RESUMEN
Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is widely used in dermatopathology for the diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs), cutaneous vasculitis, and connective tissue disorders. Although it is easy and useful to perform, it needs technical expertise and experience for proper interpretation. The yield of DIF depends on multiple factors including the adequacy, transportation, storage, processing, and interpretation of the biopsy specimen. Effective collaboration between the dermatologist and dermatopathologist along with meticulous clinico-pathological correlation is crucial for accurately interpreting DIF in the appropriate clinical context. In this narrative review of DIF in dermatology, we discuss the indications of DIF, recent updates on the selection of optimum biopsy sites, basic techniques of DIF including the classical transport medium and its alternatives, processing and staining technique, patterns in various diseases, advancements such as serration pattern analysis, and latest recommendations on the use of DIF in cutaneous disorders.
RESUMEN
The incidence of lymphangioma is 1.2 to 2.8/1000 newborns. They present at birth/before 2 years, with predilection for the head and neck (50%-70%). The buccal mucosa is the second most common site reported (14 cases reported) after the anterior two-thirds of tongue. The scrotum is a rare site with less than 50 cases reported (till 2002). Involvement of vital structures, aesthetic, and functional requirements may necessitate treatments such as surgical excision, radiation, cryotherapy, electrocautery, sclerotherapy, embolization, ligation, and laser. Two rare cases - the first being primary, late-onset buccal lymphangioma, with vesicular presentation, and the second being genital lymphangioma involving the right side of scrotum, thigh, and groin with extension to the left groin - are highlighted.
Asunto(s)
Linfangioma/diagnóstico , Mucosa Bucal/patología , Neoplasias de la Boca/diagnóstico , Escroto/patología , Adolescente , Niño , Humanos , Linfangioma/terapia , Masculino , Boca/patología , Neoplasias de la Boca/terapia , Escleroterapia/métodosRESUMEN
Vitiligo in children is a distinct subset of vitiligo and differs from adult vitiligo. Characteristic features include family history of autoimmune or endocrine disease, higher incidence of segmental vitiligo , development of early or premature graying, increased incidence of autoantibodies and poor response to topical PUVA. The exact prevalence of vitiligo in children varies between 0.1-4% of the world population and seems to be higher in India than in other countries and it occurs more frequently in females. Around 12% to 35% of pediatric vitiligo patients have family members with the disease. The most common type of vitiligo in pediatric patients is vitiligo vulgaris, representing 78% of cases. The most commonly associated autoimmune disease is thyroiditis. Phototherapy and topical corticosteroids are the most commonly used treatments for adult vitiligo but are less useful in the pediatric population.
RESUMEN
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is characterized by dark, coarse and thickened skin with a velvety texture, being symmetrically distributed on the neck, the axillae, antecubital and popliteal fossae, and groin folds, histopathologically characterized by papillomatosis and hyperkeratosis of the skin. A high prevalence of AN has been observed recently. Different varieties of AN include benign, obesity associated, syndromic, malignant, acral, unilateral, medication-induced and mixed AN. Diagnosis is largely clinical with histopathology needed only for confirmation. Other investigations needed are fasting lipoprotein profile, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin and alanine aminotransferase for obesity associated AN and radiological investigations (plain radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging/computerized tomography) for malignancy associated AN. The most common treatment modalities include retinoids and metformin.
RESUMEN
In many parts of the world particularly sub-Saharan Africa, congenital syphilis is a significant public health problem. Though it is rare in most affluent countries there has been a slight resurgence recently in several European countries. The diagnosis of suspected cases and management of congenital syphilis may be confusing and the potential for severe disability is high when cases are missed. The cornerstone of congenital syphilis control is antenatal screening and treatment of mothers with penicillin and in affluent countries it should be strengthened among those at high risk. In developing countries antenatal care screening needs to be strengthened by implementing point-of-care decentralised screening and treatment, also alternative novel approaches to control congenital syphilis should be looked at and utilized. International health agencies and political parties should take steps urgently to support focused approaches to tackling the problem of continuing congenital syphilis.