Clinical profile of vitiligo patients and relationship with immuno-inflammatory markers

Abstract Background Vitiligo is the most common pigmentary disorder and is considered a chronic, cumulative, multifactorial disease. The crucial role of cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes and the IFNγ/CXCL10 axis has been demonstrated in its pathogenesis. Objective To evaluate the clinical profile and immuno-inflammatory markers in patients with vitiligo in a reference medical center. Methods Cross-sectional study in which all patients with vitiligo seen at the medical center the from 2019 to 2022 were evaluated, to outline the clinical profile. Moreover, cardiovascular risk biomarkers (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein levels) were measured, as well as cytokines and chemokines (TNFα, IFNγ, IL10, IL15 and CXCL10) in the serum of a subgroup of 30 patients. Results There was a predominance of females, with a mean age of 43 years. Most were phototypes IV or V (71.3%), without comorbidities (77.55%), and without a family history of vitiligo (70.41%). Higher levels of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were documented in vitiligo patients when compared to the control group (non-significant). As relevant data, the highest values of CXCL10 were detected in patients with vitiligo versus controls, as well as in patients with disease of shorter duration (p < 0.05). Study limitations The number of assessed patients was small due to recruitment difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion The present data contribute to confirming the relevant role of the IFNγ/CXCL10 axis in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, highlighting CXCL10 as a possible activity marker.

Giant atypical lipoma

Abstract: Liposarcomas correspond to the most common histological subtype of soft tissue sarcomas. They can be subdivided into: well differentiated or atypical lipoma, undifferentiated, myxoid, round, and pleomorphic cells. Atypical lipomas are the most prevalent and usually appear as asymptomatic softened tumors. They are locally aggressive but rarely lead to distant metastases. The diagnosis of this tumor is based on the imaging and histopathologic findings. Treatment consists of excision surgery with complete tumor removal. It has a good prognosis due to the low percentage of distant metastases. We report a rare case of giant atypical lipoma as well as the adopted therapy and evolution.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi: 40 years of experience with the serial excision technique

Abstract: Although giant congenital melanocytic nevus is a rare lesion, it causes significant deformity and carries a risk of malignant degeneration. Different surgical techniques for the lesion removal are described, including serial resection, resection with skin grafting, and resection and coverage with expanded skin flap (skin expanders). The aim of this study is to report the author's 40 years of experience with cases requiring at least 4 serial excisions to complete the treatment. Serial resection is an effective, safe, and simple technique that requires a lot of patience. Treatment often results in a single linear scar, requires no donor sites, nor large flaps. It is not subject to potencial complications of expanders and avoid aesthetic deformities depending on the location.

Tratamento não invasivo com ultrassom não focado transcutâneo na redução do tecido subcutâneo abdominal / Non-invasive treatment with transcutaneous non-focused ultrasound for the reduction of abdominal subcutaneous tissue

Introdução: O ultrassom não focado é alternativa não invasiva para melhora do contorno corporal. Métodos: São relatados cinco casos tratados com oito sessões semanais de ultrassom não focado no abdômen. Resultados: O tratamento não interferiu na rotina dos pacientes, tendo sido considerado confortável e seguro. Houve redução na espessura do subcutâneo avaliado por ultrassom e nas medidas circunferenciais em todos os pacientes, com melhora clínica evidenciada na documentação fotográfica principalmente nos pacientes com subcutâneo de baixa espessura. Conclusão: O tratamento se mostrou seguro, com evidências de redução do tecido subcutâneo abdominal.

Introduction: Introduction: Not focused ultrasound is a noninvasive alternative to improve body contour. Methods: It's reported five cases treated with eight weekly sessions of not focused ultrasound on the abdomen. Results: The treatment did not affect the routine of patients; it was comfortable and safe for most. There was a reduction in the thickness of the fat layer evaluated by ultrasound and in the circumferential measures in all patients, with clinical improvement evidenced in the photographic documentation especially in patients with lesser thickness of subcutaneous. Conclusion: The device was safe, and was shown clear reduction in abdominal subcutaneous tissue.

Jorge Lobo's disease

AbstractJorge Lobo's Disease is a rare, chronic granulomatous cutaneous mycosis, which is typical of tropical and subtropical regions. It is caused by the traumatic implantation of the fungus Lacazia loboi into the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The disease was first described in 1931 by Jorge Lobo, in Recife (PE), Brazil. It is common in Central and South America, and predominates in the Amazon region. We report a case of Jorge Lobo's Disease, which had been initially referred as being paracoccidioidomycosis. We emphasize clinical and diagnostic features of the disease.