Epidemiological and clinical study of cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris in a reference center in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract Background: Pemphigus constitutes a group of autoimmune bullous diseases. A reduction in the incidence of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and an increase in pemphigus vulgaris has been described, but there are no studies in Minas Gerais that address the subject. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with pemphigus treated at the Dermatology Service of a public University Hospital in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out of cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris, for a period of six months. A questionnaire was filled out with epidemiological and clinical data on the disease. Results: A total of 122 patients were included in the study, 64 with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and 58 with pemphigus vulgaris. When comparing patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and those with pemphigus vulgaris, a statistical difference was observed between the median age of initial disease manifestation (p = 0.001), patient occupation (p = 0.010), area of residence (p = 0.000), forests (p = 0.000) and rivers/streams close to the dwelling (p = 0.001) and the number of systemic medications required to control the disease (p = 0.002). When comparing patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus to those evaluated in a study carried out at the same service in 2008, there was a statistical difference in the area of residence (p = 0.030). Study limitations: The assessed population comes from a tertiary care service that is not a reference for the entire state. Conclusions: Patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris maintain statistically significant differences regarding their main variables in the literature, such as age and area of residence. Historically, there has been a reduction in cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and an increase in cases of pemphigus vulgaris in this population.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a review of etiopathogenic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

Abstract Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of varied clinical expression, which may present as an exclusively cutaneous disease or be one of the multiple manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Its classification includes acute, subacute, intermittent, chronic and bullous subtypes, which are usually identified based on clinical features and histopathological and laboratory findings. Other non-specific cutaneous manifestations may be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and are usually related to disease activity. Environmental, genetic and immunological factors play a role in the pathogenesis of skin lesions in lupus erythematosus. Recently, considerable progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms involved in their development, which allows for foreseeing future targets for more effective treatments. This review proposes to discuss the main etiopathogenic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, aiming to update internists and specialists from different areas.

Comedogenic lupus: a rare variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus - case series

Abstract Background: Comedogenic lupus is an uncommon variant of cutaneous lupus, clinically characterized by the presence of comedones, papules and erythematous-infiltrated plaques, cysts and scars in photo-exposed areas, mimicking acne vulgaris and acneiform eruptions. Objectives: To report clinicopathological characteristics of patients with comedogenic lupus in a tertiary dermatology service over a 15-year period and review cases described in the literature. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with clinical and histopathological diagnoses of comedogenic lupus between the years 2006 and 2021. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed and VHL Regional Portal databases, using the terms: ''comedogenic lupus'' and ''acneiform lupus'' in Portuguese and English. Results: Five patients were diagnosed during the described period, all female, with a mean age of 56.6 years. Smoking was observed in three cases, as well as pruritus. The most affected site was the face, especially the pre-auricular, malar and chin regions. Follicular plugs, epidermal thinning and liquefaction degeneration of the basal layer were predominant histopathological findings. Hydroxychloroquine was used as the first-line treatment; however, other medications were used, such as dapsone, methotrexate, tretinoin cream, and topical corticosteroids. The literature search identified 17 cases, with a mean age of 38.9 years, 82% of which were women. Only 23% had a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine was the most recommended systemic medication. Study limitations: Retrospective, single-center study. The literature search was carried out in two databases. Conclusions: Dermatologists should be aware of acneiform conditions with poor response to the usual treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of unaesthetic scars.

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma associated with smoldering multiple myeloma: satisfactory response to cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone, and thalidomide

Abstract: Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma is a rare chronic condition, belonging to the group C non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses, which is relevant due to the possibility of extracutaneous involvement and association with systemic diseases, particularly hematologic malignancies. The case reported here was only diagnosed after nine years of evolution and was associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. After treatment with cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone, and thalidomide, there was a reduction of cutaneous lesions and serum levels of monoclonal protein.

Consensus on the treatment of autoimmune bullous dermatoses: dermatitis herpetiformis and linear IgA bullous dermatosis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract: Dermatitis herpetiformis and linear IgA bullous dermatosis are autoimmune diseases that present with pruritic urticarial papules and plaques, with formation of vesicles and blisters of subepidermal location, mediated by IgA antibodies. Mucosal lesions are present only in linear IgA bullous dermatosis. The elaboration of this consensus consisted of a brief presentation of the different aspects of these dermatoses and, above all, of an updated literature review on the various therapeutic options that were discussed and compared with the authors' experience, aiming at the treatment orientation of these diseases in Brazil. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease, and can be controlled with a gluten-free diet and dapsone. On the other hand, linear IgA bullous dermatosis arises spontaneously or is triggered by drugs, and can be controlled with dapsone, but often requires the association of systemic corticosteroids and eventually immunosuppressants.

Scrofuloderma: a diagnostic challenge

Abstract: Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, comprising 1-2% of cases. Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or related strains, it presents a wide range of clinical manifestations, mimicking other chronic dermatoses and leading to delayed diagnosis. A case of scrofuloderma is reported, whose diagnosis and treatment were only made six years after onset of the disease.

Wells syndrome associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

AbstractEosinophilic cellulitis or Wells syndrome is an uncommon skin condition of unknown etiology that can occur alone or associated with other conditions. Typically, it presents with recurrent pruritic, erythematous and edematous plaques, but it can also show clinical polymorphism. Besides the cutaneous lesions, patients can experience systemic manifestations like fever, malaise, arthralgia and peripheral blood eosinophilia. We describe a case of this rare syndrome that presented with polymorphic cutaneous lesions associated with a serious systemic disease, which was revealed through the investigation of the cutaneous disease.

Síndrome de Muckle-Wells em quatro membros de uma família / Four cases of Muckle-Wells syndrome within the same family

A síndrome de Muckle-Wells é doença autossômica dominante rara, incluída no grupo das síndromes febris hereditárias. Caracteriza-se por episódios recorrentes e autolimitados de febre, urticária, artralgia, mialgia e conjuntivite, desde a infância, relacionados com a exposição ao frio. Mais tardiamente, há perda auditiva neurossensorial progressiva. Amiloidose, a principal complicação, desenvolve-se em cerca de 25 por cento dos casos. Associa-se a mutações no gene NLRP3 (antes CIAS1) que codifica a criopirina, proteína reguladora da produção de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, como a interleucina-1beta. Relata-se a ocorrência dessa doença incomum em quatro membros de uma única família.

Muckle-Wells syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease that belongs to a group of hereditary febrile syndromes. It is characterized by recurrent and self-limited episodes of fever, urticaria, arthralgia, myalgia and conjunctivitis since childhood, which are related to exposure to cold temperatures. Lately, progressive sensorineural hearing loss occurs. Amyloidosis is the main complication and can be found in about 25 percent of the cases. It has been demonstrated that there is an association with mutations in the NLRP3 gene, which codifies cryopyrin, a protein responsible for regulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1Beta. The authors report four cases of the disease within a family.

Elastose perfurante serpiginosa em portadora da síndrome de Down / Elastosis perforans serpiginosa in a patient with Down's syndrome

A elastose perfurante serpiginosa é dermatose perfurante primária incomum, frequentemente associada a determinadas doenças genéticas e caracterizada por eliminação transepidérmica de fibras elásticas. Relata-se um caso raro dessa dermatose em paciente feminina de 19 anos, portadora da síndrome de Down, que apresentava pápulas eritematoceratóticas em arranjo arciforme, localizadas no antebraço e joelho direitos, assintomáticas, com cinco anos de evolução. Após confirmação histopatológica, foi iniciado tratamento com crioterapia, ocorrendo remissão parcial das lesões.

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa is a rare, primary perforating dermatosis, frequently associated with certain genetic diseases and characterized by the transepidermal extrusion of elastic fibers. The present case report describes this dermatosis in a 19-year old female patient with Down's syndrome, who presented with asymptomatic erythematous, keratotic papules in an arciform pattern, located on her right forearm and knee, which had been present for five years. Following histopathological confirmation, treatment with cryotherapy was initiated, resulting in partial remission of the lesions.

Elastólise pós-inflamatória e cutis laxa (doença de James Marshall): estudo de casos / Post-inflammatory elastolysis and cutis laxa (James Marshall disease): case study

FUNDAMENTOS: Elastólise pós-inflamatória e cutis laxa são doenças raras, porém só o Estado de Minas Gerais responde por quase um terço dos casos relatados em todo o mundo. Também são escassos os trabalhos com seguimento dos pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Relatar nove casos observados no período de 1981 a 2004, confrontando seus achados com os 20 casos da literatura. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas variáveis epidemiológicas, clínicas, histopatológicas e terapêuticas. RESULTADOS: Foram observados o predomínio na raça negra (8:1), no sexo feminino (4:1) e nos trópicos (9:1); idade de início até os quatro anos (93 por cento); deficiência de alfa 1-antitripsina (7 por cento); aortite (7 por cento); dermatoses relacionadas (62 por cento); aspecto facial envelhecido (97 por cento), fase atrófica estável na infância após período variável de meses a anos com lesões inflamatórias (97 por cento). A histopatologia das lesões recentes mostrou infiltrado mais intenso e perda elástica menor do que nas lesões tardias. A cirurgia de reconstrução deu bons resultados na fase atrófica, enquanto o ácido retinóico tópico a 0,05 por cento não foi efetivo. CONCLUSÕES: A elastólise pós-inflamatória e cutis laxa na fase aguda correlacionaram-se com diversas dermatoses inflamatórias, que promoveram elastólise (62 por cento). A abordagem adequada dessas doenças pode diminuir a extensão do quadro atrófico final, que tem como boa opção terapêutica a cirurgia reconstrutora. Sugere-se pesquisar a deficiência de alfa 1-antitripsina.

BACKGROUND: Although rare diseases, one third of all cases of post-inflammatory elastolysis and cutis laxa published in the international literature are from the state of Minas Gerais, in Brazil. Reports with long term follow-up of these patients are also scarce. OBJECTIVES: To report nine cases observed from 1981 to 2004 and compare the findings with 20 cases described in the literature. METHODS: Epidemiological, clinical, pathological and therapeutical variables were assessed. RESULTS: The onset of the disease is usually up to the age of four years (93 percent), and it is more common in African Americans (8:1), females (4:1) and in tropical climate (9:1). Other features include alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (7 percent), aortitis (7 percent), related skin conditions (62 percent), premature facial ageing (97 percent) and stable atrophic phase during childhood after months or years with inflammatory lesions (97 percent). Biopsies of recent lesions showed a more intense inflammatory infiltrate and less elastolysis than those obtained from older lesions. Reconstructive surgery yielded good results during atrophic phase and 0.05 percent topical tretinoin was ineffective. CONCLUSIONS: In 62 percent of patients the acute phase of post-inflammatory elastolysis and cutis laxa is associated with different elastolysis-promoting inflammatoy dermatoses. The correct management of these conditions may reduce severity of atrophic lesions, which can also be treated by reconstructive surgery. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency should be investigated.

Você conhece esta síndrome? / Do you know this syndrome?

Descreve-se caso de anemia de Fanconi com manifestações cutâneas típicas de hiperpigmentação difusa e manchas café-com-leite. Apresentava ainda hipoplasia de polegar, baixa estatura, catarata, hipoacusia, rins pélvicos e quebras cromossômicas. Atualmente com 30 anos, o paciente se mantém estável, com leucopenia e macrocitose sem repercussão clínica, contrariando o prognóstico da síndrome, usualmente letal em idade precoce, por complicações de aplasia de medula, leucemia e tumores sólidos.

A case of Fanconi anemia is reported, with typical cutaneous manifestations of diffuse hyperpigmentation and café-au-lait spots. He also presented thumb hypoplasia, short stature, cataract, hypoacusis, pelvic kidneys and chromosome breakage. Presently 30-years-old, the patient is stable, with leukopenia and macrocytosis without clinical symptoms, in contrast to usual prognosis of this syndrome, which involves early death due to complications of bone marrow aplasia, leukemia and solid tumors.

Caso para diagnóstico / Case for diagnosis

É relatado um caso de nevo mucinoso em adolescente do sexo masculino que apresentava lesões papulosas acastanhadas assintomáticas, confluentes em placas de distribuição linear no quadril esquerdo, surgidas aos 14 anos de idade. Além de deposição de mucina na derme superficial, a histopatologia demonstrava diminuição das fibras elásticas na derme papilar, hiperceratose, acantose e papilomatose.

Primeiro atendimento em queimaduras: a abordagem do dermatologista / Inicial management of burns: approach by dermatologists

Apesar dos crescentes progressos obtidos ultimamente no tratamento dos grandes queimados, ainda são consideráveis as taxas de mortalidade e morbidade. As estratégias preventivas implementadas ainda não foram capazes de alterar significativamente o dramático quadro epidemiológico das queimaduras. Os sobreviventes de queimaduras graves ainda carregam um pesado fardo de seqüelas físicas e psicossociais que geram grande sofrimento a ser superado. Não há dúvida de que o prognóstico final de uma queimadura depende essencialmente de um pronto e adequado primeiro atendimento. Daí a importância de todo médico, inclusive o dermatologista, estar habilitado a orientar os primeiros socorros e a prestar o primeiro atendimento médico à vítima de queimadura. Este artigo procura fazer uma revisão das bases fisiopatológicas das queimaduras e dos princípios de avaliação do queimado, além de discutir de forma simples e objetiva a abordagem médica de urgência até a remoção da vítima para uma unidade de queimados, se houver indicação.

Elastólise cutânea generalizada adquirida pós-inflamatória: relato de cinco casos / Generalized acquired post-inflammatory cultaneous elastolysis: report of five cases

Relato de cinco casos de elastólise cutânea generalizada adquirida pós-inflamatória, observados no período de 1981 a 1993: quatro, do sexo feminino e um do masculino, sendo dois negros e três pardos. O início da doença ocorreu entre os dois e oito anos de idade. Os pacientes apresentaram quadros dermatológicos diversos na fase aguda inflamatória que precedeu à cútis laxa e ao pseudo envelhecimento cutâneo definitivo: dois, prurido agudo infantil, o terceiro, urticária, o quarto, dermatite atópica, e o quinto, queimadura térmica. Uma revisäo da literatura é feita e se estabelece uma comparaçäo desses casos com os outros 16 já descritos, discutindo-se aspecto clínicos, etiopatogênicos e terapêuticos