[Successful therapy of ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica non diabeticorum with cyclosporine A]

Shedding Light on Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Necrobiosis Lipoidica: A Multicenter Real-Life Experience

Necrobiosis Lipoidica (NL) is a dermatological condition characterized by the development of granulomatous inflammation leading to the degeneration of collagen and subsequent formation of yellowish-brown telangiectatic plaques usually localized on the pretibial skin of middle-aged females. Due to its rarity and unclear etiopathogenesis, therapeutic options for NL are not well-standardized. Among them, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging tool, although its efficacy has primarily been evaluated in single case reports or small case series. This study reports the real-life experience of a cohort of NL patients treated with PDT at the Section of Dermatology of the University Hospital of Messina and Reggio-Emilia. From 2013 to 2023, 17 patients were enrolled -5 males (29%) and 12 females (71%) aged between 16 and 56 years (mean age: 42 ± 13 years), with a median duration of NL of 8 years. The overall complete clearance (>75% lesion reduction) was 29%, while the partial clearance (25-75% lesion reduction) was 59%, with 12% being non-responders. This study adds to the little amount of evidence present in the literature regarding the effectiveness of PDT in the treatment of NL. Variability in treatment responses among patients underscores the need for personalized protocols, optimizing photosensitizers, light sources, and dosimetry. The standardization of treatment protocols and consensus guidelines are essential to ensure reproducibility and comparability across studies.

Scleroderma-like form of lipoid necrobiosis in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

A 33-year-old female patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura complained of rashes on the skin of the lower extremities, accompanied by moderate itching and a feeling of skin tightness, as well as a histologically verified diagnosis of lipoid necrobiosis. A combined treatment was carried out with the glucocorticosteroid Methylprednisolone at a dose of 32 mg per day in combination with PUVA therapy with 0.3% solution of ammi majus fructuum furocumarines, with a positive effect in the form of a decrease in the color intensity and induction of rashes, under the control of platelet levels. When using the method of PUVA-therapy with 0.3% solution of ammi majus fructuum furocumarines, there was an improvement in the 8th phototherapy procedure, however, due to a decrease in the level of platelets in the blood, the course of phototherapy was suspended. The method of PUVA therapy with 0.3% solution of ammi majus fructuum furocumarines turned out to be clinically effective in the treatment of lipoid necrobiosis, however, the presence of concomitant pathology in the patient requires an interdisciplinary approach to the choice of treatment tactics.

Update: Treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous disease of hitherto unclear etiology frequently seen in patients with diabetes. Characterized by its potential for ulcerations, it often presents a serious burden for those affected. There are currently neither German nor European guidelines for the treatment of NL. At the same time, standard treatment with topical or intralesional corticosteroids does not always show satisfactory results. We therefore set out to evaluate whether the various treatment regimens published since 2000 have actually expanded the therapeutic armamentarium in a relevant manner. Included were all publications that described more than one patient being treated with any given therapeutic modality. Overall, we analyzed data for 16 different treatment regimens reported in 49 publications. The largest amount of data exists for topical PUVA therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and systemic treatment with fumaric acid esters. Remarkably, our analysis showed that with an increase in the number of documented patients treated with a given therapeutic modality, the proportion of those achieving a complete or partial response actually decreased. This was interpreted as publication bias. Thus, no clear recommendation can be given for second-line therapy in case topical or intralesional corticosteroids fail.

Update: Therapie der Necrobiosis lipoidica

Die Necrobiosis lipoidica ist eine seltene granulomatöse Erkrankung von bisher unzureichend geklärter Ätiologie. Häufig stellt die bei Diabetikern gehäuft zu beobachtende und zur Ulzeration neigende Dermatose eine starke Belastung für die Patienten dar. Bezüglich der Therapie existieren aktuell keine deutschen oder europäischen Leitlinien. Gleichzeitig lässt sich unter der aktuellen Standardtherapie, der lokalen oder intraläsionalen Anwendung von Glukokortikoiden, nicht immer ein zufriedenstellendes Ansprechen beobachten. Daher wurde untersucht, ob seit dem Jahr 2000 publizierte Therapiemodalitäten das Therapiespektrum relevant und erfolgversprechend erweitern. Es erfolgte eine Betrachtung aller Arbeiten im oben genannten Zeitraum, bei denen mehr als ein Einzelfallbericht je Therapiemodalität publiziert wurde. Insgesamt wurden in einem systematischen Review die Daten von 16 verschiedenen, seit 2000 publizierten Therapieverfahren in 49 Publikationen analysiert. Im Ergebnis zeigte sich, dass die meisten Erfahrungen bezüglich der topischen PUVA-Therapie, der photodynamischen Therapie (PDT) und der systemischen Therapie mit Fumarsäureestern vorliegen. Allerdings ist auffällig, dass mit steigender Zahl der pro Behandlungsmodalität behandelten Patienten der Anteil der Patienten, bei denen eine Abheilung bzw. eine teilweise Abheilung berichtet wurde, sinkt. Wir interpretieren diese Beobachtung als Publikationsbias. Daher kann für keines der besprochenen Verfahren eine klare Empfehlung als Therapie der zweiten Wahl nach Versagen der lokalen bzw. intraläsionalen Steroidtherapie gegeben werden.

Cofactors and comorbidities of necrobiosis lipoidica: analysis of the German DRG data from 2012

BACKGROUND

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous inflammatory skin disease of unknown pathophysiology. Its potential association with diabetes mellitus is well known. Other relevant cofactors and comorbidities are subject to controversial debate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DRG (diagnosis-related groups) data of all inpatients with a coded primary or secondary diagnosis of NL treated at German hospitals in 2012 were evaluated.

RESULTS

Data of 262 inpatient cases with the primary or secondary diagnosis of NL were analyzed. Women (63.4%; n = 166) were nearly twice as frequently affected as men (36.2%; n = 96). Most NL patients (14.8%) were in the age group between 50 and 55 years. Among comorbidities included in the metabolic syndrome complex, diabetes mellitus was the most common (34.4%; IDDM 20.6%, NIDDM 13.8%), while essential hypertension was observed in 9.2%, obesity in 4.6%, chronic heart failure in 4.1%, and dyslipidemias in 2.3% of cases. Leg ulcers were diagnosed in 7.3% of individuals; other venous disorders, in 5.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data analysis describes one of the largest compilations of patient cases with the diagnosis of NL worldwide. Besides the well-known association with diabetes mellitus, there are numerous other potentially relevant cofactors and comorbidities that should be considered in the diagnosis and management of NL patients.

Necrobiosis Lipoidica

Necrobiosis lipoidica is a granulomatous condition presenting as indolent atrophic plaques, often on the lower extremities. There is a multitude of case reports suggesting possible associations and documenting different therapeutic alternatives with varied success. Important complications include ulceration and the development of squamous cell carcinoma. The disease course is often indolent and recurrent despite treatment. This article reviews the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentations, and evidence for treatment alternatives of this condition.

Treatment Modalities of Necrobiosis Lipoidica: A Concise Systematic Review

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare inflammatory granulomatous skin disorder closely associated with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this paper is to review and discuss all the treatment modalities proposed and tested for this disease. A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted to investigate all the available data and summarize all the clinical trials, case reports and original articles on NL. Two major databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) were used. We have examined about 70 articles. Numerous treatment modalities have been currently investigated to compare recalcitrant NL. Being rare, most of the studies regarding this disease are case reports or small-scale clinical trials. We have found that, in spite of plentiful investigations carried out during the years, there is no treatment modality that has proved to be utterly satisfactory in treating NL.

Ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica as a rare cause for chronic leg ulcers: case report series of ten patients

Necrobiosis lipoidica is a rare granulomatous disorder of the skin. In up to 30% of the affected patients it can lead to ulcerations, which can impair the quality of life and are also very difficult to treat. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Only few studies focussing on necrobiosis lipoidica can be found, but none of them focus on ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica. Therefore, we collected demographic data and comorbidities and assessed treatment options for patients with ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica. Data of patients who were treated in the wound care centre of the University Hospital of Essen for ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica over the past 10 years were retrospectively analysed. Hence, data of altogether ten patients (nine women and one man) with ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica were collected. Of these, 70% of the patients had diabetes mellitus of which 30% had type I diabetes and 40% had type II diabetes; 60% of the patients suffered from arterial hypertension, obesity and hypercholesterolaemia; 40% of the patients suffered from psychiatric disorders such as depression and borderline disorder. Our clinical data demonstrate an association of ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica and aspects of metabolic syndrome. This leads to a conclusion that ulcerating necrobiosis lipoidica can be seen as part of a generalised inflammatory reaction similar to the inflammatory reaction already known in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid diseases or psoriasis. In patients with clinical atypical painful ulcerations, necrobiosis lipoidica should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis. Therapists should be aware of associated aspects in patients with ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica who besides diabetes often suffer from other aspects of a metabolic syndrome with increased cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, these related comorbidities should also be diagnosed and treated.

Differential diagnosis of leg ulcers

Leg and foot ulcers are symptoms of very different diseases. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the differential diagnosis of leg ulcers. The majority of leg ulcers occur in the lower leg or foot. In non-venous ulcers the localization in the foot area is more frequent. The most frequent underlying disease is chronic venous disease. In 354 leg ulcers, Koerber found 75.25% venous leg ulcers, 3.66% arterial leg ulcers, 14.66% ulcers of mixed venous and arterial origin and 13.5% vasculitic ulcers. In the Swedish population of Skaraborg, Nelzen found a venous origin in 54% of the ulcer patients. Each leg ulcer needs a clinical and anamnestic evaluation. Duplex ultrasound is the basic diagnostic tool to exclude vascular anomalies especially chronic venous and arterial occlusive disease. Skin biopsies help to find a correct diagnosis in unclear or non-healing cases. In conclusion, chronic venous disease is the most frequent cause of leg ulcerations. Because 25% of the population have varicose veins or other chronic venous disease the coincidence of pathological venous findings and ulceration is very frequent even in non-venous ulcerations. Leg ulcers without the symptoms of chronic venous disease should be considered as non-venous.

[Uncommon cutaneous ulcerative and systemic sarcoidosis. Successful treatment with hydroxychloroquine and compression therapy]

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous multisystemic disease of unclear etiology, which can affect any organ. The cutaneous manifestations are variable, but ulcerative cutaneous sarcoidosis is very rare. One must rule out other granulomatous skin diseases, especially necrobiosis lipoidica. There is no standarized therapy; usually an interdisciplinary approach over years taking multiple side effects into consideration is needed. A 58-year-old woman with a long history of cutaneous, nodal and pulmonary sarcoidosis suddenly developed ulcerations within the disseminated skin lesions on her legs. The combination of systemic hydroxychloroquine and modern wound management lead to complete healing of the ulcers and a significant improvement in the remaining skin lesions.

[Necrobiosis lipoidica. Variants on a theme]

A 69-year-old patient presented with different skin lesions all of which belonged to group of necrobiosis lipoidica. The initial histologic diagnosis was actinic granuloma O'Brien. A subsequent biopsy was interpreted as granulomatous necrobiosis lipoidica. The history of these necrobiotic variants is reviewed and exemplarily depicted with this case. Necrobiosis lipoidica is part of the spectrum of granulomatous skin disorders. Although its etiology is unclear, an association with diabetes mellitus is often discussed. Multiple therapeutic options exist, but standardized guidelines for treatment are missing.

Miescher's granulomatosis (granulomatosis disciformis chronica et progressiva) in a non-diabetic patient--case report

INTRODUCTION

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is a rare disease of unclear etiology, that occurs in about 1% of diabetic patients.

CASE REPORT

We present case of granulomatosis disciformis chronica et progressiva Miescher with good response to systemic corticosteroids therapy.Patient 45 years old woman, with primary yellow-brown areas skin lesions, with foci well separated from surroundings on both lower legs, that occurred 5 years ago. In laboratory tests there was no abnormalities. Because of advance suggestion (after last admit in dermatological ward) of observation according to xantogranuloma necrobioticum tests for paraproteinemia were made. Immunoelectrophoresis, IgG, IgM, IgA levels, kappa light chain, lambda heavy chain; were correct, Bence-Johns protein-negative. During hospitalization in Clinic methylprednisolone in dose of 32 mg od, vascular drugs and local steroidotherapy was applied with good therapeutic response.

CONCLUSION

We described case of typical clinical and histological characters of necrobiosis lipoidica. without diabetes-granulomatosis disciformis chronica et progressiva Miescher that despite of suspicion of proper diagnosis for a long time was not treat effective.