Meena Arunachalam

High prevalence of circulating autoantibodies against thyroid hormones in vitiligo and correlation with clinical and historical parameters of patients

Autoantibodies against thyroid hormones (THAbs) directed towards triiodothyronine (T3‐Ab) and/or thyroxine (T4‐Ab) are very rare in the general population. They are increased in some nonthyroidal autoimmune diseases, where they seem to predict autoimmune thyroid disorders (ATDs). So far, their presence in patients with vitiligo has not been evaluated, but it might have a possible predictive role.

Autoimmune markers in vitiligo patients appear correlated with obsession and phobia.

Background  Current studies have treated a limited portion of the subjective aspects of vitiligo patients and have yet to elucidate possible psychological differences between those with autoimmune markers (AIM) with respect to those without autoimmune markers (NAIM).

Melasma: Treatment with 10% tretinoin peeling mask

Background  Melasma is one of the most frequently acquired hyperpigmentation disorders clinically characterized by symmetrical brown patches on sun exposed areas. The first approach is an avoidance of sun exposure and inflammation combined with a use of photoprotection. Patient treatment is particularly difficult and challenging, and necessitates consideration of many therapies, including tretinoin to obtain an amelioration of this important skin condition.

Non‐segmental vitiligo and psoriasis comorbidity – a case‐control study in Italian patients

A recent systematic evaluation of vitiligo and psoriasis comorbidity has not yet been reported in a large series of patients with vitiligo.

Stress as a possible mechanism in melanoma progression.

The incidence of melanoma, the most aggressive type of cutaneous malignant tumor, is currently on the rise. Treatment in advanced stages is still unsuccessful compared with other malignant tumors, thus it is important to indentify the key mechanisms responsible for melanoma progression and metastasis. Genetic and molecular components, in particular, that are up- or downregulated in melanoma cells, affect the invasive potential of melanoma. Another possible important cofactor highlighted by recent studies is chronic stress, involving environmental and psychological factors, which can be an important cofactor in not only cancer progression in general but also in melanoma spreading. The negative effects of chronic stress have been evaluated epidemiologically in patients with breast and prostate cancer. In particular, the effects of stress mediators, namely, catecholamines have been studied on various human malignancies, including melanoma and have highlighted a significant increase of progression-related molecules. As such, this could be the starting point for a new approach in the treatment of advanced melanoma, in which the negative effects of stress are reduced or blocked.

Autoimmune signals in non‐segmental vitiligo patients are associated with distinct clinical parameters and toxic exposures

Background  Although non‐segmental vitiligo is commonly considered an autoimmune disease, the possible differences between non‐segmental vitiligo patients with and without autoimmune signals have not been clearly established.

Highlights of Thirty-Year Experience of CO2 Laser Use at theFlorence (Italy) Department of Dermatology

The CO2 laser has been used extensively in dermatological surgery over the past 30 years and is now recognised as the gold standard for soft tissue vaporization. Considering that the continuous wave CO2 laser delivery system and the newer “superpulsed” and scanned CO2 systems have progressively changed our practice and patient satisfaction, a long range documentation can be useful. Our experience has demonstrated that the use of CO2 laser involves a reduced healing time, an infrequent need for anaesthesia, reduced thermal damage, less bleeding, less inflammation, the possibility of intra-operative histologic and/or cytologic examination, and easy access to anatomically difficult areas. Immediate side effects have been pain, erythema, edema, typically see with older methods, using higher power. The percentage of after-treatment keloids and hypertrophic scars observed was very low (~1%) especially upon the usage of lower parameters. The recurrence of viral lesions (condylomas and warts) have been not more frequent than those due to other techniques. Tumor recurrence is minor compared with radiotherapy or surgery. This method is a valid alternative to surgery and/or diathermocoagulation for microsurgery of soft tissues. Our results are at times not consistent with those published in the literature, stressing the concept that multicentric studies that harmonization methodology and the patient selection are vital.

Erythema elevatum diutinum

A 58-year-old man was referred to our clinic with an 8-month history of red-brown nodules on the dorsal surface of his left hand. He reported that he collected fish in his home aquarium as a hobby. On this basis, a prior diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection was made, but systemic clarithromycin was ineffective. The patient also reported a constant painful sensation, which worsened in the evening and after exposure to low temperatures. Dermatologic examination of the left hand revealed two large, tender, red-brown skin nodules on the extensor surfaces of the second and third metacarpophalangeal joint, one of which was partially covered by a hematic crust …

Mast cells do not play a role in vitiligo

ejd.2011.1459 Auteur(s) : Samantha Berti1 s.berti@meyer.it, Laura Amato1, Meena Arunachalam1, Adelina Spallanzani1, Francesca Prignano1, Romina Nassini2, Daniela Massi3, Roberta Colucci1, Silvia Moretti1 1 Departments of Dermatological Sciences 2 Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology 3 Pathological Anatomy, University of Florence, Piazza Indipendenza 11, 50129 Florence, Italy Stem cell factor (SCF), produced by keratinocytes and endotheliocytes, acts as a ligand for the c-KIT receptor which is expressed [...]

Generalized Granuloma Annulare and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

© 2013 The Authors. doi: 10.2340/00015555-1510 Journal Compilation