Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica et Adriatica最新文献

Actinic lichen planus (ALP) is a rare photosensitive subtype of lichen planus (LP) with four major forms recognized: annular, pigmented (melasma-like), dyschromic, and classic lichenoid. The prevalence is highest among dark-skinned younger females residing in tropical and subtropical regions. There are very few reports of ALP across Europe, with most of the cases among individuals living in warm countries or in people of Middle Eastern and Indian ancestry. We report a case of a 68-year-old white man that presented with a 9-year history of a mildly pruritic solitary hyperpigmented patch on the tip of his nose. Histopathological examination demonstrated signs of classic LP with epidermal atrophy, pigmentary incontinence, and signs of solar elastosis. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of pigmented ALP was established. Topical pimecrolimus and tretinoin along with rigorous photoprotection proved effective, with mild residual hyperpigmentation after 6 months of treatment. Many differential diagnostic possibilities should be considered for such a lesion. Nevertheless, a biopsy and correlation of histopathological and clinical findings can shorten the time from onset to a proper diagnosis. Treating both the hyperpigmented and inflammatory component of this dermatosis is necessary, as well as strict long-term photoprotection to prevent recurrences.

Introduction: Cellulite, also known as edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (EFP), affects up to 90% of women and has a significant aesthetic impact. EFP is a multifactorial condition characterized by local circulatory changes, increased adipose tissue thickness, and a fibrotic response involving thick collagen bundles and septa, driven by local hypoxia. Although numerous treatments exist, their effects are typically temporary. This study evaluates the outcomes of four patients with EFP treated using a combined recombinant enzymatic therapy consisting of a lyase, lipase, and collagenase.

Methods: A standardized protocol involving injections of a combined enzyme solution (pbserum Medium™) was administered to the lower limbs in three separate sessions. Pre- and post-treatment photographs were collected for comparative analysis.

Results: All four patients showed improvements in skin appearance and fibrosis, with no systemic or local adverse events reported.

Conclusions: We propose that a treatment strategy targeting the edematous, adipose, and fibrotic components of EFP may offer an economical and pathogenic-based approach for managing this condition in affected women.

Introduction: Vitiligo is a prevalent skin disorder characterized by the destruction of melanocytes, leading to depigmented patches across various areas of the body. Interleukin (IL)-31 has been implicated in the development of pruritus and skin inflammation, potentially contributing to cutaneous symptoms. This study measures IL-31 levels in vitiligo patients with and without pruritus, comparing them to healthy controls, and explores the relationship between IL-31 levels, disease activity, and other clinical factors to assess its potential role in the early diagnosis of vitiligo.

Methods: Ninety individuals were enrolled in the study and equally divided into three groups: vitiligo, vitiligo with pruritus, and healthy controls. The serum level of IL-31 was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Significant differences in IL-31 levels were observed across all groups. IL-31 levels were highest in vitiligo patients with pruritus, followed by those without pruritus, and lowest in healthy controls, with mean values and standard deviations of 196 ± 67.28, 152.10 ± 74.39, and 80.03 ± 32.30 pg/ml, respectively. In addition, IL-31 levels in serum showed significant differences in relation to disease activity in both vitiligo groups. Positive correlations were found between IL-31 levels and the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) in both patient groups, as well as between IL-31 levels and lesion extent in vitiligo patients without pruritus. In patients with pruritus, IL-31 levels also positively correlated with age and the 5-dimension itch scale score.

Conclusion: IL-31 may serve as a crucial marker and play a significant role in the early diagnosis of vitiligo in patients both with and without pruritus.

Beta defensins (β-defensins) are peptides primarily produced by epithelial cells in mammals to safeguard the skin, other organs, and mucosa from microbial colonization. These peptides are generated by epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and macrophages, mainly in response to interactions with microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) or the influence of various pro-inflammatory cytokines. Human β-defensin (HBD) 2 plays an indirect role in allergic reactions by promoting mast cell activation and degranulation. In dermatological and allergic conditions, the role of HBD2 has been well documented. Although HBD2 is predominantly produced in keratinocytes, along with HBD3 it has also been detected in serum. Elevated serum levels of HBD2 have been observed in patients with skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. In addition, HBD2 is significant in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), in which urticarial skin lesions can be triggered by infections. Notably, CSU is often accompanied by angioedema, which may be related to HBD2 because patients with CSU and associated angioedema have higher serum HBD2 levels compared to those without angioedema. Current evidence suggests that HBD2 could serve as a marker of inflammation and may have potential therapeutic applications. However, due to limited data on HBD2 levels and its expression in the skin of patients with allergic skin diseases, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying causes and mechanisms of elevated HBD2 levels in these conditions.

Actinic granuloma (AG) is a rare dermatological condition with only a few dozen cases reported worldwide. Initially classified as a variant of granuloma annulare, it is now recognized as a distinct entity characterized by asymptomatic annular plaques in sun-exposed areas of the skin. The exact pathogenesis remains unclear, but it is believed to be an inflammatory response to sun damage, possibly involving injured elastic fibers. Numerous local and systemic therapeutic options exist, but no specific treatment guidelines have been established. We present a case of AG treated with intralesional application of triamcinolone acetonide in a 64-year-old male patient. We also discuss the most important clinical and histological characteristics and various treatment options.

Idiopathic acquired true leukonychia is a rare benign acquired disorder that typically affects adults. Diagnosis is made clinically, with investigations required to exclude any underlying cause. The cause of this condition is largely unknown, yet it understandably causes significant anxiety to patients due to concerns about underlying systemic disease. We report a case of idiopathic acquired true leukonychia totalis in a healthy 20-year-old man. Intermittent complete whitening of some of the fingernails was reported over a 7-year period. No underlying medical cause or laboratory abnormality was identified. This case highlights the importance of considering idiopathic acquired true leukonychia as a differential diagnosis of nail whitening. In addition, increased awareness of this unique entity is needed for patient reassurance, as well as avoidance of unnecessary investigations and prolonged systemic treatment.

Introduction: Skin cancer, a significant global health issue, requires prompt detection and management, particularly among the elderly. Primary care physicians play a critical role in early diagnosis because they are often the first to evaluate patients with skin lesions. Accurate diagnosis by family physicians is essential for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Methods: Over a 12-year period, this study analyzed 125 samples from 89 patients that presented with visible skin changes or suspicious lesions identified during routine examinations. Initial working diagnoses made by family physicians were compared to final pathohistological diagnoses (PHD).

Results: The study found a significant difference between working diagnoses and final PHDs for malignant versus benign cases, with an accuracy of 83.3% and statistical significance (p = 0.04). A difference of 12.9% was observed, indicating areas for improvement. The diagnostic effectiveness for premalignant versus benign cases is high (accuracy of 88.2%), but without statistical significance (p = 0.50), and it suggests that these differences are not clinically relevant.

Conclusions: Primary care physicians demonstrate high accuracy in identifying malignant skin conditions, which is crucial for effective skin cancer management. However, improving diagnostic accuracy, particularly to reduce the misclassification of benign conditions as malignant, remains necessary. Continued training and development are essential to further enhance diagnostic precision for all skin conditions.

Hailey‒Hailey disease is a rare chronic autosomal-dominant blistering disease characterized by erosions, fissures, and vegetations occurring in intertriginous regions. To date, there is no specific treatment and there are no therapeutic guidelines, which makes management of the disease challenging. We present the case of a 43-year-old man unsuccessfully treated for Hailey‒Hailey disease with topical and systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and surgical debridement. At presentation he had erosions, vegetations, and infection in the axillae and groin. We introduced oral methotrexate, 10 mg weekly, and complete remission was achieved in 3 weeks. After 8 weeks, we decided to discontinue methotrexate due to lesion absence. Over 3 years of follow-up, mild flares were effectively managed with topical miconazole or mild steroid creams. We conclude that oral methotrexate is safe and effective for achieving long-term remission in Hailey‒Hailey disease.

Multiple autoimmune syndrome is a manifestation of polyautoimmunity with the co-occurrence of three or more autoimmune diseases in a single patient. We report a unique case of a 55-year-old female patient that presented with four autoimmune diseases: autoimmune thyroid disease, vitiligo, morphea, and lichen sclerosus. She was evaluated for progression of morphea and lichen sclerosus, and we confirmed histopathological overlapping of these two diseases in the same lesion. We discuss the increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases and similar case reports on dermatological polyautoimmunity.

Introduction: Recent research has shown that blood coagulation and the extrinsic coagulation cascade are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), but little is known about the coagulation factors in angioedema.

Methods: This study included 58 participants: 29 patients with chronic angioedema (14 with isolated angioedema and 15 with angioedema with wheals) and 29 healthy controls (HCs). We compared the values of coagulation factors in patients with isolated angioedema to those with wheals. Plasma levels of D-dimer, fibrinogen, and factor VII were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for all participants.

Results: Significantly higher D-dimer (p = 0.016; ε² = 0.381) and fibrinogen (p = 0.044; ε² = 0.331) levels were recorded in patients with angioedema (both groups) than in the HCs, with higher levels for angioedema with wheals. Factor VII and fibrinogen levels did not differ significantly between the groups with angioedema, but coagulation factors were more often elevated in both angioedema groups than in HCs.

Conclusions: One characteristic of angioedema is an elevated blood coagulation potential, which may help produce fibrin and may be important in controlling angioedema attacks.