Dermoscopic Features of Cutaneous Vasculitis.

INTRODUCTION: Dermoscopy has become widespread in the diagnosis of inflammatory skin diseases. Cutaneous vasculitis (CV) is characterized by inflammation of vessels, and a rapid and reliable technique is required for the diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to define CV dermoscopic features and increase the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy with machine learning (ML) methods. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with clinically suspected CV were included in the study. Dermoscopic images were obtained before biopsy using a polarized dermoscopy. Dermoscopic images were independently evaluated, and interobserver variability was calculated. Decision Tree, Random Forest, and K-Nearest Neighbors were used as ML classification models. RESULTS: The histopathological diagnosis of 58 patients was CV. Three patterns were observed: homogeneous pattern, mottled pattern, and meshy pattern. There was a significant difference in background color between the CV and non-CV groups (P = 0.001). The milky red and livedoid background color were specific markers in the differential diagnosis of CV (sensitivity 56.7%, specificity 96.3%, sensitivity 29.4%, specificity 99.2%, respectively). Red blotches were significantly more common in CV lesions (P = 0.038). Red dots, comma vessels, and scales were more common in the non-CV group (P = 0.002, P = 0.002, P = 0.003, respectively). Interobserver agreement was very good for both pattern (κ = 0.869) and background color analysis (κ = 0.846) (P < 0.001). According to ML classifiers, the background color and lack of scales were the most significant dermoscopic aspects of CV. CONCLUSIONS: Dermoscopy may guide as a rapid and reliable technique in CV diagnosis. High accuracy rates obtained with ML methods may increase the success of dermoscopy.

The use of interferon-α2a as monotherapy in stage IB patients with mycosis fungoides: A retrospective chart review of patient outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to IFN-α2a treatment as monotherapy in stage IB patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) in second-line therapy. Twenty-five patients with recurrent or persistent MF were included in the study. The diagnosis of MF was established according to clinical and histopathological signs. Clinical staging was made using TNMB classification. IFN-α2a as monotherapy was used as treatment. IFN-α2a was administered at a dose of 3 x 106 units thrice a week subcutaneously as initially described. According to clinical tolerance, the dose was increased every 4 weeks to 6 - 9 x 106 units. IFN-α2a was used more frequently for at least 3 months after complete remission. Treatment success was evaluated with Clinical Response (disappearance of all clinical evidence = Complete Remission [CR], ≥50% decrease in extent or severity = Partial Remission [PR], unresponsiveness to treatment = Stable Disease [SD], progression of MF = Progressive Disease [PD]). The average age was 51.3 ± 9.1. CR and PR were achieved in 11 (44%) and 12 (48%) patients, respectively. PD was observed in two (8%) patients. CR was accomplished at 16.1 ± 9.8 weeks. Recurrences were mostly observed within 1 year (10.4 ± 7.7 months). The recurrence rate was 45.4%. The mean duration of CR was 33.3 ± 7.9 months. Side effects were seen in 36% of the patients (18.2% in CR). The most common side effect was fatigue (12%). The patients received 11 different types of treatment before IFN-α2a treatment. The most frequent therapy prior to IFN-α2a treatment was narrow-band ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) phototherapy (15 [60%] patients). CR can be achieved in a relatively short period of time in patients receiving IFN-α2a in MF. The duration of CR is reasonable. The side effects of IFN-α2a are acceptable. Therefore, IFN-α2a as monotherapy is a good option in stage IB second-line MF therapy.

A new treatment option for poikiloderma of Civatte: 577 nm pro-yellow laser.

BACKGROUND: Although many laser systems have been used in the treatment for Poikiloderma of Civatte (POC), there is no standard treatment guideline. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to present our data on the efficacy and safety of single-session pro-yellow laser treatment for POC. METHODS: The study included 14 patients treated with pro-yellow laser (QuadroStarPRO YELLOW® Asclepion Laser Technologies, Germany) between 2017 and 2019. Treatment had been applied in two passes during the same session; a general pass with 22 j/cm2 over the whole lesion, then, one more pass only on the telangiectatic lesions with 18 j/cm2 fluence. They were evaluated based on their pictures taken before and 4 weeks after the treatment and scored by a 4-item scoring in terms of the improvement (0:no change, 1:1%-25% mild, 2:26%-50% moderate, 3:51%-75% well, and 4:76%-100% excellent improvement). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (1 female, 13 males) was 59.64 ± 8.16 years. Five patients had Fitzpatrick-2 and 9 patients had Fitzpatrick-3 skin types. Six patients had mild, 8 patients had moderate improvement, one of them has been illustrated in Figure 1. Sixty-minute mild erythema was the only adverse effect observed. CONCLUSIONS: We think that pro-yellow laser is a good treatment option for POC treatment. Repeated sessions are required for the complete healing of the lesions, while one single session has proved to be deficient. We observed that it was a quite safe treatment option, especially for the neck region, which was inclined to scarring and atrophy development.

Efficacy of 2940 nm Multifractional Er: YAG Lasers in Self-inflicted Razor Blade Incision Scars.

BACKGROUND: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) can be defined as self-inflicted injury without an intention to suicide, and it may result in scar formation with a particular shape. AIMS: There is no treatment algorithm for DSH scars, nor is there a gold standard for the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Therefore, we aimed to share our experience with Er: YAG laser treatment of self-inflicted razor blade incision scars. PATIENTS/METHODS: The study involved 18 patients with DSH scars treated with fractional ablative Er: YAG laser (MCL 31 Asclepion laser Technologies) between 2017 and 2020, with the parameters of 40 J/cm2 , 300 µs, and 4 Hz. The sessions were repeated by increasing 10 joules in every session with 4-week intervals until reaching a maximum of 80 joules. The patients were evaluated retrospectively by two different dermatologists in terms of scar improvement over digital photographs taken before and 4 weeks after the treatment. Evaluations have been made based on a 4-point score (0:no change, 1:1%-25% mild, 2:26%-50% moderate, 3:51%-75% well, and 4:76%-100% excellent improvement). RESULTS: After the third session, 90.9% of the patients showed a moderate improvement. After the fourth session, only 27.2% of the patients had a good, and 63.2% of the patients had a moderate improvement rate. CONCLUSIONS: Er: YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment method for the hypertrophic scars induced by razor blades. Also, we believe that combined treatments with other treatment modalities will provide better results in DSH scars.

Evaluation of Nail Findings in Patients with COVID-19 History and Wood's Lamp Examination.

INTRODUCTION: Various skin findings due to coronavirus have been identified. There are a few case reports on nail findings after coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. We aimed to document the nail findings of the COVID-19 survivors and shed light on the interesting luminescence seen under the Wood's light. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-four patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in the last 100 days were grouped in terms of the agents used in the treatment. Fifty-seven volunteers without a history of infection were included. RESULTS: Patients treated with favipiravir had a significantly higher positivity of luminescence (p: 0.0001). The most common nail findings in patients were splinter hemorrhage (13%), followed by leukonychia (12%) and longitudinal ridges (7.9%). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: The luminescence may be seen due to the accumulation of favipiravir or its excipients (titanium dioxide and yellow ferric oxide) on the nails. Wood's lamp examination of the plasma taken from a patient after favipiravir's first dose revealed the same luminescence as we saw on the nails. Accordingly, this accumulation may be seen in the vital organs. Although our knowledge about the virus increases day by day, the potentially hazardous effects of the virus and long-term complications of the treatment options are still being investigated.

Psychiatric morbidity in children and adolescents with dermatological disorders.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the existence of a cycle, where psychological disturbances cause skin diseases and in turn, skin diseases cause psychological disorders, provides the basis for good dermatological practice. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study is to examine the psychiatric morbidity of dermatological disorders in children and adolescents with no history of psychiatric disorders. METHOD: In this study, 502 participants (251 patients and 251 healthy individuals) were evaluated according to DSM-IV criteria. All participants were interviewed and evaluated using the Turkish version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia - Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-1 and STAI-2), the Childhood Depression Inventory (CDI), adolescent and parent forms of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-A and SDQ-P) and a questionnaire evaluating child's level of school success. RESULTS: Our results indicated that the rates of general psychiatric comorbidity, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorders were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. The CDI, STAI-1, STAI-2, and SDQ (and subscales) scores were significantly higher in the study group. Moreover, psychiatric comorbidity was higher in inflammatory and allergic dermatoses compared to other dermatological subgroups. Having a dermatological disease restricts physical activity thus increasing the risk of psychiatric comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Investigating the education, attitudes, and awareness of dermatologists about psychocutaneous disorders might contribute to the development of new educational strategies and elicit appropriate biopsychosocial approaches.

Does Systemic Isotretinoin Treatment Constitute a Predisposition to Allergic Sensitization?

13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cRA) is a safe treatment for severe acne, as it has immunomodulatory effects such as enhancing the antigen-presenting activity of epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and T-cell activity. The aim of this study was to prospectively show the alteration of sensitization and irritation reactions in acne patients undergoing 13-cRA therapy. This cross-sectional descriptive study consisted of 65 severe to refractory acne patients. The standard thin-layer rapid-use epicutaneous test (T.R.U.E. test) was used to screen sensitization and irritation reactions before and after 3-month 13-cRA treatment. Patch test results after 13-cRA therapy revealed an increase in newly formed sensitization and irritation reactions. Sensitization rate was significantly higher (43.1%) in the second patch test, when compared with the first patch test results (27.7%; P = 0.002). No statistical difference was found in irritation rates. In this study, the sensitization rate was higher after treatment, which could be attributed to the greater antigen penetration due to the disrupted barrier and/or the upregulation of antigen-presenting activity in LC. This would cause a more prominent immune reaction to antigens. Based on these findings, we suggest that 13-cRA may have a sensitization effect, and physicians should be aware of this complication due to 13-cRA treatment. (SKINmed. 2021;19:-0).

Dermatological signs in liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the number of liver transplantations for advanced-stage liver diseases has considerably increased and the patients have a wide range of dermatologic manifestations. AIM: This study aims to reveal cutaneous, mucosal, and nail lesions in liver transplant recipients in quite large patient series. PATIENTS/METHODS: The study included 520 patients in the Inonu University Liver Transplantation Institute. New and followed-up patients attended to the study between May and October 2019. The patients were examined by a dermatologist, and their data were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 163 female and 357 male patients with the main age of 44.20 ± 18.18 (range: 1-83 years), and 465 livers (89.4%) were taken from live donors, while 54 livers (10.4%) were taken from cadavers. A total of 314 (60.4%) patients had dermatophyte infections, 174 (33.4%) patients had pathological nail changes, and 427 (82.1%) patients had oral mucosal lesions. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) developed in 9 (1.73%) patients after the transplantation, and 5 patients died of GVHD. Four patients had cutaneous malignancies. CONCLUSIONS: Tumoral and nontumoral dermatological diseases may be encountered following the transplantation depending on underlying liver disease, immunosuppressive treatment, the graft itself, or any primary cutaneous disease. Liver transplantation recipients require a multidisciplinary clinical approach, and dermatological care must be an integral part of this approach.

An evaluation of the efficacy of a single-session 577 nm pro-yellow laser treatment in patients with postacne erythema and scarring.

Erythema and scarring are among the most common complications of severe inflammatory acne. In this study, we aimed to share our experience with pro-yellow laser and document the efficacy and safety of this treatment in postacne erythema and scarring. The study included 40 patients, 24 (60%) females, and 16 (40%) males with a mean age of 29.5 ± 8.16 (min. 18 years, max. 57 years). The pro-yellow laser was applied to all patients as a single session with irradiation of 22 J/cm2 . Improvement in postacne erythema and scars were evaluated after the treatment. The study included 40 patients, 24 patients (60%) were females and 16 patients (40%) were males with the mean age of 29.5 ± 8.16 (ranged between 18 and 57 years old). A total of 21 patients (52.5%) had good improvement (51%-75% regression), 10 patients (25%) had excellent improvement (76%-100% regression), and a moderate improvement (26%-50%) was detected in 9 patients (22.5%). Also, there were mild improvement (1%-25%) in 20 patients (76.9%) and a moderate improvement (26%-50%) in 6 patients (23.1%). We found that pro-yellow laser is highly effective in the treatment of postacne erythema, while its effectiveness was mild to moderate in atrophic acne scars. Also, it has been observed that the pro-yellow laser system can be used safely immediately after cessation of systemic isotretinoin treatment.

Effectiveness and safety of 2940-nm multifractional Er: YAG laser on acne scars.

Erbium: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Er: YAG) treatment has been used in resurfacing the acne scars for a long time; however, we could not find any study reporting the recovery rates after each session of the treatment. In this study, we aimed to report the improvement rates after each session. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 35 patients with acne scars treated with fractional ablative Er: YAG laser. The patients received one to four sessions of treatment with 4-week intervals and improvement rates were recorded after each session. Data are available on request from the authors. The improvement rate of the lesions varied between 1% and 25% in 34 patients at the end of the first session, while in one patient, the improvement rate was detected as 26% to 50%. At the end of the fourth session, the rate of improvement was 26% to 50% in 14 out of 24 patients and 51% to 75% in 10 patients. None of the patients showed a 76% to 100% improvement at the end of the fourth session, whereas 48.6% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment. In patients with a high expectation of an excellent improvement, a higher number of sessions of the laser treatment and/or combination treatments with different treatment methods should be planned.

Intravascular lymphoma presenting with paraneoplastic syndrome.

Intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) is a rare type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (BCNHL), which can mimic many other diseases. Fever, neurological symptoms, and skin findings are the most frequent clinical findings. Intravascular lymphomatosis may be associated with genetic factors and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV1), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV). A 50-year-old man was hospitalized with recalcitrant hyponatremia of unknown cause. He had also telangiectatic, indurated, slightly erythematous plaques on his trunk for the last 10 days. His past medical history was unremarkable, although he was a carrier of hepatitis B. Multiple skin biopsies were performed and were considered to be diagnostic of IVL. The hyponatremia was unresponsive to water restriction and hypertonic solution support but it resolved with B cell directed chemotherapy. A final diagnosis was made as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in the setting of IVL. This case had a relatively early diagnosis with just 10-days of skin lesions. Intravascular lymphomatosis is a very rare disease and is usually difficult to diagnose. An even more uncommon presentation is IVL complicated by a paraneoplastic syndrome. There are prior reported cases of SIADH in the setting of IVL. However, this case underscores the importance of evaluating patients with SIADH for potential IVL.

Recurrent angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia during several pregnancies.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare, benign vascular tumor. Although its etiology is not clearly known, infection, hormonal factors, and trauma are the suspected reasons. There are few cases considered to be related to pregnancy described in the literature. Granulomas are rarely seen in the histopathology and only four patients with granulomas have been described. Herein, we will present a 28-year-old woman who has been pregnant three times; in every pregnancy, she developed pink nodular lesions on the back of her ear. In the first two pregnancies, the lesions had appeared during the pregnancy and regressed completely in the postpartum period. In her third pregnancy, the condition emerged again and lasted 1.5 years after birth of her child. Histopathology exhibited ALHE with granulomas. Although the relationship between ALHE and pregnancy is already known, there are few cutaneous ALHE cases associated with pregnancy reported in the literature. This association is further supported by this case having recurrent ALHE during each pregnancy period. Also, the presence of naked granuloma in histopathology, unlike most of the cases, contributes to the current histopathological data.

Increased frequency of Demodex blepharitis in rosacea and facial demodicosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is an inflammatory disease with 50% of ocular involvement rate. Primary demodicosis is an eruption caused by Demodex mites, and there is no data about the rate of ocular involvement in primary demodicosis. AIMS: In this cross-sectional study, it is aimed to reveal the frequency of Demodex blepharitis in rosacea and primary demodicosis patients. METHODS: In total, 58 rosacea, 33 primary demodicosis patients, and 31 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Four samples were obtained from eyelashes with a forceps and from facial skin by standardized skin surface biopsy. A positive result is described as detecting at least one Demodex mite on an eyelash or at five mites in the face. The patients were also examined by an ophthalmologist in terms of ocular involvement. RESULTS: Both rosacea and primary demodicosis patients had significantly more complaints like burning and stinging in the eyes compared to the control patients (P = .001). Primary demodicosis and papulopustular rosacea patients had the highest numbers of eyelash mites, respectively, and significantly a higher rate of blepharitis than the control group. CONCLUSION: As a result, the Demodex count was significantly higher in the primary demodicosis and rosacea patients than the control group. We think that every Demodex-positive patients should be evaluated for also eyelash mites to prevent a possible chronic blepharitis.

Treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, facial erythema, and facial telangiectasia with a 577-nm pro-yellow laser: a case series.

Various lasers have been used for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), facial erythema (FE), and facial telangiectasias (FT). The assessment of the treatments of all of these conditions with a 577-nm pro-yellow laser has not been reported yet. The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy and safety of the 577-nm pro-yellow laser in ETR, FE, and FT. Forty patients suffering from ETR, FE, and FT (25 female and 15 male) were enrolled in this study. All of the patients were treated with 577-nm pro-yellow laser (QuadroStarPRO YELLOW® Asclepion Laser Technologies, Germany) at 4-week intervals, for one to four sessions. The assessment of the treatment was made based on the digital photographs and the percentage of fading of the erythema and telangiectasias in the lesions. Significant clinical improvement (80-100%) was observed in the first or second sessions of the treatment in FE and ETR patients and in second and fourth sessions of the treatment in FT patients. The treatment was very well tolerated. No side effect was observed except for a few patients who had mild to moderate erythema fading away in 12-24 h. This case series has shown that the pro-yellow laser is a very effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for ETR, FE, and FT.