Abstract Background: Syphilis in its different phases may be a difficult diagnosis in clinical and histopathological grounds. Objectives: The present study objectives were to evaluate the detection and tissue distribution of Treponema pallidum in skin lesions of syphilis. Methods: A blinded diagnostic accuracy study was performed with immunohistochemistry and Warthin-Starry silver staining in skin samples from patients with syphilis and other diseases. Patients attended two tertiary hospitals between 2000 and 2019. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for the association between immunohistochemistry positivity and clinical-histopathological variables. Results: Thirty-eight patients with syphilis and their 40 biopsy specimens were included in the study. Thirty-six skin samples were used as non-syphilis controls. The Warthin-Starry technique was unable to accurately demonstrate bacteria in all samples. Immunohistochemistry showed spirochetes only in skin samples from patients with syphilis (24/40) with 60% sensitivity (95% CI 44.8-75.2). Specificity was 100% and accuracy, 78.9% (95% CI 69.8-88.1). Most cases had spirochetes in both dermis and epidermis and there was a high bacterial load. Study limitations: Correlation between immunohistochemistry and clinical or histopathological characteristics was observed but was limited statistically due to the small sample size. Conclusions: Spirochetes were promptly seen in an immunohistochemistry protocol, which can contribute to the diagnosis of syphilis in skin biopsy samples. On the other hand, the Warthin-Starry technique showed to be of no practical value.

RESUMO A perturbação factícia na dermatologia é uma dermatose que vem ocorrendo com maior frequência na população mundial. A prevalência em torno de 2% reportada nas clínicas dermatológicas é provavelmente é subdiagnosticada, já que o paciente não costuma estar ciente da sua natureza autoinfligida. Quando se manifesta por lesões bolhosas, pode ser confundida com doenças bolhosas autoimunes. Relata-se o caso de uma paciente de 59 anos acompanhada pela psiquiatria por depressão grave com sintomas psicóticos, amnésia dissociativa, síndrome de Munchausen e fibromialgia, que desenvolveu bolhas tensas no dorso do pé esquerdo. Os achados do primeiro exame histopatológico sugeriam penfigoide bolhoso, sendo realizado tratamento com prednisona. Devido à persistência e localização fixa das lesões, aos antecedentes psiquiátricos e à imunofluorescência direta negativa, novo exame histopatológico foi realizado e interpretado como um caso de perturbação factícia bolhosa.

ABSTRACT Factitious disorder in dermatology is a dermatosis occuring with increasing frequency all over the world. Prevalence is reported around 2% in dermatology clinics but it is probably underdiagnosed, since the patient is not usually aware of its self-inflicted nature. When manifested by bullous lesions, it can be confused with autoimmune bullae. We report the case of a 59-year-old patient accompanied by psychiatry for severe depression with psychotic symptoms, dissociative amnesia, Munchausen syndrome and fibromyalgia who developed tense blisters on the dorsum of her left foot. The findings of the first histopathological examination suggested bullous pemphigoid and treatment with prednisone was performed. Due to the persistence and fixed location of the lesions, psychiatric history and negative direct immunofluorescence, a new histopathological examination was performed and interpreted as a case of bullous factitious disorder.

Abstract Background: Diagnosis of mycosis fungoides is challenging due to the non-specificity of clinical and histopathological findings. The literature indicates an average delay of 4-6 years for a conclusive diagnosis. Refinement of the histopathological criteria for the diagnosis of patients in early stages of the disease is considered of interest. Objectives: To study the histopathological aspects of early-stage mycosis fungoides and the applicability, in a retrospective form, of the diagnostic algorithm proposed by Pimpinelli et al. Methods: Observational, retrospective, transversal study based on revision of histopathological exams of patients with suspected mycosis fungoides. Medical records were reviewed, and complementary immunohistochemistry performed. Results: Sixty-seven patients were included. The most frequent histopathological features were superficial perivascular lymphoid infiltrate (71.6%), epidermotropism (68.7%), lymphocytic atypia (63.8%), hyperkeratosis (62.7%) and acanthosis (62.7%). Forty-three patients scored 4 points at the algorithm, by clinical and histological evaluation. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 23 of the 24 patients with less than 4 points. Of those 23, 22 scored 1 point, allowing a total of 61 patients (91%) with the diagnosis of early-stage mycosis fungoides. Study limitations: Its retrospective character, reduced sample size and incomplete application of the algorithm. Conclusions: Application of the Pimpinelli et al. algorithm, even in an incomplete form, increased the percentage of cases diagnosed as mycosis fungoides. Routine application of the algorithm may contribute to earlier and specific management and improvement of the patients' outcome.

Abstract: Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. TNMB system is the staging method used in MF, and it not only guides therapeutic management, but represents the main prognostic factor. In order to improve the prognostic evaluation, the Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (CLIPi) was proposed. Objective: To evaluate the performance of CLIPi score for prognostic analysis in patients with early stage MF. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study, with exploratory analysis. The outcome variables were disease progression and related death. Results: One hundred and two patients were stratified according to CLIPi score, being the majority classified as low risk. Patients with intermediate or high risk presented disease progression more frequently than those with low risk (PR: 1.2 / p = 0.004 / 95%CI: 1.0 - 1.6). The same did not occur with the variable related death. In addition, survival rates were not consistent with risk stratification. Study Limitations: Small sample and its retrospective analysis. Conclusions: Since CLIPi score was proposed, four other studies that we could consult showed conflicting results, similar to the present study. Further studies are necessary for a recommendation of its use.

Abstract: Background: Mycosis fungoides is the most common form of primary cutaneous lymphoma, with an indolent, slowly progressive course and 88% five-year survival rate. The diagnosis is challenging, especially in the early stages, and usually relies on a good clinical-histopathological correlation. Objective: The aim was to establish the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional observational study with an exploratory analysis. Outcome variables were disease progression and mycosis fungoides-related death. Results: One hundred and two patients were included. The majority were white males, with a mean age of 55.6 years. Mean time from onset of lesions to diagnosis was 51.08 months. The majority of patients were classified as IB stage according to TNMB. Mean follow-up time was 7.85 years. Disease progression was seen in 29.4% of the patients. Death related to the disease occurred in 7.9% of patients. Plaque lesions, involvement of more than 10% of the body surface, altered lactate dehydrogenase and beta-2-microglobulin, and stage IB were significantly associated with disease progression, and altered lactate dehydrogenase and beta-2-microglobulin also correlated with higher frequency of deaths. Study limitations: Small sample and retrospective design. Conclusions: The clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides in our sample corroborates reports in the literature. Diagnostic delay in our series is also consistent with previous findings, but the rate of disease progression, despite treatment, was higher than reported in the literature.

Abstract The concern about malignant skin neoplasms leads to the excision of smaller lesions. This study on small melanocytic lesions aims to evaluate the range of possible histopathological diagnoses, describe histopathological aspects, and assess the usefulness of serial histological sections. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive histopathological study examining 76 pigmented skin lesions up to 6 mm in diameter. Histopathological diagnoses included atypical melanocytic nevi (n=38), common melanocytic nevi (n=18), atypical lentiginous melanocytic hyperplasia with architectural features of atypical melanocytic nevi (n=7), lentigo simplex (n=2), and malignant melanoma (n=1). Ten cases were non-diagnostic. Cytological atypia was not an exclusive finding of atypical lesions. Examination of serial sections did not change histopathological impression. Early detection of malignant melanoma is important, but clinical and dermoscopy exams may be leading to the resection of a great number of benign lesions. Strict attention to histopathological criteria results in a large number of non-diagnostic cases.

Abstract: We report a rare clinical case of hemosiderotic dermatofibroma in a 36-year-old female patient. The main dermatoscopic finding was represented by homogeneous blue-gray pigmentation. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the rarity of the lesion and the dermatoscopic importance it assumes by sharing a blue-gray homogeneous pattern with other benign and malignant lesions.

AbstractBACKGROUND:The off-label use of oral isotretinoin in photoaging is a therapeutic tool that has been used by dermatologists. There are few studies to corroborate its effectiveness and durability.OBJECTIVES:To assess, both clinically and histologically, the changes caused by the use of oral isotretinoin in skin photoaging as well as the duration of the effects.METHODS:20 female patients, aged 45-50 years, with phototypes II-VI, none of whom had experienced menopause, were treated with 20mg oral isotretinoin, 3 days a week, for 12 weeks. They underwent clinical analysis and skin biopsies in the pre-auricular region, while histologic cuts enabled assessment of the solar elastosis level and morphologic analysis.RESULTS:Clinically, patients, as well as the researching and the assessor physicians, noticed improvement in skin quality. One patient presented severe solar elastosis, 11 manifested the moderate form, while 8 presented the discreet type. According to histological analysis, 65% of the patients revealed alteration in the distribution and thickness of the elastic fibers, which can be interpreted as a histological improvement, while 60% showed an increase in collagen density. We observed an increase in collagen density, from 51.2% to 57.4%, (p=0.004). At the end of the 12-week follow-up period, this density decreased to 54.7% (p=0.050). There was an increase in the density of elastic fibers, from 26.5% to 31.3%, (p=0.02), which had dropped to 27.5% at the end of the 12-week follow-up period.CONCLUSIONS:The study confirmed the role of oral isotretinoin in remodeling the extracellular matrix against photoaging, as well as its durability after 12 weeks, especially when we consider collagen fibers.

BACKGROUND: Fractional non-ablative lasers keep the epidermis intact, while fractional ablative lasers remove it, making them theoretically more effective. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and histological alterations induced by fractional photothermolysis for treating photoaging, comparing the possible equivalence of multiple sessions of 1540nm Erbium, to one session of 2940nm Erbium. METHODS: Eighteen patients (mean age 55.9) completed the treatment with three sessions of 1540nm fractional Erbium laser on one side of the face (50 mJ/mB, 15ms, 2 passes), and one session of 2940nm on the other side (5mJ/mB, 0.25ms, 2 passes). Biopsies were performed before and 3 months after treatment. Clinical, histological and morphometric evaluations were carried out. RESULTS: All patients presented clinical improvement with no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) between the treated sides. Histopathology revealed a new organization of collagen and elastic fibers, accompanied by edema, which was more evident with the 2940nm laser. This finding was confirmed by morphometry, which showed a decrease in collagen density for both treatments, with a statistical significance for the 2940nm laser (p > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Three 1540nm sessions were clinically equivalent to one 2940nm session. The edema probably contributed to the positive results after three months, togheter with the new collagen and elastic fibers organization. The greater edema after the 2940nm session indicates that dermal remodeling takes longer than with 1540nm. It is possible that this histological superiority relates to a more prolonged effect, but a cohort longer than three months is needed to confirm that supposition.

O sarcoma de Kaposi é a neoplasia mais diagnosticada em pacientes com SIDA e a expressão do antígeno nuclear latente-1 do herpesvírus humano tipo-8 (HHV-8) tem se mostrado útil no seu diagnóstico histológico. O objetivo deste estudo é confirmar que o método imuno-histoquímico é uma ferramenta útil para diferenciar o sarcoma de Kaposi cutâneo de seus simuladores histológicos em pacientes HIV positivos. Análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica foram realizadas em 49 casos de sarcoma de Kaposi cutâneo e 60 casos de seus simuladores histológicos. Positividade à imuno-histoquímica para o antígeno nuclear latente 1 do HHV-8 foi observada nos 49 casos de sarcoma de Kaposi e nenhuma reação foi detectada nos 60 simuladores analisados, resultando em 100% de sensibilidade e especificidade. A detecção do HHV-8 por imuno-histoquímica é uma ferramenta útil para o diagnóstico de sarcoma de Kaposi, especialmente na lesão inicial cujo caráter neoplásico não é evidente, e contribui para seu diagnóstico diferencial histológico.

Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common neoplasia diagnosed in AIDS patients and the expression of the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) latent nuclear antigen-1 has been useful for its histological diagnosis. The aim of this study is to confirm that immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool for differentiating KS from its simulators in skin biopsies of HIV patients. Immunohistochemical and histological analyses were performed in 49 Kaposi's sarcoma skin biopsies and 60 of its histological simulators. Positivity was present in the 49 Kaposi's sarcoma skin biopsies and no staining was observed in the 60 simulators analyzed, resulting in sensibility and specificity of 100%. HHV-8 immunohistochemical detection is an effective tool for diagnosing Kaposi's sarcoma, especially in early lesions in which neoplastic features are not evident. It also contributes to its histological differential diagnosis.

A acroangiodermatite ou pseudossarcoma de Kaposi é entidade angioproliferativa incomum relacionada a insuficiência venosa crônica, fístulas arteriovenosas, membros paralisados, cotos de amputação, síndromes vasculares e condições trombóticas. Apresenta-se, em geral, como máculas, pápulas ou placas purpúricas no dorso dos pés (especialmente hálux) e maléolos. Relatamos um caso de acroangiodermatite afetando a região plantar, por dois anos sem diagnóstico, para o qual a coloração histológica por hematoxilina-eosina e a marcação imuno-histoquímica com CD34 foram decisivas. A paciente tinha insuficiência venosa crônica e a lesão respondeu bem ao uso de bandagens elásticas e repouso com a perna elevada

Acroangiodermatitis, often known as pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma, is an uncommon angioproliferative entity related to chronic venous insufficiency, arteriovenous fistulae, paralysed limbs, amputation stumps, vascular syndromes and conditions associated with thrombosis. It presents most frequently as purple macules, papules or plaques in the dorsal aspects of the feet, especially the toes, and the malleoli. We report a case of acroangiodermatitis in the plantar aspect of the foot, misdiagnosed for two years, in which haematoxylin-eosin hystopathological stain and immunolabeling with CD34 histochemistry examination were decisive for diagnosis. Patient had chronic venous insufficiency. The lesion responded well to the treatment with a combination of leg elevation and compression

A Dermatologia Cosmética é uma área em constante crescimento, motivo pelo qual se faz necessária a utilização de métodos objetivos para validar os resultados dos estudos científicos. As técnicas mais empregadas na maioria desses trabalhos são: histopatologia, imunoistoquímica, morfometria, estereologia, fotografia digital, biometria, profilometria óptica e microscopia confocal. Esta revisão tem como objetivo trazer informações sobre os principais métodos utilizados como ferramenta de análise dos resultados obtidos, além de auxiliar o dermatologista a aguçar seu senso crítico em relação às publicações e apresentações que se utilizam de métodos subjetivos de avaliação.

Cosmetic dermatology is a field of medicine that is in constant development; therefore, the use of objective methods for validating the findings of scientific studies is crucial. The most commonly used techniques in the majority of these studies include histopathology, immunohistochemistry, morphometry, stereology, digital photography, biometry, optical profilometry and confocal microscopy. The objective of this review was to provide an update on the principal methods used as tools for analyzing outcomes and also to provide the dermatologist with means of sharpening his/her critical judgement with respect to the publications and presentations that use subjective evaluation methods.

O presente estudo relata a produção do soro policlonal de coelho anti-Leishmania (L.) chagasi, a padronização da técnica de imunohistoquímica (IHQ) e sua aplicação em lesões de leishmaniose cutânea (LC) diagnosticadas por isolamento de Leishmania sp. em cultura. Foram examinados 30 fragmentos de lesões ativas de LC e 10 fragmentos de lesões de etiologia fúngica, utilizados como grupo controle. A IHQ mostrou-se mais sensível na detecção de amastigotas que a coloração em hematoxilina-eosina (HE), sendo positiva em 24 fragmentos de LC (80%) e ao passo que a HE foi positiva em 16 (53%) (p = 0,028). A IHQ também marcou diferentes espécies de fungos causadoras de micoses cutâneas. Adicionalmente, verificou-se positividade no citoplasma de células mononucleares e células endoteliais. Entretanto, esse achado esteve presente no grupo controle. Conclui-se que o método de IHQ apresentou boa sensibilidade na detecção de formas amastigotas.

The present study reports the production of the rabbit anti-Leishmania (L.) chagasi hyperimmune serum, the standardization of the immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique and the evaluation of its employment in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions diagnosed by Leishmania sp. culture isolation. Thirty fragments of active CL lesions were examined as well as 10 fragments of cutaneous mycosis lesions as control group. IHC proved more sensitive in detecting amastigotes than conventional hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stained slides: the former was positive in 24 (80%) biopsies whereas the latter, in 16 (53%) (p = 0.028). The reaction stained different fungus species causing cutaneous mycosis. Besides, positive reaction was noticed in mononuclear and endothelial cells. Nevertheless, this finding was present in the control group biopsies. It is concluded that IHC showed good sensitivity in detecting amastigotes.

FUNDAMENTOS - A dermatite esfoliativa/eritrodermia é síndrome rara e grave, de etiologia freqüentemente desconhecida. A hospitalização é necessária para avaliação inicial e tratamento. OBJETIVO - Determinar o perfil clínico, laboratorial e histopatológico dos eritrodérmicos internados no HUCFF-UFRJ. MÉTODOS - No período de 1990 a 2007, 170 casos foram submetidos a hemograma, velocidade de hemossedimentação, bioquímica do sangue, provas de função hepática, proteínas totais e frações, pesquisa de células de Sézary no esfregaço de sangue periférico, radiografia de campos pleuropulmonares e biópsia de pele em três locais. RESULTADOS - Entre 92 homens e 78 mulheres, na faixa de 30 a 80 anos, identificaram-se 99 casos (58,23%) com dermatoses preexistentes; 37 (21,77%) com farmacodermias; 18 (10,58%) com linfomas cutâneos de células T e 16 (9,4%) de causa indeterminada. Calafrios, prurido, linfonodomegalias e edema de membros inferiores destacaram-se dentre sinais e sintomas. O perfil laboratorial consistiu de aumento da VHS, eosinofilia, leucocitose, linfocitose e anemia. No grupo de etiologia indeterminada, dois padrões histológicos emergiram: dermatite psoriasiforme e dermatite inespecífica. CONCLUSÃO - A psoríase foi a causa mais freqüente; três biópsias de pele simultâneas podem aumentar a acurácia do diagnóstico histopatológico.

BACKGROUND - Exfoliative dermatitis (erythroderma) is a rare, severe syndrome, frequently of unknown etiology. The hospitalization is required for the initial evaluation and to establish the treatment. OBJECTIVE - to determine the clinical, laboratorial and histologic profile of erythrodermic inpatients at HUCFF-UFRJ. METHODS - in the period 1990-2007, 170 patients were submitted to complete blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood urea, glucose and creatinine, liver function tests, proteinogram, circulating Sézary cells count, chest X Rays and skin biopsy of three areas. RESULTS - from 92 male and 78 female aging 30 to 80 years, a preexisting dermatosis was identified in 99 cases (58,23%), reaction to internal drugs in 37 cases (21,77%), T cell cutaneous lymphomas in 18 cases (10,58%); in 16 cases (9,47%), a causative factor could not be disclosed. Chills, pruritus, lymphadenopathy, lower limbs edema were the most freqüent signs/symptoms. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, eosinophilia, leukocytosis, peripheral blood lymphocytosis and anemia were the most common laboratory findings. Among the idiopathic cases, two histological patterns were noticed: psoriasiform and inespecific dermatitis. CONCLUSION - the main cause of erythroderma was psoriasis; three simultaneous skin biopsies can enhance the accuracy of the histopathologic diagnosis.

É descrito caso de feohifomicose subcutânea causada por Cladophialophora sp. O paciente, imunossuprimido, apresentou nódulo no dorso da mão direita que recidivou quatro meses após excisão. Os exames micológico e histopatológico evidenciaram hifas septadas demácias e células leveduriformes. O fungo foi identificado com base no estudo micro-macromorfológico e fisiológico.

A case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora sp. is reported. The patient, an immunosuppressed host presented a nodule on the dorsum of the right hand which relapsed four months after excision. Dematiaceous septate hyphal and yeast like elements were seen in mycological and histological examination. The isolated fungus was identified on the basis of micro-macromorphological and physiologic characteristics.