Predominant Dermoscopic Patterns Observed among Nevi

Background:

It has been clinically observed that patients' “normal” moles resemble each other. Whether this concept is applicable to dermoscopic practice has not been sufficiently studied.

Objective:

To investigate whether physicians evaluating dermoscopic images would identify common dermoscopic profiles of nevi within individual patients.

Methods:

Images of 205 nevi belonging to 18 patients were evaluated by 2 dermatologists for dermoscopic global pattern, color, and specific structures. We defined dermoscopic patterns as dominant if seen in ≥ 40% of the patient's nevi; a minor pattern was defined as 20 to 39%.

Results:

A dominant pattern was seen in 15 patients (83%). In 13 (72%) of the patients, ≥ 80% of the nevi were classified into one, two, or three global patterns. The reticular global pattern was the most prevalent dominant pattern, seen in 9 patients (50%); the homogeneous pattern was the most prevalent minor pattern, seen in 16 patients (89%).

Conclusion:

Individuals tend to have one to three predominant dermoscopic nevus global patterns.

Sarcoidosis and molecular mimicry--important etiopathogenetic aspects: current state and future directions

Sarcoidosis is a disease of uncertainty in terms of its cause, presentation, and clinical course. The disease has a worldwide distribution and affects all ages, races, and both sex. Sarcoidosis of the skin may have an extremely heterogeneous clinical presentation, so that the definitions of 'great imitator' and 'clinical chameleon' have long been used. The factors that influence clinical picture and severity of the disease are probably linked to the etiopathogenesis of sarcoidosis, which continues to be shrouded in mystery. The current state of the art on the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis is that it is an immunological response in a genetically susceptible individual to an as-yet undefined antigenic stimulus. How exposure occurs in genetically predisposed patients is not completely clear, but the most likely explanation is that these agents or antigens are either inhaled into the lungs or enter through contact with the skin, as these are the common target organs that are constantly in contact with the environment. An autoimmune etiology of sarcoidosis could possibly occur through a process of molecular mimicry of infectious or other environmental antigens to host antigens. This could lead to a cross-mediated immune response and induction of autoimmune disease. This molecular mimicry may probably be responsible for the heterogeneous clinical presentations of the disease. Several investigations and studies have provided valuable evidence on the etiopathogenesis of sarcoidosis, which may lead to the future development of targeted and innovative treatment strategies. Nevertheless, we are still a long way from unravelling the underlying cause of this mysterious disease.

Severe aphthous stomatitis associated with oral calcineurin and mTOR inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Aphthous stomatitis, a common mucocutaneous disorder, is a well accepted complication of sirolimus therapy. This association has been reported less frequently with tacrolimus.

CASE

We present an 11-year old male with Budd-Chiari syndrome who experienced profound worsening of chronic aphthous ulcers after immunosuppressive therapy was changed from tacrolimus to sirolimus.

CONCLUSION

Since these drugs are used widely in the pediatric transplantation population, this report serves to heighten awareness of this debilitating phenomenon, and to stress the importance of exercising caution when sirolimus and tacrolimus are administered in combination to pediatric patients.

Lymphogranuloma venereum: "a clinical and histopathological chameleon?"

Lymphogranuloma venereum is an infection caused by a variety of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Both genital and extragenital manifestations of the disease can cause serious differential diagnostic difficulties, indirectly leading to progression and dissemination of the infection. This work describes cases of patients with lymphogranuloma venereum showing atypical clinical and/or histopathological findings. It also focuses on alternative therapeutic approaches, such as surgical excision at stage 1, that may lead to a positive outcome. It is not completely clear whether histopathological findings of lymphogranuloma venereum can reveal progression or changes in the course of the disease over time, as is the case in other diseases. We conclude that both clinical and histopathological observations in a larger number of patients are needed in order to further evaluate the findings presented in this article.

Conventional and Polarized Dermoscopy Features of Dermatofibroma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate dermoscopic features and patterns of dermatofibromas using conventional and polarized light dermoscopy.

DESIGN

Dermatofibromas were imaged using conventional nonpolarized contact dermoscopy (NPD), polarized contact dermoscopy (PCD), and polarized noncontact dermoscopy, followed by evaluation and comparison of dermoscopic features of the lesions.

SETTING

Dermatology clinic specializing in pigmented lesions. Patients Fifty patients with dermatofibromas.

RESULTS

The most common features of dermatofibromas observed with NPD and PCD were central white scarlike patches (37 [74%] and 42 [84%], respectively), brown globulelike structures (21 [42%] and 22 [44%]), vascular structures (24 [48%] and 22 [44%]), and a peripheral fine pigmented network (36 [72%] for both). A newly described feature observed with PCD was a central white patch characterized by shiny white streaks. With polarized noncontact dermoscopy, the most characteristic feature was a central pink hue or "vascular blush" (44 [88%]) and visibility of blood vessels (41 [82%]). The most common pattern identified with NPD and PCD was the combination of a peripheral pigmented network and a central white patch in 28 (56%) and 31 (62%) of lesions, respectively. With polarized noncontact dermoscopy, the most common pattern was a central pink hue with a peripheral pigmented network (23 [46%]). There was good to excellent agreement when comparing NPD with PCD images, but there was a variable level of agreement when polarized noncontact dermoscopy images were compared with NPD and PCD images.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional and polarized light dermoscopy are not equivalent but may be complementary. This study highlights some salient differences. We were able to identify new dermoscopic features and patterns not previously described with conventional dermoscopy. These new criteria can aid in the diagnosis of dermatofibroma.