatology ambulatory, in the period from February 2003 to August 31st 2005. Methods: Cross-sectional study on the collection of data based on the clinic demand. The data were gotten through BDAM (daily bulletin of Medical attendance) or on the medical records used for anamnesis of the patients during the consultation. Results: One thousand and five (1005) dermatological consultations in the studied period had been carried through, generating a total of 1220 diagnosis; 537 patients had consulted in the clinic. The women had corresponded 65 of the consulted patients. The most frequent dermatosis was psoriasis with 143 (11,72) of the diagnosis, followed by eczemas with 106 (8,68) diagnosis and superficial mycosis with 105 (8,60) diagnosis.Conclusion: Eleven dermatosis had been responsible for 72 of the diagnosis. Adult women had been responsible for the majority of the consultations...