Metastasis of skin squamous cell carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common skin malignancy in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) as a result of immunosuppression. A worldwide increase in kidney transplantation justifies the determination of prognostic biomarkers by collecting detailed patient data on metastasis development. This study aims to characterize the clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological profiles of KTRs who developed metastasis of cSCC. We conducted a retrospective single-center study on 18 KTRs and 21 immunocompetent patients (ICs) with metastatic cSCC, using data from 2004 to 2021. ICs were older (median age 70.5 years) than KTRs (median age: 59.5 years). Both groups were predominantly male with Fitzpatrick skin phototype I/II. The primary tumor appeared around 83.5 months post-transplant, usually in sun-exposed areas (61.1%), though some non-exposed areas in ICs (23.8%) contradicted literature findings. KTRs took longer to develop metastasis (median: 11.0 months) compared to ICs (median: 5.5 months). The mean size of the primary tumor was smaller in KTRs (2.50 cm2) compared to ICs (4.55 cm2). The main lymph node chain affected by metastasis was parotid lymph nodes in KTRs (27.8%) and cervical/axillar lymph nodes in ICs (both 19.0%). Both groups exhibited similar primary tumor grades and metastasis evolution, but KTRs had a higher prevalence of lymphovascular invasion. Metastasis of cSCC was more common in males with low skin phototype, in KTRs, particularly on the head and neck. The study suggests a possible link between lymphovascular invasion and metastasis development in KTRs.

Dermoscopy of Lentiginous Melanomas and Equivocal Benign Pigmented Macules of the Scalp: A Case-Control Multicentric Study.

INTRODUCTION: Although the dermoscopic features of facial lentiginous melanomas (LM), including lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma, have been extensively studied, the literature about those located on the scalp is scarce. This study aims to describe the dermoscopic features of scalp LM and assess the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy to discriminate them from equivocal benign pigmented macules. METHODS: Consecutive cases of scalp LM and histopathology-proven benign but clinically equivocal pigmented macules (actinic keratoses, solar lentigos, seborrhoeic keratoses, and lichen planus-like keratoses) from four referral centres were included. Dermoscopic features were analysed by two blinded experts. The diagnostic performance of a predictive model was assessed. RESULTS: 56 LM and 44 controls were included. Multiple features previously described for facial and extrafacial LM were frequently identified in both groups. Expert's sensitivity to diagnose scalp LM was 76.8% (63.6-87.0) and 78.6% (65.6-88.4), with specificity of 54.5% (38.9-69.6) and 56.8% (41.0-71.7), and fair agreement (kappa coefficient 0.248). The strongest independent predictors of malignancy were (OR, 95% CI) chaos of colour (15.43, 1.48-160.3), pigmented reticular lines (14.96, 1.68-132.9), increased density of vascular network (3.45, 1.09-10.92), and perifollicular grey circles (2.89, 0.96-8.67). The predictive model achieved 85.7% (73.8-93.6) sensitivity, 61.4% (45.5-75.6) specificity, and 81.5 (73.0-90.0) area under curve to discriminate benign and malignant lesions. A diagnostic flowchart was proposed, which should improve the diagnostic performance of dermoscopy. CONCLUSION: Both facial and extrafacial dermoscopic patterns can be identified in scalp LM, with considerable overlap with benign pigmented macules, leading to low specificity and interobserver agreement on dermoscopy.

Efficacy and Safety of 5-Fluorouracil Tattooing to Repigment Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis: A Split-Body Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUD: Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common skin disorder with no standard treatment. OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy and safety of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) compared with saline, delivered using a tattoo machine, to repigment IGH lesions. METHODS: This split-body randomized single-blinded trial recruited adults with symmetrical IGH lesions. A tattoo machine was used to deliver 5FU in IGH lesions of 1 limb and saline in the contralateral limb. Outcomes were the number of achromic lesions 30 days after treatment compared with baseline, patient satisfaction, and local or systemic adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (28 women) were included. The median number of achromic lesions decreased significantly in 5FU-treated limbs (baseline: 32, interquartile range (IQR) 23-37 × post-treatment: 12, IQR 6-18, p = .000003) and saline-treated limbs (baseline: 31, IQR 24-43 × post-treatment: 21, IQR 16-31, p = .000006), but reduction was significantly more pronounced in 5FU-treated limbs ( p = .00003). All participants were satisfied or very satisfied with results on 5FU-treated limbs. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSION: 5-fluorouracil delivery using a tattoo machine was more effective than saline to repigment IGH lesions, with high patient satisfaction and no adverse events.Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT02904564.

Cutaneous chromoblastomycosis mimicking melanoma in a renal transplant recipient.

Chromoblastomycosis is a primary implantation mycosis caused by melanized fungi. It affects mainly populations from remote and rural areas, and may cause significant morbidity and mortality. A 69-year-old kidney transplant recipient woman presented with a dark nodule on the first left toe and a satellite lesion. Dermoscopic exam showed multiple clustered black dots, blackened homogenous area and chrysalides, which led to the diagnostic hypothesis of melanoma. Histopathological examination was compatible with chromoblastomycosis.

Compulsory notification of injuries in aesthetic procedures. Impact on patient safety

Abstract The disparity between the number of aesthetic procedures performed worldwide, and the complications described in the literature is remarkable. Doubts regarding the underreporting are reasonable and should be considered. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the scarcity of scientific publications on complications in aesthetic procedures compared to the abundance of these procedures performed worldwide. Based on this knowledge, it will be demonstrated to the health authorities the importance of compulsory notification of complications in aesthetic procedures that require medical attention so that the available data will allow their prevention. The limitation of knowledge regarding complications was demonstrated in the data collection for the preparation of the thesis ‟Deaths Related to Liposuction in Brazil" presented in 2018 and published in Surgical and Cosmetical Dermatology in 2020. The definition of complication in aesthetic procedures needs to be objective to prevent different and subjective interpretations. With the compulsory notification of complications in aesthetic procedures, it is intended to learn about their causes to develop guidelines for their prevention.

Compulsory notification of injuries in aesthetic procedures. Impact on patient safety.

The disparity between the number of aesthetic procedures performed worldwide, and the complications described in the literature is remarkable. Doubts regarding the underreporting are reasonable and should be considered. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the scarcity of scientific publications on complications in aesthetic procedures compared to the abundance of these procedures performed worldwide. Based on this knowledge, it will be demonstrated to the health authorities the importance of compulsory notification of complications in aesthetic procedures that require medical attention so that the available data will allow their prevention. The limitation of knowledge regarding complications was demonstrated in the data collection for the preparation of the thesis "Deaths Related to Liposuction in Brazil" presented in 2018 and published in Surgical and Cosmetical Dermatology in 2020. The definition of complication in aesthetic procedures needs to be objective to prevent different and subjective interpretations. With the compulsory notification of complications in aesthetic procedures, it is intended to learn about their causes to develop guidelines for their prevention.

Unveiling idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: pathology, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural study.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a pigment disorder of unknown etiology. Despite its high prevalence and the unaesthetic appearance of the lesions, there are relatively few histological studies on this disorder. This is an important gap to understanding its pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the microscopic structure of IGH lesions compared to normal adjacent skin areas and the possible interaction between melanocytes and the subjacent dermis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we took biopsy specimens of hypochromic lesions and adjacent normal skin from 20 patients with IGH. We analyzed the fragments using routine stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. RESULTS: We found superficial dermal fibrosis in 90% (18/20) of our IGH cases and unreported keratinocyte cytoplasmic changes on electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest an interaction between melanocytes and the subjacent dermis in IGH. These findings can help to understand melanocyte biology and the pathogenesis of other achromic lesions.

Is it possible to repigment iatrogenic and traumatic hypochromic lesions? A case series using the MMP® drug delivery technique with 5-fluorouracil and bleomycin.

OBJECTIVES: We present the results of 11 patients with hypochromic lesions treated with antifibrotic agents delivered through the MMP® technique. METHODS: Eleven patients with hypochromic lesions because of external injuries were treated at a single clinic with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and/or bleomycin using the MMP® drug delivery technique. Treatment sessions were repeated at 30-day intervals until patient satisfaction. The primary outcome was repigmentation of the lesions, assessed independently by two dermatologists and by the patient. RESULTS: The MMP® technique injected 0.048 mg/cm2 of 5-FU or 0.0028 U/cm2 of bleomycin. The accumulated 5-FU and bleomycin density per patient ranged from 0.02 to 0.77 mg and 0.0022 to 0.2800 U/ml, respectively. Patients were treated with 1 to 6 MMP® sessions with 5-FU (3 patients), bleomycin (6 patients), or both drugs (2 patients). After the last session, all patients had a significant improvement (>75%) of the lesions compared to baseline. There were no procedure-related short- or long-term adverse effects in any of the participants up to their last follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: The injection of antifibrotic agents using the MMP® technique was effective and safe in the treatment of hypochromic lesions. This can be a new therapeutic option for these lesions.

Therapeutic management of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis and chromoblastomycosis in kidney transplant recipients: a retrospective study of 82 cases in a single center.

BACKGROUND: Melanized fungi are a distinct group of pathogens that cause infections like chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis, especially in a state of immunosuppression including solid organ transplant recipients. Guidelines for the treatment of these infections are lacking, and there is no available standard recommendation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic aspects of subcutaneous melanized fungal infections in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: A retrospective medical record was performed for kidney transplant recipients with melanized fungal infection evaluated in a single institution from January 1996 to December 2018. RESULTS: Eighty-two episodes were noticed in our series. The treatment of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis was managed by surgical excision without antifungal therapy in 34 cases (34/68; 50%), and the association of both methods occurred in 18 cases (18/68; 26.5%). A complete surgical excision without antifungal therapy was observed in six (6/14; 42.9%) episodes of chromoblastomycosis, and combined treatment was possible in three (3/14; 21.4%) cases. Five episodes of chromoblastomycosis and 16 episodes of phaeohyphomycosis were managed only with antifungal therapy. CONCLUSION: Management depends on the dermatologic lesion, immunosuppression condition, and anatomical cleavage plane. The sample size is still small in order to dictate a guideline, but it can be hard to execute a larger study given the rarity of this group of infections.

Complex melanoma of the scalp: Diagnosis and management aided by confocal microscopy.

Melanomas of lentigo maligna subtype are a steadily growing problem and frequently represent a clinical challenge. A case is reported of a complex melanoma of the scalp illustrating the critical role of confocal microscopy for optimal diagnosis and management.

Rosettes in T-cell pseudolymphoma: a new dermoscopic finding

Abstract Rosettes are small white structures visible with polarized light dermoscopy, whose exact morphological correlation is not yet defined. These small shiny structures are found in several conditions such as scarring, dermatofibroma, molluscum contagiosum, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, melanocytic nevus, discoid lupus erythematosus, and papulopustular rosacea. In this novel report, the authors describe the presence of rosettes in a T-cell pseudolymphoma lesion.