Ingenol mebutate in the treatment of actinic keratoses: clearance rate and adverse effects

Abstract: Background: Actinic keratoses are benign intraepithelial skin neoplasms that develop in photoexposed areas and can progress to invasive carcinoma. They are seen frequently in dermatological practice, occurring in 5.1% of consultations. Ingenol mebutate (IM) was recently approved in Brazil as a topical therapy for field cancerization in actinic keratosis. Objective: To evaluate the clearance rate and adverse events in the treatment of actinic keratoses with ingenol mebutate. Methods: A longitudinal, prospective, non-randomized, interventional, open, single-center study was conducted. Patients with actinic keratoses applied ingenol mebutate on a 25cm2 area of the face and/or scalp for three consecutive days (0.015%) or on the forearm for two days (0.05%). Results: 27 patients completed the protocol, of whom 13 on the face and/or scalp and 14 on the forearm. Complete clearance occurred in 53.8% in the first group and 42.8% in the second. Partial response was observed in 15.4% and 35.7%, respectively. The most common side effects were erythema, edema, desquamation, pruritus, and local erosion. Study limitations: The study had a small sample and was not randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, or vehicle-controlled. Conclusion: Ingenol mebutate is well-tolerated for the treatment of actinic keratosis, with good patient adherence thanks to the short treatment period.

Tuberous sclerosis complex: review based on new diagnostic criteria

Abstract: Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystemic, autosomal dominant genetic disorder with complete penetrance, that can evolve with hamartomas in multiple organs, such as skin, central nervous system, kidney and lung. Due to the wide phenotypic variability, the disease is often not recognized. Tuberous sclerosis complex affects one in 10,000 newborns and most patients are diagnosed during the first 15 months of life. The diagnostic criteria for tuberous sclerosis were reviewed in 2012, at the second International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Conference. The diagnosis is based on genetic criteria, by the identification of inactivating pathogenic mutation of tumor suppressor genes TSC1 and TSC2, and clinical criteria, including cutaneous, renal, pulmonary, cardiac and neurological manifestations. The treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex consists, mainly, in management of the symptoms caused by hamartomas and in prevention of organ failure. Multidisciplinary approach is recommended, in order to obtain better clinical outcomes.

Do you know this syndrome? Heerfordt-Waldenström syndrome

Abstract: Heerfordt-Waldenström syndrome is a rare subacute variant of sarcoidosis, characterized by enlargement of the parotid or salivary glands, facial nerve paralysis and anterior uveitis. Granulomas with a peripheral lymphocyte deficit are found in the anatomic pathology of affected organs. It is normally self-limiting, with cure achieved between 12 and 36 months, but some prolonged cases have been reported. Diagnosis of the syndrome is clinical, and treatment depends on the degree of systemic impairment. Oral corticosteroids represent the first line treatment option. The mortality rate ranges between 1 and 5% of cases.

Dermatofibrossarcoma atrófico: a importância da suspeita clínica / Atrophic Dermatofibrosarcoma: the importance of clinical suspicion

Dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante é tumor fibro-histiocítico de malignidade intermediária, relativamente incomum e recidivante. Sua variante mais rara é conhecida como atrófica, tipo morfeia ou dermatofibrossarcoma não protuberante, sendo de difícil diagnóstico clínico. Não há critérios dermatoscópicos bem estabelecidos, portanto o diagnóstico é histopatológico. Existem avanços nas áreas da imuno-histoquímica e da genética que auxiliam no diagnóstico e excisão cirúrgica completa. Relatamos um caso de dermatofibrossarcoma atrófico em paciente de 27 anos, revisado na literatura quanto aos aspectos clínicos, dermatoscópicos, histopatológicos e genéticos.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is an uncommon and relapsing fibrohistiocytic tumor of intermediate malignancy. Its rarest variant is known as atrophic, morphea type or dermatofibrosarcoma non protuberans and its clinical diagnose is difficult. There are not well established dermatoscopic criteria, so the diagnosis is histopathologic. There are advances in immunohistochemical and genetic that help the diagnosis and complete surgical excision. It is reported a case of atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma in a 27 years patient ant it is reviewed the clinical, dermoscopic, histological and genetic aspects.

Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma

Abstract Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma is an eccrine carcinoma subtype, and only twelve cases have been reported until now. It is a rare tumor and its histopathological diagnosis is difficult. Almost half of patients are misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma by the incisional biopsy. We report the thirteenth case of squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma. Female patient, 72 years old, in the last 6 months presenting erythematous, keratotic and ulcerated papules on the nose. The incisional biopsy diagnosed squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma. After excision, histopathology revealed positive margins. A wideningmargins surgery and grafting were performed, which again resulted in positive margins. The patient was then referred for radiotherapy. After 25 sessions, the injury reappeared. After another surgery, although the intraoperative biopsy showed free surgical margins, the product of resection revealed persistent lesion. Distinction between squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma is important because of the more aggressive nature of the first, which requires wider margins surgery to avoid recurrence.

Bier's spots with onset in childhood

Abstract Bier spots are small, irregular, hypopigmented macules that are usually found on the arms and legs. The macules disappear when the limb is raised. Bier spots have been reported in association with a number of conditions but there is no consistent association to specific desease. Although they usually affect young adults, we report a case of Bier spots that began in childhood. As an asymptomatic and possibly transitional condition, the disease does not require treatment.