Eosinophilic fasciitis associated with myositis: Report of four cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare scleroderma‐like syndrome with an unknown aetiology. The characteristics of this disorder include lymphoplasmacytic inflammation involving the subcutaneous fat septa and fascia. Eosinophilic myositis is diagnosed when inflammation extends into the muscles. Here, we describe four patients who developed eosinophilic fasciitis, three of whom developed eosinophilic fasciitis with myositis. Fascial and muscle biopsies were used to confirm the diagnoses. All the patients presented with musculoskeletal symptoms; their electromyographic examinations showed myogenic lesions [short‐duration, low‐amplitude and polyphasic motor unit action potentials (MUPs), so‐called myopathic changes, frequently with abnormal spontaneous activity], in contrast with findings from other reports.

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Nivolumab‐induced bullous pemphigoid after radiotherapy and abscopal effect

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Linear focal elastosis: A case report and institutional case series of 22 patients

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Reflectance confocal microscopy margin mapping and monitoring of an amelanotic melanoma in situ of the ear

Abstract

In situ amelanotic melanoma represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Poor demarcation of these lesions often results in repeated therapeutic intervention until appropriate clearance has been achieved. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive bedside imaging modality which allows real‐time visualisation, to a near‐histological level, of the epidermis and reticular dermis. We present a case of an amelanotic melanoma in situ in which reflectance confocal microscopy margin mapping allowed for demarcation of the melanocytic proliferation and targeted therapeutic intervention with topical imiquimod. Reflectance confocal microscopy was further utilised for noninvasive assessment of therapeutic response.

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Short telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes in head and neck cancer: Findings in a Brazilian cohort

Abstract

Background

Telomeres are specialized DNA structures that are critical to maintain cell homeostasis and to avoid genomic instability. Epidemiological studies have examined the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and risk of cancers, but the findings remain conflicting.

Methods

Mean LTL was measured by quantitative PCR in 97 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and 262 healthy controls. The association between LTL and patients' clinical status, such as smoke, alcoholism, and overall survival, were also evaluated.

Results

The age‐adjusted LTL was significantly shorter in patients with HNC in comparison to healthy controls (P = .0003). Patients with shortest LTL had an increased risk to develop HNC (P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was observed between LTL and patients' clinical features and personal habits.

Conclusions

Our data support the hypothesis that LTL is a risk factor for HNC. The use of LTL as a biomarker can help physicians to identify high‐risk individuals for HNC.

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Human papilloma virus‐associated squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in an 18‐year‐old woman

Abstract

Background

Human papilloma virus (HPV)‐associated malignancies are considered to be sexually transmitted diseases.

Methods

We report a HPV‐positive larynx cancer in an 18‐year‐old female clarinet player, despite vaccination with the quadrivalent HPV‐6‐11‐16‐18‐vaccine Gardasil (Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., West Point, Pennsylvania). The patient showed no evidence of genito‐oral infection but showed some evidence for oral‐oral HPV transmission through the sharing of saliva‐infested clarinet mouthpieces. A right vocal cord lesion of benign appearance was removed via free margin resection.

Results

Histopathology revealed a microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma inside a zone of high‐grade dysplasia that was positive for HPV‐45. No tumor recurrence was observed during a 4‐year follow‐up evaluation.

Conclusion

Benign lesion appearance and quadrivalent HPV vaccine status do not exclude HPV‐associated malignancies. In our patient, the Gardasil vaccine did not provide crossover protection against HPV 45 infection. HPV‐associated disease may not necessarily be transmitted via sexual practice patterns alone.

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Subnasal Lip Lifting in Aging Upper Lip: Combined Operation with Nasal Tip-Plasty in Asians

Background: The objective of this study was to illustrate a novel technique for lifting of the aging upper lip with nasal tip-plasty in Asians. With this procedure, a shortening of the philtrum, an increase of the vermilion, and a natural and nicer mouth can be obtained, with increasing the tip of the nose simultaneously. Methods: Thirty patients were subjects of this study. Incisions were made bilaterally beginning at the alar fold, entering nostrils and rising medially on the skin below the lower margin of the medial crura. Excess skin of the philtrum was eliminated in two separate pieces and the muscle was suspended to the base of the nose with interrupted stitches. Results: All patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction. The average ratio between the L1 reference line and the height of the upper lip measurement preoperatively was 0.43 ± 0.05. This ratio was improved postoperatively to an average of 0.32 ± 0.05 (p

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