Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus-Like Eruption Induced by Durvalumab: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Reports of immune-related adverse events caused by programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor have been emerging. Herein, we report a subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE)-like eruption presented after the treatment of durvalumab in a patient with extensive-stage small cell lung carcinoma. A 74-year-old Thai man was referred to our department after experiencing multiple dusky red to brownish papules and patches with scale and erosions on photo-distributed areas after receiving 3 infusion cycles of durvalumab. Histological finding revealed epidermal atrophy with interface changes and superficial perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes. Serum antinuclear antibodies (ANA) was 1:320 and anti-Ro/Sjogren's-syndrome-related antigen A (anti-Ro/SSA) antibodies were positive (2+). Based on the history and clinicopathological correlation, the diagnosis of SCLE-like eruption due to durvalumab was made. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of durvalumab-induced SCLE.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor-related bullous pemphigoid: A comparative study of 100 patients with bullous pemphigoid and diabetes mellitus.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i)-associated bullous pemphigoid (BP) has been emerging but whether it has genotype or phenotype differences from idiopathic BP (IBP) remains to be determined. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics, genetic susceptibility, laboratory features, disease activity, and outcomes between DPP4i-associated BP (DBP) and IBP occurring among patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). Medical records of patients diagnosed with BP and T2DM from January 2009 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, and patients were categorized into DBP or IBP groups. Of 100 patients, 23 had DBP and 77 had IBP. There was no difference in the Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Activity Index score between the two groups; however, the score for urticaria and erythema was less in DBP (p < 0.001), indicating a non-inflammatory phenotype. The HLA-DQB1*03:01 allele was more commonly present in the DBP than IBP cases (odds ratio = 5.33 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-28.59], p = 0.016). The absolute eosinophil count was significantly lower in the DBP group (p = 0.002). Likewise, eosinophilic spongiosis was found less frequently in DBP cases (p = 0.005). Patients in the DBP group had a significantly higher percentage of complete remission on therapy compared to the IBP counterpart (p = 0.026) after DPP4i discontinuation. Moreover, the mean maximum dosage of prednisolone administrated per patient was significantly lower in drug-related cases (p = 0.012). In conclusion, our cohort in Thai patients with T2DM confirms the differences between phenotype and genotype characteristics of DBP and IBP. We emphasize the importance of drug discontinuation in all DPP4i-related cases because doing so may lead to a better disease outcome.

Comparison of fractional neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064-nm picosecond laser and fractional 1550-nm erbium fiber laser in facial acne scar treatment.

To compare the safety and efficacy of fractional neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064-nm picosecond laser and fractional 1550-nm erbium fiber laser in acne scar treatment and to assess the adverse effects and complications of the two devices. Thirty patients with cosmetically similar acne scars on both sides of the faces were enrolled and treated four times at 4-week intervals. Each side of the face was treated with either fractional 1064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser or fractional 1550-nm erbium fiber laser. Efficacy was evaluated using digital photography taken at baseline and 5 months by a blinded dermatologist using the ECCA grading scale (échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné). Patient overall satisfaction and self-rated improvement scores were recorded at baseline and 5 months. Adverse effects were recorded at every visit. Twenty-seven patients completed the study. Both devices demonstrated significant median ECCA score improvement from baseline (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two in terms of median ECCA score improvement, patients' perception of scar improvement, and overall satisfaction. Considering the adverse effects, more pinpoint bleeding was significantly observed with the picosecond laser (P = 0.002), whereas more pain was noted with the erbium laser (P < 0.001). Both fractional 1064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser and fractional 1550-nm erbium fiber laser are safe and effective in the treatment of acne scars. Costs should be taken into consideration when deciding on which device to use to maximize treatment outcomes.

Ashy Dermatosis and Lichen Planus Pigmentosus: The Histopathological Differences.

BACKGROUND: Ashy dermatosis (AD) and lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) are both acquired macular pigmentation of uncertain aetiology. Despite the controversy surrounding their entities, recent global consensus has concluded that they are 2 different diseases with distinct clinical presentations. Nevertheless, there are limited data on their histopathological comparisons. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences in histopathological findings between AD and LPP. METHODS: Electronic records and photographs of patients with the diagnosis of AD or LPP from January 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed by a dermatologist. Patients were then classified into groups with AD and LPP, based on the clinical descriptions from the recent consensus. Those with history/clinical presentations suggestive of other causes of macular pigmentation were excluded. The histopathological diagnosis of AD and LPP was then reevaluated by a blinded dermatopathologist. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients with acquired macular pigmentation were identified; 24 were excluded due to clinical history or photographs being inconsistent with AD or LPP. Of the remaining 100 patients, 71 had clinical findings consistent with LPP while 29 had AD. The prevalence of epidermal hyperkeratosis was significantly higher in LPP when compared to AD (33.8% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), as well as epidermal hypergranulosis (35.2% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), lichenoid dermatitis (49.3% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001), perifollicular infiltration (47.9% vs.10.3%, p < 0.001), and perifollicular fibrosis (35.2% vs. 10.3%, p=0.01). In addition, the degree of pigmentary incontinence was more severe in LPP (21.1% vs. 3.5%, p=0.015). For AD, vacuolization of the epidermal basal cell layer was more common (96.4% vs. 77.5%, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Although most cases of AD and LPP can be diagnosed clinically, in doubtful cases, histopathological findings of lichenoid dermatitis, epidermal hyperkeratosis/hypergranulosis, and moderate to severe pigmentary incontinence can help distinguish LPP from AD.