Necrobiosis lipoidica

Approach to the Atypical Wound

The heterogeneity of atypical wounds can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges; however, as the prevalence of atypical wounds grows worldwide, prompt and accurate management is increasingly an essential skill for dermatologists. Addressing the underlying cause of an atypical wound is critical for successful outcomes. An integrated approach with a focus on pain management and patient engagement is recommended to facilitate enduring wound closure. Advances in treatment, in addition to further research and clinical training, are necessary to address the expanding burden of atypical wounds.

The Intersection of Dermatological Dilemmas and Endocrinological Complexities: Understanding Necrobiosis Lipoidica-A Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous skin disorder with a predilection for females, often associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). This paper aims to comprehensively review the literature on NL, focusing on its association with DM, thyroid disorders, and the metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in English-language literature from inception to October 2023, utilizing PubMed. We identified 530 studies and selected 19 based on clinical significance, statistical support, and relevance to the paper's goals.

RESULTS

The coexistence of NL and DM is prevalent, with rates ranging from 11% to 65.71%. NL may precede DM diagnosis and a correlation between NL and increased daily insulin requirements has been observed in such patients. NL is suggested as a potential prognostic marker for DM complications; however, recent studies question this association, highlighting the need for further research. Studies in the context of NL and Thyroid Disease indicate a correlation, especially with autoimmune thyroiditis. Regarding NL and Metabolic Syndrome, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among NL patients is notably higher than in the general population. Additionally, DM patients with ulcerated NL commonly exhibit hypertension or obesity, raising questions about the potential influence of hypertension and obesity on NL ulcerations.

CONCLUSION

Additional research is required to untangle the complex connections between NL and various comorbidities.

Literaturrecherche zur Therapie der Necrobiosis lipoidica in der Kindheit

Die Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) ist eine seltene granulomatöse Erkrankung mit scharf begrenzten, teleangiektatischen, braun‐roten Plaques mit atroph‐gelblichen Zentren, die zu Ulzerationen neigen und hauptsächlich an den Schienbeinen auftreten. Bei Kindern ist NL sehr selten, jedoch sind die Therapieresistenz, das problematische kosmetische Erscheinungsbild, die schmerzhaften Ulzerationen und die mögliche Entwicklung von Plattenepithelkarzinomen besonders herausfordernd für diese Altersgruppe. Unsere Literaturrecherche inkludiert 29 Berichte über NL bei Patienten unter 18 Jahren, die seit 1990 auf PubMed, EMBASE und Medline publiziert wurden. Das mittlere Alter war 14,3 Jahre mit weiblicher Prädominanz von 2 : 1 und hoher Prävalenz von Diabetes mellitus (80%). Aus den Daten geht hervor, dass hochpotente topische Steroide bis zu zweimal täglich Behandlung erster Wahl sind. Therapierefraktäre Fälle können auf Tacrolimus umgestellt werden. Ulzerationen profitieren von phasenadaptierter Wundversorgung und antientzündlichen medizinischen Verbänden wie mit medizinischem Honig. Das Hinzufügen einer hyperbaren Sauerstoffbehandlung zur lokalen oder systemischen Therapie kann bei schwer behandelbaren ulzerierten Läsionen in Betracht gezogen werden. Therapieresistente Fälle können umgestellt werden auf topische Photochemotherapie oder systemische Behandlung mit TNF‐alpha‐Inhibitoren, systemischen Steroiden (bevorzugt bei Patienten ohne Diabetes), Pentoxifyllin oder Hydroxychloroquin. Necrobiosis lipoidica in der Kindheit ist mit über 40% fehlgeschlagenen Therapieversuchen schwer zu behandeln, weshalb weitere Forschung über Patientenregister empfohlen wird.

Necrobiosis lipoidica in childhood: a review of literature with emphasis on therapy

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare chronic granulomatous disease that manifests as sharply demarcated, telangiectatic, brownish-red plaques with atrophic yellowish centers prone to ulceration and occurs predominantly on the shins. In children, NL is extremely rare, but resistance to therapy, troublesome cosmetic appearance, painful ulcerations, and possible development of squamous cell carcinoma in long-persisting lesions are challenges during treatment. Our review includes 29 reports of NL in patients aged <18 years published from 1990 on PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline. The mean age of patients was 14.3 years, with a female predominance of 2 : 1 and a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (80%). Data showed that potent topical steroids up to twice daily is the first-line treatment. For refractory cases, therapy can be switched to tacrolimus. Ulcerations benefit from phase-adapted wound care and anti-inflammatory medical dressings such as medical honey. Adding hyperbaric oxygenation to local or systemic therapy in difficult-to-treat ulcerated lesions can be considered. Refractory cases may be switched to topical photochemotherapy or systemic treatment with TNF-α inhibitors, systemic steroids (preferably in non-diabetic patients), pentoxifylline, or hydroxychloroquine. Necrobiosis lipoidica in childhood is difficult to treat, with a treatment failure rate of 40%. Therefore, further research through patient registries is recommended.

Nonulcerated Necrobiosis Lipoidica Successfully Treated with Tapinarof: A Case Report

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a chronic granulomatous disorder of the skin which usually presents with red papules and plaques on the lower extremities. Diabetes mellitus has been found to be associated with NL, but the pathophysiology of the disease is unknown. Based on a Doppler flowmetry study showing increased blood flow at NL lesions and the macrophage upregulation of granulomatous disorders, it is reasonable to conclude that there is an inflammatory component to it. NL is extremely challenging to manage. The initial treatment of choice is usually topical or intralesional corticosteroids, and if this fails to work, many dermatologists depend on the small number of case reports for more treatment options. We present a pre-diabetic patient with nonulcerative NL who was successfully treated with the first-in-class therapeutic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-modulating agent tapinarof cream (VTAMA, Dermavant). Following the case presentation is a discussion of this topical novel agent and its unique anti-inflammatory mechanism of action. Tapinarof specifically binds to and activates AHR leading to downregulation of TNF-α/IL-23/IL-17 and inhibition of IL-4/IL-13 mediated STAT6 activation. Anti-TNF-α agents and JAK-inhibitors have also been found to be beneficial in treating NL; tapinarof seems to target both these pathways without the risk of their serious adverse reactions.

Characteristics of ulcerated and non‐ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica

BACKGROUND

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is complicated by ulceration in up to 35% of cases.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with NL seen at our institution between January 1, 1992, and May 25, 2021, was conducted. Ulcerated NL (UNL, n = 83) and non-ulcerated NL (NUNL, n = 233) groups were compared.

RESULTS

Twenty-six percent (83/316) of patients with NL experienced ulceration. UNL was significantly more likely to be painful (52% vs. 36%, P = 0.01), was more likely to have a lesion-associated cutaneous malignancy (7% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), and had a larger median size (7 vs. 5 cm, P = 0.004) compared to NUNL. Vascular studies were performed on a subset of patients and revealed transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) < 40 mm Hg in 53% and venous insufficiency in 62% with no significant differences between UNL and NUNL groups. In patients with unilateral ulceration, mean TcPO2 values (39.7 vs. 46.6 mm Hg), regional perfusion index <0.6 (29% vs. 14%), and TcPO2 < 40 mm Hg (43% vs. 14%) were worse in the ulcerated leg compared to the non-ulcerated leg, but these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

UNL was more likely to be painful, develop lesion-associated malignancy, and be larger in size compared to NUNL. There were no statistically significant differences in venous insufficiency, arterial Doppler/ankle brachial index, or TcPO2 values between UNL and NUNL patients, however, a significant portion of the cohort demonstrated abnormal vascular studies, particularly on TcPO2 and venous insufficiency testing.

Granuloma annulare and necrobiosis lipoidica in a patient with HNF1A-MODY

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a heterogeneous group of monogenic forms of diabetes mellitus with distinct clinical features. Clinical dermatological phenotypes in MODY patients are very rare in literature. This report describes a patient with HNF1A-MODY presenting with necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) and granuloma annulare (GA). A 39-year-old asymptomatic woman, with atypical diabetes diagnosed at age 17, has a confirmed HNF1A mutation on exon 2 (c.392G>A, p.R131Q), classified as Pathogenic by the ACMG guidelines. She has reasonable metabolic control using oral anti-diabetic medications and has no chronic diabetic complications. Clinical and histologic diagnoses of both NL and GA were made. We discuss these conditions and their association with MODY.

Diabetes Detection and Prevention in Dermatology

We are currently in the midst of an international epidemic of diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes. The prevalence of DM in the United States is estimated at 9.4% of the population across all ages, while an estimated 1 in 3 Americans (33.9%) has prediabetes. According to the WHO, about 60 million people suffer from diabetes in the European Region. Dermatologists may play an important role in tackling this epidemic via efforts to improve early detection of both diabetes and prediabetes. Dermatologists often treat patients with, or at risk of, diabetes. This includes patients who present with cutaneous manifestations such as acanthosis nigricans, as well as patient populations at increased risk, including those with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Simple screening guidelines can be used to identify patients at risk, and screening can be performed via a single non-fasting blood test. The diagnosis of prediabetes is a key feature in diabetes prevention, as interventions in this group can markedly reduce progression towards diabetes. In addition to referral to a primary care physician, dermatologists may refer these patients directly to structured behavioral lifestyle intervention programs known as diabetes prevention programs. A significant portion of the population lacks routine care by a primary care physician, and current data indicates need for improvement in diabetes screening and prevention among patient groups such as those with psoriasis. These factors highlight the importance of the dermatologist's role in the detection and prevention of diabetes.

Non-Infectious Granulomatous Dermatoses: A Pathologist's Perspective

Granulomatous dermatitis (GD) is one of the commonest tissue reaction patterns encountered in dermatopathology practice. Granulomatous inflammation in the skin can be seen in a wide range of conditions, thus, granulomatous dermatitis always poses significant challenge even to the astute dermatologists and dermatopathologists. Broadly, granulomatous dermatitis is divided into two groups-infectious and non-infectious, the prevalence of both highly variable and show overlapping pathology. However, there are subtle histological clues, which when combined with clinical features, help to narrow down the differential diagnosis. Thus, a good Clinicopathological correlation (CPC) along with histochemical stains, culture and ancillary techniques including molecular studies are required for arriving at a definite diagnosis. In this review, we shall discuss the histological clues to diagnose non-infectious granulomatous dermatitis (NIGD) and their differential diagnoses.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a significant worldwide health concern and cutaneous manifestations are common. This review describes characteristic skin findings of diabetes, general skin findings related to diabetes, and findings related to diabetes treatment with a focus on clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus likely will be encountered more frequently by physicians in all disciplines including dermatologists and primary care physicians. Accordingly, knowledge regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cutaneous manifestations is an important aspect in the care of patients with diabetes.

Comorbidity and Therapeutic Approaches in Patients with Necrobiosis Lipoidica

BACKGROUND

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology. Randomized controlled studies are not available due to it being an orphan disease.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated patients in 2 dermatological centres to cluster data about epidemiology, the therapeutic approaches for NL, and their efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Comorbidity and the efficacy of the applied treatment was assessed for 98 patients.

RESULTS

We identified 54% of patients with concomitant diabetes and 19% with thyroidal disorders. Topical steroids (85.7%) were predominantly used followed by calcineurin inhibitors (31%) and phototherapy (41.8%). Systemically, fumaric acid esters were more frequently applied (26.8%) than steroids (24.4%) and dapsone (24.4%). Steroids, compression therapy, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, fumaric acid esters, and dapsone showed remarkable efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic options were chosen individually in accordance with the severity of NL and presence of ulceration. Topical calcineurin inhibitors, systemic application of fumaric acid esters, and dapsone represent effective alternatives to the use of steroids.

Clinical Features and Comorbidities of Patients With Necrobiosis Lipoidica With or Without Diabetes

Importance

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous condition. Current knowledge of its key features is based on a limited number of studies and case reports, leading to wide variability in the characterization of its defining features, with limited comparison of patients with or without diabetes.

Objective

To evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics, clinical features, and disease associations of NL in patients with or without type 1 or 2 diabetes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter retrospective review included 236 patients aged 15 to 84 years who were evaluated and received a diagnosis of NL at the University of Pennsylvania Health System between January 1, 2008, and July 15, 2018; University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between January 1, 2000, and June 15, 2018; and Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital between January 1, 2000, and February 15, 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient demographics, clinical features, medical comorbidities, and biopsy status.

Results

Of the 236 patients with NL, 200 were women and 36 were men, and 182 were white, with a median age at presentation of 50.0 years (interquartile range, 33.0-59.0 years). The diagnosis was biopsy proven in 156 patients (66.1%). Of the 230 patients with location specified, 225 (97.8%) had NL on the lower legs. A total of 138 patients with NL (58.5%; 95% CI, 52.7%-65.3%) had diabetes. The median hemoglobin A1c for patients with diabetes was 8.00% (interquartile range, 6.68%-9.50%) (to convert hemoglobin A1c to proportion of total hemoglobin, multiply by 0.01). Patients with diabetes were significantly younger than patients without diabetes (median age, 45.0 vs 52.0 years; P = .005), and slightly less likely to be female (112 of 138 [81.2%] vs 87 of 96 [90.6%]; P = .046), but lesion characteristics were otherwise comparable. Other notable comorbidities included obesity in 95 of 184 patients (51.6%; 95% CI, 44.4%-58.9%), hypertension in 104 of 230 patients (45.2%), dyslipidemia in 98 of 225 patients (43.6%), and thyroid disease in 56 of 229 patients (24.5%).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study of NL supports its associations with diabetes as well as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and thyroid disease. Younger age and female sex were observed more frequently in patients with diabetes. Otherwise, NL lesions in patients with or without diabetes shared many clinical features, suggesting that risk factors outside of elevated blood glucose may play an important role in the disease. Future studies should evaluate these associations with the goal of further elucidating NL's underlying pathophysiologic characteristics.

Common and critical inflammatory dermatoses every pathologist should know

Inflammatory dermatopathology remains a challenging area for surgical pathologists. Yet every surgical pathologist encounters inflammatory dermatoses as part of routine practice. This review will focus on selected diagnoses that are either commonly encountered in the routine practice of surgical pathology or are critically important. The following entities will be covered: spongiotic dermatoses, lichen simplex chronicus, and early lichen sclerosus in the setting of vulvar biopsies, as well as graft versus host disease, Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, granuloma anulare, pyoderma gangrenosum, and calciphylaxis. Practical points and key histologic features will be emphasized.

The role of anti-tumour necrosis factor in wound healing: A case report of refractory ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica treated with adalimumab and review of the literature

Necrobiosis lipoidica is a chronic granulomatous disease historically associated with diabetes. Necrobiosis lipoidica commonly presents with erythematous papules or plaques on the anterior lower extremities, which can be ulcerated in up to 30% of patients. The pathophysiology of necrobiosis lipoidica is unknown but proposed to be predominantly linked to microangiopathy. No treatment option for necrobiosis lipoidica has shown consistent efficacy. Previous case reports have shown immune-modulating agents to be reasonable treatment options for ulcerative necrobiosis lipoidica. However, evidence for the tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor, adalimumab, is limited and contradictory. We report a case of a 74-year-old type 2 diabetic female with a 2-year history of multiple ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica plaques resistant to topical and systemic therapy. Treatment with adalimumab showed complete re-epithelization of all ulcers by week 28. Adalimumab may be an effective treatment option for ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica that has failed traditional therapies. Further reports of adalimumab treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica and other chronic inflammatory wounds are needed.

The long-term effect of pulsed dye laser on Necrobiosis Lipoidica: A case study

A 57-year-old female was presented with an irrepressible case of Necrobiosis Lipoidica considering the possibility of a surgical skin graft. Instead, a pulsed dye laser treatment was used as an alternate treatment. Previous case studies have been found in the literature on the effect of pulsed dye laser on Necrobiosis Lipoidica. The use of a pulsed dye laser in this case resulted in rendering the lesions asymptomatic for pain and a reduction in volume. Prolonged control was exhibited. From this case, we conclude that pulsed dye laser therapy is effective when increasing the number of treatments of laser therapy, and can be used as a treatment for Necrobiosis Lipoidica.

Diabetes mellitus and the skin

Several dermatoses are routinely associated with diabetes mellitus, especially in patients with chronic disease. This relationship can be easily proven in some skin disorders, but it is not so clear in others. Dermatoses such necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare, acanthosis nigricans and others are discussed in this text, with an emphasis on proven link with the diabetes or not, disease identification and treatment strategy used to control those dermatoses and diabetes.

Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic diseases are commonly encountered in the Western world. Cutaneous manifestations are common in metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), and metabolic diseases may manifest with specific skin findings. MetS and DM share a common mechanism in their etiopathogenesis. As a result, the skin findings associated with these two diseases partially overlap. Several skin findings in DM and MetS may be the first clinical features of the disease, and early diagnosis facilitates treatment, thereby helping in preventing long-term complications. In this review, MetS and skin manifestations associated with DM are discussed.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

Diabetes mellitus is a widespread endocrine disease with severe impact on health systems worldwide. Increased serum glucose causes damage to a wide range of cell types, including endothelial cells, neurons, and renal cells, but also keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Skin disorders can be found in about one third of all people with diabetes and frequently occur before the diagnosis, thus playing an important role in the initial recognition of underlying disease. Noninfectious as well as infectious diseases have been described as dermatologic manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Moreover, diabetic neuropathy and angiopathy may also affect the skin. Pruritus, necrobiosis lipoidica, scleredema adultorum of Buschke, and granuloma annulare are examples of frequent noninfectious skin diseases. Bacterial and fungal skin infections are more frequent in people with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy and angiopathy are responsible for diabetic foot syndrome and diabetic dermopathy. Furthermore, antidiabetic therapies may provoke dermatologic adverse events. Treatment with insulin may evoke local reactions like lipohypertrophy, lipoatrophy and both instant and delayed type allergy. Erythema multiforme, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, drug eruptions, and photosensitivity have been described as adverse reactions to oral antidiabetics. The identification of lesions may be crucial for the first diagnosis and for proper therapy of diabetes.

Risk factors for necrobiosis lipoidica in Type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

To compare the clinical and metabolic characteristics of patients with Type 1 diabetes and necrobiosis lipoidica with those of patients with Type 1 diabetes who do not have necrobiosis lipoidica. A multicentre analysis was performed.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from 64 133 patients (aged 0-25 years) with Type 1 diabetes with and without necrobiosis lipoidica who were registered in the German/Austrian Diabetes Prospective Documentation Initiative registry. Data were analysed using multivariable regression modelling. Age, diabetes duration, treatment year and sex were considered as confounding factors.

RESULTS

Results adjusted for demographic variables are presented. In patients with necrobiosis lipoidica, metabolic control was worse (HbA_1c 72 vs. 67 mmol/mol, 8.7% vs. 8.3%; P = 0.0065) and the duration of diabetes was longer [6.24 (3.28-9.97) vs. 5.11 (2.08-8.83) years; P = 0.014; not adjusted]. Patients with necrobiosis lipoidica required higher insulin doses than those without (1.02 vs. 0.92 U/kg/day; P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the frequency of microvascular complications (microalbuminuria and retinopathy) between the groups. Furthermore, 24.8% and 17.5% of patients with Type 1 diabetes with and without necrobiosis lipoidica, respectively, had elevated thyroid antibodies (P = 0.051). Necrobiosis lipoidica was correlated with coeliac disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes (3.4% vs. 1.0%; P = 0.0035).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate a strong correlation between hyperglycaemia and the development of necrobiosis lipoidica. We postulate that the underlying pathogenic processes differ from those leading to microalbuminuria and retinopathy, and additional immunological mechanisms may play a role.

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.

The treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica

Necrobiosis lipoidica is an inflammatory disorder, associated with diabetes mellitus, for which the underlying pathological mechanism is unknown and for which there is no rational therapy. However, benefit has been reported from such different treatment regimens as drugs acting on the haemostatic mechanisms, corticosteroid therapy (topical, intralesional and systemic), enhancers of wound healing, surgery and immunomodulating therapies (including photochemotherapy). This is a review of these treatment options.

Lymphocytic panniculitis: an algorithmic approach to lymphocytes in subcutaneous tissue

The diagnosis of panniculitis is a relatively rare occurrence for many practising pathologists. The smaller subset of lymphocyte-predominant panniculitis is further complicated by the diagnostic consideration of T cell lymphoma involving the subcutaneous tissue, mimicking inflammatory causes of panniculitis. Accurate classification of the panniculitis is crucial to direct clinical management as treatment options may vary from non-medical therapy to immunosuppressive agents to aggressive chemotherapy. Many diseases show significant overlap in clinical and histological features, making the process of determining a specific diagnosis very challenging. However, with an adequate biopsy including skin and deep subcutaneous tissue, a collaborative effort between clinician and pathologist can often lead to a specific diagnosis. This review provides an algorithmic approach to the diagnosis of lymphocyte-predominant panniculitis, including entities of septal-predominant pattern panniculitis (erythema nodosum, deep necrobiosis lipoidica, morphea profunda and sclerosing panniculitis) and lobular-predominant pattern panniculitis (lupus erythematous panniculitis/lupus profundus, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma, cutaneous γ-δ T cell lymphoma, Borrelia infection and cold panniculitis).

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 of recalcitrant granuloma annulare (GA) with adalimumab: A single-center, observational study

BACKGROUND

Generalized or disseminated granuloma annulare (GA) is therapeutically challenging. Adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist, has recently been used to treat GA.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate adalimumab's efficacy in treating GA.

METHODS

We identified 7 patients with physician-verified GA who were treated with adalimumab. Primary endpoints were improvements in GA Investigator Global Assessment score and body surface area. Secondary end points included erythema and induration improvement.

RESULTS

Seven adults, ages 51 to 77 years, were included. All patients' GA Investigator Global Assessment scores improved by 2 or greater. We found significant improvements in body surface area, erythema, and induration (average improvements by 87%, 88%, and 95%, respectively). Two patients required increases in adalimumab frequency. Two others noted GA recurrence; 1 restarted adalimumab and cleared again. Adverse events were minimal.

LIMITATIONS

Conclusions are limited because of small sample size and observational nature of the study.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that adalimumab could be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for GA. It is a particularly attractive therapy for patients who have generalized or disseminated GA.

Necrobiosis lipoidica: a descriptive study of 35 cases

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a chronic idiopathic granulomatous disease considered to occur in association with diabetes mellitus. Data on the frequency of this association, however, are inconsistent. Our aim was to retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with NL at our hospital and to investigate the association with diabetes mellitus and other diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a chart review of all patients with a clinical and histologic diagnosis of NL treated and followed in the dermatology department of Hospital de Bellvitge in Barcelona, Spain between 1987 and 2013.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (6 men and 29 women with a mean age of 47.20 years) were diagnosed with NL in the study period. At the time of diagnosis, 31 patients had pretibial lesions. Thirteen patients (37%) had a single lesion at diagnosis, and the mean number of lesions was 3.37. Twenty-three patients (65.71%) had diabetes mellitus (type 1 in 10 cases and type 2 in 13). In 20 patients, onset of diabetes preceded that of NL by a mean of 135.70 months. The 2 conditions were diagnosed simultaneously in 3 patients. None of the 35 patients developed diabetes mellitus during follow-up. Six patients had hypothyroidism, and 4 of these also had type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

NL is frequently associated with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Although diabetes tends to develop before NL, it can occur simultaneously.

Spectrum of cutaneous manifestations of type 1 diabetes mellitus in 500 South Asian patients

BACKGROUND

Data on cutaneous manifestations of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To study the spectrum of dermatoses in patients with type 1 DM and the effects of disease duration and long-term glucose control on these cutaneous manifestations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

After prior consent, clinical examination and relevant investigations were done in 500 subjects with type 1 DM enrolled between July 2011 and June 2012. Statistical tests were performed using SPSS 16. The presence of various dermatoses was correlated with the duration of diabetes.

RESULTS

Of five hundred subjects, 339 (67·8%) had one or more dermatoses. The mean age of the patients was 16·9 ± 6·9 years (range 1-25 years) and mean total duration of diabetes was 4·43 ± 4·4 years. Cutaneous adverse effects related to insulin injections (CAII), comprising lipohypertrophy (41%), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (3%), lipoatrophy (0·6%) and acanthosis nigricans (0·4%), were the most common findings, followed by limited joint mobility (LJM) (16·8%), xerosis (15·8%) and scleroderma-like skin changes (10%). Patients having long-duration DM (> 4·4 years) were significantly more likely to have lipohypertrophy (P = 0·000), LJM (P = 0·000), scleroderma-like skin changes (P = 0·000), diabetic dermopathy (P = 0·000), acanthosis nigricans (P = 0·005) and skin tags (P = 0·002). Lipohypertrophy, LJM and scleroderma-like skin changes also showed significant correlation with blood glucose level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that cutaneous changes are common in young Asian patients with type 1 DM. Information, education and counselling of patients and care givers, and awareness among physicians is essential for the prevention and early management of these dermatoses.

Resolution of long-standing necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) lesion after restoration of euglycemia following successful pancreas after kidney (PAK) transplantation: a case report

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is an inflammatory skin disorder of unknown cause which can be seen in patients with diabetes mellitus. Various treatments, including immunosuppressive agents have been tried, without consistent efficacy. NLD is generally thought not to correlate well with tight diabetic control. Pancreas transplantation is the only widely and clinically used treatment that restores euglycemia in type I diabetic recipients. We report a case of resolution of NLD that had been unchanged for decades before pancreas after kidney transplantation. Another unique aspect of our case was that immunosuppression was discounted as a confounding factor, because the patient had been exposed to the same antirejection regimen for 3 years preceding the pancreas transplantation.

Selective case study describing the use of Apligraf on necrobiosis lipoidica associated with diabetes

Necrobiosis lipoidica is a rare skin disease characterised by large, well-demarcated, symmetrical plaques with overlying telangiectasias and atrophic, fibrotic features. The disease is associated with diabetes mellitus (1 in 300 cases), but can also be linked to other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Women are three times more likely to develop necrobiosis lipoidica compared to men. Ulcerations are the most serious type of complications in necrobiosis lipoidica, and they occur most frequently on the legs of patients. However, the aetiology of necrobiosis lipoidica still remains unclear. Although many studies have been conducted in order to determine necrobiosis lipoidica's pathophysiology, a clear and definite path to disease has not been recorded. In this case study, a patient with necrobiosis lipoidica that had been refractory to conventional therapy received treatment with Apligraf® bioengineered wound dressings. Apligraf was shown to be effective in managing the patient's multiple hard-to-heal wounds. It was more successful than previous therapies in achieving granulation tissue formation and wound volume reduction, in addition to being a more rapid form of treatment.

Necrobiosis lipoidica: A clinicopathological study in the Indian scenario

Context:

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a chronic granulomatous dermatitis that is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus. Most of the current knowledge about this entity is from western literature.

Aims:

This study evaluates the clinicohistological features of NL in an Indian scenario.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed clinical features, associated comorbidities, and biopsies of all patients with NL over a period of one year.

Results:

Five cases of NL were seen during the duration of the study. The preliminary clinical diagnosis ranged from sarcoidosis to tinea incognito. The commonest clinical presentation in the Indian scenario was of asymptomatic erythematous to skin-colored plaques and nodules on the shins with or without central atrophy. The most common site of involvement was the shin (3 of 5 patients). NL was associated with Diabetes mellitus in only two cases, both of whom were male patients. On histology, various patterns of inflammation were seen including the palisading, interstitial, and mixed granulomatous infiltrates. One patient had sarcoidal granulomas in association with an interstitial pattern. Features seen consistently in all cases include perivascular lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, interstitial lymphocytic infiltrates, and fibroplasia. Interstitial mucin deposition was not observed in any of the biopsies.

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of NL was missed in most cases due to the rarity of the disease, absence of concomitant diabetes, and atypical presentations. Histology was a useful tool in clinching the diagnosis.

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.

Use of Integra® Dermal Regeneration Template in excision and reconstruction of pre-tibial necrobiosis lipoidica: a case report

Integra® Dermal Regeneration Template has become a useful tool for the reconstructive surgeon, particularly in the area of burn care if there is a lack of autograft or the harvesting of autograft may be deleterious to the patients’ condition. However the scope of the Integra template extends far beyond that of burn surgery. We report our experience in the use of the template in the treatment of an ulcerating pre-tibial necrobiosis lipoidica defect. We believe this provides a more robust reconstruction and stable graft recipient site.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum: A case-based review of literature

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is a rare chronic and granulomatous skin disorder that affects 0.3% of diabetic patients. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of NLD is still controversial, it is thought that microangiopathy has an important role. The legs are the most common site for NLD, but involvement of other areas such as the abdomen, upper extremities and scalp has been reported. There is no rational therapy. However, benefit has been reported from different treatment regimens such as drugs acting on the hemostatic mechanisms, corticosteroid therapy (topical, intralesional and systemic), enhancers of wound healing, surgery and immunomodulating therapies (including photochemotherapy). We report a 59-year-old female, who was a diabetic patient with multiple, disseminated lesions on the legs, which tended to disappear as the glycemic control was achieved. Hereby, we also review the existing literature for the evolving aspects of etiopathogenesis and treatment.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum

Necrobiosis lipoidica is a rare disorder that usually appears in the lower extremities and it is often related to diabetes mellitus. There are few reported cases of necrobiosis lipoidica in children. We present an interesting case in that the patient developed lesions on the abdomen, which is an unusual location.

Dermatologic manifestation of diabetes

With the rising incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the US, it is of paramount importance that practitioners understand the complications of DM and how best to manage them. Diabetes affects every organ system and the skin is no exception. There are numerous cutaneous manifestations of DM that have similar etiologies and result from the same pathologic mechanisms as the internal complications of this disease state. In addition, skin manifestations may precede the diagnosis of diabetes. The present article reviews both the common and less common cutaneous manifestations of DM, including presenting lesions, pathogenesis, and management.

Pretibial angioplasia: a novel entity encompassing the clinical features of necrobiosis lipoidica and the histopathology of venous insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) presents clinically as waxy yellow-brown plaques, commonly on the shins. Venous insufficiency also involves the legs; however, it has distinct clinical and pathologic features.

OBJECTIVE

We present a series of eight patients who had lesions that clinically resembled NL but on pathology showed features resembling venous insufficiency.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2008, eight patients were identified at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, to have had skin lesions clinically diagnosed as NL, or a similar morphologic entity, but showing histopathologic features resembling venous insufficiency on biopsy. The clinical records and pathology reports of these patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

The patients' ages ranged from 39 to 73 years. Only one patient was female. Members of the group held diagnoses of diabetes, renal failure, or venous or arterial disease. All patients had lesions on the legs, most on the anterior aspect. The clinical diagnosis was generally NL; other clinical impressions included lichen planus, morphea, and Kaposi sarcoma. All patients had features on pathology resembling venous insufficiency and no features of NL.

CONCLUSION

We propose that this unique combination of clinical features of NL and histopathologic features resembling venous insufficiency represents a novel entity for which we propose the name pretibial angioplasia.