Management of 3 Proliferating Pilar Tumors: Definition, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment Options. / Experiencia en el manejo de 3 tumores pilares proliferantes: definición, diagnósticos diferenciales y alternativas terapéuticas.

A proliferating pilar tumor is a rare skin neoplasm that arises from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle. Presentation varies widely, as the tumor can be benign or malignant and has a high probability of recurring after excision. We report our experience managing 3 proliferating pilar tumors with different clinical presentations and pathology findings at Hospital de San José, Bogota, Colombia.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in a Colombian Population With Psoriasis. / Factores de riesgo cardiovascular y grosor de la íntima media carotídea en una población colombiana con psoriasis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Psoriasis is now known to have a clear association with metabolic syndrome and its components. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and increased carotid intima-media thickness in psoriasis patients seen in the dermatology department of a quaternary hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of psoriasis patients aged over 18 years seen in the dermatology department of Hospital de San José in Bogota, Colombia, between March and August, 2015. Directed medical history and physical examination were performed to detect CVRFs, laboratory studies to exclude metabolic syndrome, and ultrasound examination to measure carotid intima-media thickness. RESULTS: Forty patients with psoriasis were included in the study. The prevalence of the distinct CVRFs was 35% for systemic hypertension, 17.5% for dyslipidemia, 17.5% for smoking, and 10% for type 2 diabetes mellitus. A history of acute myocardial infarction was detected in 12.5% of patients. Metabolic syndrome was found in 20 patients (50%), and blood biochemistry revealed dyslipidemia in 32 patients (80%). Based on the Framingham score, the cardiovascular risk was low in 11 patients (31.4%), intermediate in 22 (62.8%), and high in 2 (5.7%). Mean (SD) carotid intima-media thickness was 0.7 (0.12) mm, with thickening observed in 6 patients (15%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the high prevalence of CVRFs in psoriasis patients and indicates the need for strict clinical control to monitor cardiovascular risk in this population.