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Desmoplastic melanoma accounts for 5% of all cases of melanoma, but its diagnosis can be difficult due to its frequent clinical presentation with amelanotic lesions. Histologically, spindled melanocytes surrounded by a collagenous stroma are observed. Compared with other types of melanoma, the desmoplastic types presents greater local aggression, and is more prone to local recurrence, but has a lower risk of lymph node metastasis. Early detection, accurate staging, and proper surgical management are the main factors associated with higher survival rates in melanoma patients. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has proven to be a valuable imaging tool in the diagnosis of skin neoplasms, being useful for orientating practitioners towards the diagnosis of melanoma and indicating the necessity of performing a diagnostic biopsy. We present the case of 52-year-old woman, who presented to the dermatology department with an irregular, dark-colored plaque in the right deltoid region. Dermoscopy showed asymmetry with an atypical network and some areas of regression. RCM revealed pagetoid cells in the upper epidermis, cell atypia, non-edged papillae, dermal inflammation, and nucleated cells in the dermis, which are highly suggestive of melanoma. A biopsy was also performed. A histopathology exam confirmed the diagnosis of superficially spreading melanoma with a desmoplastic component, and revealed a Breslow index of 0.9 mm, Clark level IV, an absence of mitoses, angiolymphatic invasion and regression, and complete excision. The CT and PET-CT scans were negative. A biopsy of the axillary sentinel lymph node was conducted, with a negative result obtained, establishing the IB stage of the disease. The patient will remain under follow-up to look for a recurrence or a new primary melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte scalp infection with a marked prevalence among the pediatric population. However, in the last few years, its epidemiology has changed due to increasing population migration worldwide. Host-specific and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of tinea capitis. Clinically, tinea capitis may present as a subtle hair loss accompanied by scalp scaling, alopecia with scaly patches, or alopecia with black dots. A more severe form of tinea capitis is represented by kerion celsi, which clinically presents as a tender plaque covered by pustules and crusts. If left untreated, this dermatophytic infection may resolve with permanent scarring and alopecia. The pathological changes found in tinea capitis are reflected by a spectrum of clinical changes. Zoophilic infections typically prompt an extensive inflammatory reaction, while anthropophilic dermatophytoses often lack inflammation and result in more persistent lesions. Tinea capitis typically requires systemic antifungal therapy. Griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole are the main antifungal agents used. Currently, the duration of antifungal therapy varies based on the clinical presentation and type of dermatophyte involved. Through the reported cases and literature review, we aim to emphasize the importance of the early recognition of atypical variants of tinea capitis in immunocompetent children for the prompt initiation of systemic antifungal therapy, minimizing the need for prolonged treatment. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of regular laboratory testing during systemic antifungal therapy, particularly liver enzyme tests, to prevent adverse events, especially in cases requiring long-term treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonography is a well-tolerated procedure that aids in the targeted esthetic therapies of special cutaneous regions, as well as in the prevention (vascular mapping, identification of previous filler, and others) and management of potential complications (vascular occlusion, external vascular compression, product misplacement or migration, inflammatory reactions, and others). It has lately been promoted as the first-line imaging tool to address injectables. In this article, we aim to review the evolving role of ultrasonography in cosmetic filler procedures, from the fundamental ultrasound characterization of cosmetic fillers to the ultrasound-enhanced detection and management of cosmetic filler complications, including ultrasound's role in hyaluronidase-guided injections for cosmetic filler dissolution. Furthermore, the paper explores the integral role played by ultrasound in enhancing the precision, efficacy, and safety of additional minimally invasive aesthetic techniques such as mesotherapy, radiofrequency, cryolipolysis, and polydioxanone procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choledochal cysts (CCs) are rare occurrences presenting as dilatations of biliary structures, which can present as single or multiple dilatations and can appear as both intra- and extrahepatic anomalies. The most widespread classification of CCs is the Todani classification, but there have been numerous reports of cysts that do not fall into any of the types described. We present such a case—a male patient 36 years of age who underwent preoperative CT, MRCP, and ERCP, which mistakenly indicated a type II Todani CC, and intraoperatively was found to be located at the confluence of the hepatic ducts and encompassed the origin of the common bile duct. Complete resection of the cyst and the proximal segment of the common bile duct was performed, and reconstruction was carried out by Roux-en-Y double-tutorized hepaticojejunostomy. Considering the risk of malignant transformation, the frequent preoperative misdiagnosis, as well as the technically challenging surgery required in such cases, we advocate for a revision of the classification and raise awareness of the need for guidelines regarding the proper short-term and long-term management of this disease to ensure adequate quality of life and disease-free survival for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cutaneous microbiome represents a topic of high interest nowadays. Multiple studies have suggested the importance of the skin microbiome in different dermatological pathologies, highlighting the possible implications of cutaneous microorganisms in either the pathogenesis or prognosis of skin maladies. Psoriasis represents a common inflammatory skin disease, with a high prevalence in the worldwide population. The role of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis could explain a number of pathogenic theories and treatment objectives of this incurable skin disease. Our interest in the characteristics of the cutaneous microbiome, especially in psoriatic patients who attended a tertiary dermatological centre in Galati, Romania, is reflected in our current study, of which the preliminary results are discussed in this article. Using three types of skin sampling techniques (swabs, adhesive tape, and punch biopsies), we tried to characterise the microorganisms harboured in the skin of psoriatic patients and healthy individuals. This study was performed using culture-based probes, which were analysed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer equipment. Our preliminary results suggested that the greatest diversity was observed in the perilesional areas of psoriatic patients. The lowest cutaneous diversity was obtained from sampling psoriatic plaques. These results are similar to other studies of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis. The most frequent microorganisms found in all groups studied were of the Staphylococcus species: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Analysing the living environment of each individual from this study, our preliminary results suggested different results from other studies, as higher diversity and heterogenicity was observed in urban environments than in rural living areas. Regarding the differences between sexes, our preliminary results showed higher quantitative and qualitative changes in the skin microbiome of male participants than female participants, opposite to the results found in other studies of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis. Given these preliminary results, we can conclude that we have found important differences by studying the cutaneous microbiome of psoriatic patients and healthy control individuals from a population that, to our knowledge, has not been yet studied from this point of view. Our results showed important characteristics of the skin microbiome in an Eastern European population, where cultural and environmental living habits could influence the cutaneous microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of chronic wounds (CW) involves a multifaceted interplay of biochemical, immunological, hematological, and microbiological interactions. Biofilm development is a significant virulence trait which enhances microbial survival and pathogenicity and has various implications on the development and management of CW. Biofilms induce a prolonged suboptimal inflammation in the wound microenvironment, associated with delayed healing. The composition of wound fluid (WF) adds more complexity to the subject, with proven pro-inflammatory properties and an intricate crosstalk among cytokines, chemokines, microRNAs, proteases, growth factors, and ECM components. One approach to achieve information on the mechanisms of disease progression and therapeutic response is the use of multiple high-throughput 'OMIC' modalities (genomic, proteomic, lipidomic, metabolomic assays), facilitating the discovery of potential biomarkers for wound healing, which may represent a breakthrough in this field and a major help in addressing delayed wound healing. In this review article, we aim to summarize the current progress achieved in host–microbiome crosstalk in the spectrum of CW healing and highlight future innovative strategies to boost the host immune response against infections, focusing on the interaction between pathogens and their hosts (for instance, by harnessing microorganisms like probiotics), which may serve as the prospective advancement of vaccines and treatments against infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Psoriasis is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disease associated with a wide range of comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, anxiety, depression, chronic kidney disease, and malignancy. Currently available novel therapeutic options for moderate-severe psoriasis include tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, inhibitors of the interleukin 17, and inhibitors of the interleukin 23. Apart from the concomitant diseases psoriasis patients may have, biologic therapy may cause significant complications requiring close collaboration between dermatologists and physicians of different specialties. Consequently, it was our main purpose to provide an overview of each class of biologic agents, as well as of the most frequent adverse events they may cause in psoriasis patients with concomitant diseases. Psoriasis is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disease associated with a plethora of comorbidities including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, anxiety, depression, chronic kidney disease, and malignancy. Advancement in unveiling new key elements in the pathophysiology of psoriasis led to significant progress in the development of biologic agents which target different signaling pathways and cytokines involved in the inflammatory cascade responsible for the clinical manifestations found in psoriasis. Currently available novel therapeutic options for moderate-severe psoriasis include tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, inhibitors of the interleukin 17, and inhibitors of the interleukin 23. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised with respect to the possible risks associated with the use of biologic therapy requiring close collaboration between dermatologists and physicians of different specialties. Our aim was to perform an in-depth literature review and discuss the potential risks associated with biologic therapy in patients with psoriasis and concurrent diseases with a focus on the influence of novel therapeutic agents on liver function in the context of hepatopathies, particularly viral hepatitis. A multidisciplinary teamwork and periodic evaluation of psoriasis patients under biologic therapy is highly encouraged to obtain an accurate management for each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tattooing is the procedure of implanting permanent pigment granules and additives into the dermal layer of the skin, serving various purposes such as decoration, medical identification, or accidental markings. There has been a significant rise in the popularity of decorative tattooing as a form of body art among both teenagers and young adults. Thus, the incidence of tattoos is increasing, with expanding applications such as permanent makeup, scar camouflage, nipple–areola, lips, and eyebrows tattooing, and utilization in oncological radiotherapy such as colon marking. However, there have been reported a broad range of adverse reactions linked to tattooing, encompassing allergic reactions, superficial and deep cutaneous infections, autoimmune disorders induced by the Koebner phenomenon, cutaneous tumors, and others. These reactions exhibit different onset times for symptoms, ranging from immediate manifestations after tattoo application to symptoms emerging several years later. Given the limited information on a tattoo's side effects, this review aims to elucidate the clinical spectrum of cutaneous complications of tattoos in different patients. The analysis will investigate both allergic and nonallergic clinical presentations of tattoo-related side effects, microscopic findings from skin biopsies, and therapeutic outcomes. This exploration is essential to improve our understanding of tattoo-related cutaneous complications and associated differential diagnoses and highlight the significance of patient awareness regarding potential risks before getting a tattoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystemic disease which affects approximately 2–3% of the population globally, whose onset is triggered by genetic and environmental factors which activate both dendritic cells and keratinocytes, resulting in the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 17, interleukin 23, interleukin 22, and interleukin 1β. An in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of psoriasis led to significant advances in the development of safe and efficient novel therapeutic options, with four classes of biologic therapy being approved for the management of moderate to severe psoriasis: tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, interleukin 23 inhibitors, anti-interleukin 12/23 agents, anti-interleukin 17 agents, as well as small-molecule inhibitors, such as apremilast. Psoriasis is associated with comorbid conditions, namely psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, psychiatric disorders, malignancy, as well as inflammatory bowel disease. For patients affected by both psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, there is a strong recommendation to avoid IL-17 inhibitors since they may play a part in the exacerbation of the gastrointestinal disease. Our aim was to perform a thorough literature review regarding the development of inflammatory bowel disease lesions in psoriasis patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors, along with a case presentation to emphasize the need for close follow-up of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic wounds encompass a myriad of lesions, including venous and arterial leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), pressure ulcers, non-healing surgical wounds and others. Despite the etiological differences, chronic wounds share several features at a molecular level. The wound bed is a convenient environment for microbial adherence, colonization and infection, with the initiation of a complex host–microbiome interplay. Chronic wound infections with mono- or poly-microbial biofilms are frequent and their management is challenging due to tolerance and resistance to antimicrobial therapy (systemic antibiotic or antifungal therapy or antiseptic topicals) and to the host's immune defense mechanisms. The ideal dressing should maintain moisture, allow water and gas permeability, absorb wound exudates, protect against bacteria and other infectious agents, be biocompatible, be non-allergenic, be non-toxic and biodegradable, be easy to use and remove and, last but not least, it should be cost-efficient. Although many wound dressings possess intrinsic antimicrobial properties acting as a barrier to pathogen invasion, adding anti-infectious targeted agents to the wound dressing may increase their efficiency. Antimicrobial biomaterials may represent a potential substitute for systemic treatment of chronic wound infections. In this review, we aim to describe the available types of antimicrobial biomaterials for chronic wound care and discuss the host response and the spectrum of pathophysiologic changes resulting from the contact between biomaterials and host tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatofibroma (DF) or fibrous histiocytoma is one of the most frequent benign cutaneous soft-tissue lesions, characterized by a post-inflammatory tissue reaction associated with fibrosis of the dermis. Clinically DFs have a polymorphous clinical aspect from the solitary, firm, single nodules to multiple papules with a relatively smooth surface. However, multiple atypical clinicopathological variants of DFs have been reported and, therefore, clinical recognition may become challenging, leading to a more burdensome identification and sometimes to misdiagnosis. Dermoscopy is considered an important tool in DFs diagnosis, as it improves diagnostic accuracy for clinically amelanotic nodules. Although typical dermoscopic patterns are most frequently seen in clinical practice, there have also been some atypical variants described, mimicking some underlying recurrent and sometimes harmful skin afflictions. Usually, no treatment is required, although an appropriate work-up may be necessary in specific cases, such as in the presence of atypical variants or a history of recent changes. This narrative review's aim is to summarize current evidence regarding clinical presentation, positive and differential diagnosis of atypical dermatofibromas and also to raise awareness about the importance of specific characteristics of atypical variants to better differentiate them from malignant conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagonomas are neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that arise from the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets. They are typically slow-growing tumors associated with abnormal glucagon secretion, resulting in one or more non-specific clinical features, such as necrolytic migratory erythema (NME), diabetes, diarrhea, deep vein thrombosis, weight loss, and depression. Here, we report the case of a 44-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, presenting with a pruritic and painful disseminated cutaneous eruption of erythematous plaques, with scales and peripheral pustules, misdiagnosed as disseminated pustular psoriasis and treated for 2 years with oral retinoid and glucocorticoids. During this period, the patient complained of weight loss of 32 kg and diarrhea and developed deep vein thrombosis. These symptoms, together with an inadequate response to therapy of the skin lesions, led to the reassessment of the initial diagnosis. Laboratory tests confirmed elevated plasma glucagon levels (>1000 pg/mL) and computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a 35/44 mm tumor in the pancreatic tail. Due to considerable disease complications and the COVID-19 pandemic, the surgical removal of the tumor was delayed for nearly 2 years. During this time, somatostatin analogue therapy efficiently controlled the glucagonoma syndrome and likely prevented tumor progression. As in other functional pancreatic NETs, the early clinical recognition of hormonal hypersecretion syndrome and the multidisciplinary approach are the keys for best patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an effective bioelectrochemical procedure that uses controlled electrical pulses to facilitate the increase of intracellular concentration of certain substances (electropermeabilization/ reversible electroporation). ECT using antitumor drugs such as bleomycin and cisplatin is a minimally invasive targeted therapy that can be used as an alternative for oncologic patients not eligible for surgery or other standard therapies. Even though ECT is mainly applied as palliative care for metastases, it may also be used for primary tumors that are unresectable due to size and location. Skin neoplasms are the main clinical indication of ECT, the procedure reporting good curative results and high efficiency across all tumor types, including melanoma. In daily practice, there are many cases in which the patient's quality of life can be significantly improved by a safe procedure such as ECT. Its popularity must be increased because it has a safe profile and minor local adverse reactions. The method can be used by dermatologists, oncologists, and surgeons. The aim of this paper is to review recent literature concerning electrochemotherapy and other clinical applications of electroporation for the targeted therapy of metastatic melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important public health issue, in terms of incidence and mortality, with approximately 1.8 million new cases reported worldwide in 2018. Advancements in understanding pathophysiological key steps in CRC tumorigenesis have led to the development of new targeted therapies such as those based on epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR inhibitors). The cutaneous adverse reactions induced by EGFR inhibitors, particularly papulopustular rash, often require long-term antibiotic treatment with tetracycline agents (mostly minocycline and doxycycline). However, this raises several issues of concern: possible occurrence of gut dysbiosis in already vulnerable CRC patients, selection of highly antibiotic resistant and/or virulent clones, development of adverse reactions related to tetracyclines, interference of antibiotics with the response to oncologic therapy, with a negative impact on disease prognosis etc. In the context of scarce information regarding these issues and controversial opinions regarding the role of tetracyclines in patients under EGFR inhibitors, our aim was to perform a thorough literature review and discuss the main challenges raised by long-term use of tetracyclines in advanced CRC patients receiving this targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, with limited therapeutic options. Since its incidence has been rapidly rising in recent years, the study of new targeted therapeutic strategies has increased. The implication of nanoscience in the development of alternative targeted therapies for melanoma has multiple benefits and could significantly improve the outcome of melanoma patients. In this paper, we review the most recent progress in the field of targeted therapies, emphasizing the impact of nanoscale materials on the targeting and controlled release of anti-tumor drugs. The applications of nanomedicine in the management of melanoma are extensive and refer to sentinel lymph node mapping, chemotherapy, and RNA interference; each of these applications harboring the potential to develop efficient and personalized diagnostic techniques and therapies. Further research, especially in clinical trials, is needed to establish whether fighting melanoma on the nanoscale level represents the key to reaching a critical inflection point in mankind's battle with metastatic melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]