Clinical, dermoscopic, and ultrasonic monitoring of the response to biologic treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

A Comprehensive Review of Sonographic Assessment of Peripheral Slow-Flow Vascular Malformations

This comprehensive review explores the role of sonographic assessment in diagnosing and characterizing peripheral slow-flow vascular malformations (PSFVM). The review begins with an introduction providing the background and significance of PSFVM, defining these vascular anomalies, and emphasizing the importance of sonography in their diagnosis. The objectives focus on a thorough examination of existing literature, assessing the effectiveness of sonography in delineating morphological and hemodynamic features crucial for accurate classification. The summary of key findings highlights the diagnostic accuracy of sonography while acknowledging its limitations. Implications for clinical practice emphasize the practical utility of sonography in early diagnosis and preoperative planning, suggesting integration into multimodal approaches. The conclusion underscores the need for standardized criteria, ongoing education, and future research, positioning sonography as a valuable tool in the comprehensive management of PSFVM.

Dermoscopy for the Differentiation of Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus from Other Erythematous Desquamative Dermatoses-Psoriasis, Nummular Eczema, Mycosis Fungoides and Pityriasis Rosea

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a condition that might pose a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of videodermoscopy in the differentiation of SCLE from other erythematous-desquamative dermatoses. Consecutive patients with SCLE (n = 27), psoriasis (n = 36), nummular eczema (n = 30), mycosis fungoides (n = 26), and pityriasis rosea (n = 20) referred to our Department of Dermatology were recruited for this study. A representative lesion was visualized using a Canfield D200EVO Videodermatoscope (Canfield Scientific GmbH, Bielefeld, Germany) and evaluated for the following parameters: vessels (morphology and distribution), scales (color and distribution), follicular findings, colors and morphologies, and presence of specific clues. SCLE was predominantly characterized by a polymorphous vascular pattern (92.6%) of unspecific distribution (92.6%) over a pink-red background (74.1%). Gray-brown dots were present in 10 (37.0%) cases, and pigmentation was noted in 15 (55.6%) patients, including peripheral pigmentation in 7 (25.9%) patients. Videodermoscopic evaluation showed significant differences between SCLE and psoriasis, which was characterized by regularly distributed dotted vessels. Although some common dermoscopic features with MF were noted, the presence of yellow structureless areas and red dots/globules favored the diagnosis of MF. In conclusion, a polymorphic vascular pattern, especially in association with gray-brown dots and/or peripheral pigmentation, is a valuable clue for the differentiation of SCLE from other erythematous-desquamative dermatoses.