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Cutaneous side-effects of varenicline, a selective partial agonist of the a4B2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor used to treat smoking addiction, are relatively rare and mainly consist of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. We describe an atypical clinical presentation of a varenicline-induced drug eruption, which occurred one day after drug initiation. We report this case since we believe no drug reaction to varenicline has had this clinical presentation or rapidity of onset. Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse cutaneous reaction in patients taking varenicline for smoking cessation.

Chondrosarcoma is the second-most common primary malignant bone tumor but chondrosarcoma of small bones of the hand is extremely rare, representing less than 2% of all cases, with exceedingly rare skin metastases. Cutaneous metastases of chondrosarcoma represent less than 3% of all cutaneous metastases. According to PubMed, there are only four previous case reports of cutaneous metastases originating from chondrosarcoma of small bones of the hand. We present an additional case of cutaneous metastases of phalangeal chondrosarcoma with a unique immunophenotype.

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive real-time imaging technique that has been widely used for the diagnosis of skin cancer. More recently, it has been reported as a useful tool for the diagnosis and management of several inflammatory and infectious skin disorders. This article provides an overview of the current available applications of RCM use in cutaneous infections and infestations. PubMed was used to search the following terms in various combinations: reflectance confocal microscopy, skin, hair, nail, infection, parasitosis, mycosis, virus, bacteria. All papers were accordingly reviewed. In most cutaneous infections or infestations, the main alterations are found in the epidermis and upper dermis, where the accuracy of confocal microscopy is nearly similar to that of histopathology. The high resolution of this technique allows the visualization of most skin parasites, fungi, and a few bacteria. Although viruses cannot be identified because of their small size, viral cytopathic effects can be observed on keratinocytes. In addition, RCM can be used to monitor the response to treatment, thereby reducing unnecessary treatments.

Purpose: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (Pso) are highly heterogeneous inflammatory diseases. Multidisciplinary approaches are associated with improved results in both musculoskeletal (MSK) and skin manifestations. We describe the experience and main diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes of one of the largest and longest-running Rheumatology/Dermatology multidisciplinary PsA Clinic. Methods: Single center, cross-sectional study of all patients observed at the PsA Clinic of Hospital de Santa Maria, Portugal, between November 2010 and February 2021. The total number of visits/ patients, demographics, referral indications, and definite skin and MSK diagnosis were registered. In patients with PsA confirmed diagnosis, PsA and Pso characteristics, previous treatments and their modifications were captured using Reuma.pt. Results: Eight hundred and two visits were performed, corresponding to 505 patients, 51.3% female, with a mean age of 51.0 ± 13.8 years. The main indication for referral was diagnosis uncertainty (56.4%), and a definitive PsA diagnosis was established in 28.9% of these cases. For patients in whom PsA was not identified, the main alternative diagnoses were osteoarthritis [peripheral (n = 70) or axial (n = 29)], fibromyalgia (n = 22), axial spondylarthritis without Pso (n = 21), tendinitis/enthesitis (n = 20), and carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 19). The main alternative dermatological diagnoses were seborrheic dermatitis (n = 15), nail dystrophy not due to Pso (n = 15), onychomycosis (n = 14) and eczema (n = 9). In patients with confirmed PsA (n = 308), 54.5% had already been treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), and 15.9% had received at least one biologic DMARD. Treatment was modified in 78.9% of PsA patients, 58.0% due to uncontrolled skin activity, 34.5% MSK activity, and 7.7% both. Most of the treatment changes occurred due to lack of efficacy (56.4%). Conclusion: This study shows the impact, through diagnostic precision (by increasing the number of psoriatic and non-psoriatic definite diagnoses), and treatment modifications, for skin and MSK manifestations, from over 10 years of the implementation of a multidisciplinary PsA Clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatofibromas are common and asymptomatic benign histiocytic tumors. The occurrence in a small number (up to 5 lesions) is frequent. However, the expression "multiple eruptive dermatofibromas" is reserved for the appearance of more than 5 lesions in less than four months. Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas are rare and usually associated with an underlying systemic condition, the most common being autoimmune diseases or HIV infection. Herein we report multiple eruptive dermatofibromas developing in an otherwise healthy pregnant woman. Although the pathogenesis of this condition remains unknown, it is believed to be related to immunological alterations, given the strong association with states of immunosuppression or, in the case of pregnancy, with a state of immunotolerance.

Copyright of Portuguese Journal of Dermatology & Venereology is the property of Sociedade Portuguesa de Dermatologia & Venereologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal systemic disease that originates in the vascular endothelium related to Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8). In the early 1980s the first series of cases of disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma in HIV infected patients were reported. However, with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) since 1997, these cases are less frequently observed by clinicians. We report the case of a 40-year-old woman, presenting with two asymptomatic purpuric nodules localized in the superior and inferior left eyelids, occluding the palpebral fissure, which were present for 4 months prior to presentation. The eyelid nodules were determined to represent KS, but there were no additional cutaneous lesions. Pulmonary and gastric KS involvement was documented. Antiretroviral therapy was initiated along with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. The nodules gradually disappeared and her immune status eventually improved. Ocular and periorbital involvement of KS associated with HIV-1 infection as the initial clinical manifestations is a rare advent. This case is important as it illustrates that disseminated KS was not to be predicted by the number or the extension of cutaneous lesions.

Tuberculosis affects one-third of the world’s population. The incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis including cutaneous and skeletal manifestations has increased in the last decades. The authors report a clinical case of concomitant metastatic cutaneous abscesses and Pott disease in an immunocompetent patient, a rare presentation of tuberculosis.

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are high-incidence, non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). The success of immune-targeted therapies in advanced NMSCs led us to anticipate that NMSCs harbored significant populations of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with potential anti-tumor activity. The main aim of this study was to characterize T cells infiltrating NMSCs. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to assess, respectively, the proportions and densities of T cell subpopulations in BCCs (n = 118), SCCs (n = 33), and normal skin (NS, n = 30). CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cell subsets, namely, Th1, Th2, Th17, Th9, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD8+ and CD4+ memory T cells, and γδ T cells were compared between NMSCs and NS samples. Remarkably, both BCCs and SCCs featured a significantly higher Th1/Th2 ratio (~four-fold) and an enrichment for Th17 cells. NMSCs also showed a significant enrichment for IFN-γ-producing CD8+T cells, and a depletion of γδ T cells. Using immunohistochemistry, NMSCs featured denser T cell infiltrates (CD4+, CD8+, and Tregs) than NS. Overall, these data favor a Th1-predominant response in BCCs and SCCs, providing support for immune-based treatments in NMSCs. Th17-mediated inflammation may play a role in the progression of NMSCs and thus become a potential therapeutic target in NMSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 35-year-old man with Fitzpatrick skin type IV, born in Brazil, presented to the dermatology clinic with a growth on his left hip. The physical examination revealed a pedunculated erythematous–violaceous nodule with a hyperkeratotic surface. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a low-grade angioproliferative tumor associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). The patient was found to be HIV-positive and underwent treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which resulted in a positive response and no disease relapse after one year. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the clinical and histological features of KS and the role of HHV-8 in its pathogenesis. [Extracted from the article]

Bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis (BSPDC) mentioned in the literature as Fahr's disease (a misnomer), is characterized by symmetrical and bilateral intracerebral calcifications located in the basal ganglia with or without deposits in the dentate nucleus, thalamus, and white matter. This entity is usually asymptomatic but may be manifested by neurological symptoms. Idiopathic BSPDC can occur either as sporadic or autosomal dominant familial forms. Secondary presentations of BSPDC are associated with infections, neoplastic diseases, toxicological or traumatic factors, and metabolic disorders. We describe a case of generalized pustular psoriasis associated with secondary BSPDC owing to pseudohypoparathyroidism. Laboratory tests revealed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and a normal serum level of parathormone. The correction of the phosphorus-calcium metabolism disorder produced clinical improvement.

Copyright of Portuguese Journal of Dermatology & Venereology is the property of Sociedade Portuguesa de Dermatologia & Venereologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article discusses the case of a 44-year-old man who presented with recurrent crops of tender subcutaneous nodules. The patient had a history of fever, night sweats, weight loss, and other symptoms. After examination and testing, the diagnosis was determined to be erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) complicating borderline lepromatous leprosy. The article provides information on leprosy, its classification, and the treatment options for ENL. The authors emphasize the importance of raising awareness about leprosy to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Este texto tem por objetivo estudar as formas simbólicas espaciais. Isto consolida a temática, denotando ao mesmo tempo a sua importância na análise geográfica. As formas simbólicas espaciais constituem representações criadas e recriadas, objetos de celebração e contestação, inseridas efetivamente na organização espacial. Desempenham um ativo papel na sociedade, podendo ser consideradas como reflexos, meios e condições sociais. Neste trabalho discutem-se inicialmente e muito brevemente as relações entre geografia cultural, política e significados, seguindo-se três partes nas quais são abordadas as relações toponímia e política, monumentos, política e identidade e, finalmente, os lugares de densidade política.

This document is a letter published in the journal Clinical Drug Investigation. It discusses the real-world effectiveness and safety of a drug called baricitinib in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects both children and adults. Baricitinib is a medication that inhibits certain cytokines involved in AD pathophysiology. The letter describes a retrospective multicenter study conducted in Portugal, which evaluated the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib over a 24-week period in patients with moderate-to-severe AD. The study found that baricitinib showed positive outcomes in terms of reducing AD severity and improving quality of life for patients. No serious adverse events were reported, and the drug was generally well-tolerated. This document discusses the effectiveness and safety of baricitinib, a medication used to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). The study found that baricitinib showed similar effectiveness to clinical trials in reducing itch and skin inflammation in patients with AD. Patients who had not received prior treatment with dupilumab, another medication for AD, showed better effectiveness with baricitinib. The study also indicated a favorable tolerability and safety profile for baricitinib. However, further real-world studies with larger patient populations are needed to gather more comprehensive evidence. [Extracted from the article]