Teo Soleymani

The role of vitamin D in psoriasis: a review

Psoriasis is a common, chronic autoimmune inflammatory skin disorder, which has potential systemic complications and is clinically defined by sharply demarcated, erythematous patches and plaques covered by a characteristic silvery white scale. Topical corticosteroids have widely been regarded as the mainstay first line of treatment. Recently, topical vitamin D analogs have been added to the first‐line treatment repertoire as well, either as monotherapy or in combination with topical steroids due to synergistic, complementary effectiveness. In this paper, we review the role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology and treatment of psoriasis.

Surgical approaches to tinnitus treatment: A review and novel approaches

Background: Tinnitus, a profoundly widespread auditory disorder, is characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of external stimulation. The aim of this work is to review the various surgical treatment options for tinnitus, targeting the various disruption sites along the auditory pathway, as well as to indicate novel neuromodulatory techniques as a mode of tinnitus control. Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on published clinical and basic neuroscience research examining the pathophysiology and treatment options of tinnitus. Results: Stereotactic radiosurgery methods and microvascular decompressions are indicated for tinnitus caused by underlying pathologies such as vestibular schwannomas or neurovascular conflicts of the vestibulocochlear nerve at the level of the brainstem. However, subsequent hearing loss and secondary tinnitus may occur. In patients with subjective tinnitus and concomitant sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implantation is indicated. Surgical ablation of the cochlea, vestibulocochlear nerve, or dorsal cochlear nucleus, though previously suggested in earlier literature as viable treatment options for tinnitus, has been shown to be ineffective and contraindicated. Recently, emerging research has shown the neuromodulatory capacity of the somatosensory system at the level of the trigeminal nerve on the auditory pathway through its inputs at various nuclei in the central auditory pathway. Conclusion: Tinnitus remains to be a difficult disorder to treat despite the many surgical interventions aimed at eliminating the aberrant neuronal activity in the auditory system. A promising novel neuromodulatory approach using the trigeminal system to control such a bothersome and difficult-to-treat disorder deserves further investigation and controlled clinical trials.

An Analysis of Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.

BACKGROUND Skin cancer remains the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States, and its burden on the health care system remains substantial. Standard treatments such as cryosurgery, electrodessication and curettage, topical and photodynamic therapies, and surgical excision including Mohs micrographic surgery are not without inherent morbidity, including risk of bleeding, infection, and scar. OBJECTIVE Lasers may be an alternative for treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer, and this paper reviews this therapeutic option. METHODS A comprehensive search in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and PUBMED databases was performed to identify relevant literature investigating the role of laser therapy in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. RESULTS New literature regarding laser treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer is emerging, demonstrating promising clinical outcomes. The greatest efficacy has been seen with vascular-selective and ablative lasers in the treatment of basal cell carcinomas. Some success has been reported for laser treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, but data are less convincing. In summary, laser therapy offers an alternative treatment option for nonmelanoma skin cancer; however, its clinical efficacy is variable and, at this time, remains less than currently accepted standards of care. CONCLUSION Further studies are needed to optimize parameters, determine maximum efficacy, and provide long-term follow-up.

Conception and Management of a Poorly Understood Spectrum of Dermatologic Neoplasms: Atypical Fibroxanthoma, Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma, and Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma

Opinion StatementAtypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) tumors share many clinical, etiologic, and histologic features and likely represent components of a tumor spectrum. In dermatologic oncology, differentiating between AFX and PDS is pivotal as tumors with histological features consistent with PDS are more likely to behave in a clinically aggressive manner. Importantly, the term “pleomorphic dermal sarcoma” (PDS) is a more appropriate designation than “undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma” (UPS) for describing deeper, more aggressive, histologically high-grade cutaneous tumors that otherwise resemble AFX. Surgery remains the gold standard for treatment. In the setting of AFX, excision with the Mohs micrographic technique appears to offer superior tumor control rates while maintaining greater tissue preservation over wide local excision and should be considered first line. In the setting of PDS, optimal management is less clear given the paucity of available data. However, due to its greater propensity to recur and metastasize, extirpation with complete tumor margin control appears paramount. The roles of imaging and SLNB in management and clinical outcomes of AFX and PDS are unclear given the lack of available data. In reality, these tools are unlikely to be helpful in most cases of AFX. However, in the setting of PDS, emerging literature indicates that these tumors are inherently higher risk, and thus, imaging and SLNB may be helpful in select cases. Additionally, radiation therapy may be of adjuvant benefit for these tumors when clear surgical margins cannot be obtained. While traditional chemotherapy has been largely ineffectual, the recent discovery of key oncogenetic mutations has allowed for the identification of several potential molecular drug targets that may have a therapeutic role with future study. In the unfortunate setting of metastatic disease, a multidisciplinary approach is optimal. Further studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions regarding risk stratification and best management practices.

Intracerebral abscess with dissecting pneumocephalus caused by a gas-producing gram-positive rod following craniotomy for glioblastoma multiforme resection

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), an indolent and slow-growing anaerobic gram-positive bacterium, has largely been known as a commensal organism of the normal skin flora. However, P. acnes is increasingly being recognized as the causative infectious organism complicating craniotomies and shunt insertions. To our knowledge, we present the first reported patient with an intracerebral abscess with dissecting pneumocephalus caused by P. acnes. A 58-year-old woman who was immunocompetent presented 3 weeks after a craniotomy for resection of a glioblastoma multiforme with worsening mental status, lethargy and left hemiparesis. Head CT scans and MRI demonstrated significant vasogenic edema and dissecting pneumocephalus in the resection cavity. A craniotomy was performed and purulent material was found in the subdural space and resection cavity. Cultures were positive for P. acnes. She completed a full course of intravenous antibiotics appropriate for the organism. The infection was eradicated and the patient survived albeit with persistent deficits. This case illustrates the importance of considering an underlying intracerebral abscess in patients with worsening neurological function and pneumocephalus on imaging several weeks after surgery. Our review of the literature underscores the great importance in early recognition and treatment with both surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy in achieving optimal patient recovery.

Daily indoor light exposure: A spectral analysis of ambient light sources and its relevance to occupational dermatology

Fig 1. A, iPhone 6 Plus white background, brigh iPad Pro, white background, brightness 100%, 1 emitting diode television screen, brightness 100% display desktop monitor, brightness 100%, 1 cm fr desktop monitor, maximized exposure integration deep infrared range are artefactual and not real. G was very small (as demonstrated above), in order exposure integration time and zoom in on the disp ends). F, Dell liquid crystal display laptop screen, spectral signatures of ambient indoor light sources that surround people routinely during activities of daily living. Spectra irradiance curves were recorded using a calibrated spectrometer (BLK C-SR XYZ123 UV-V spectrometer; StellarNet Inc, Tampa, FL). We analyzed various common sources of visible light encountered on a daily basis within the ambulatory care clinics and offices in the department of dermatology at our academic institution. We analyzed smartphones (Apple iPhone 6 Plus; Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA), tablets (Apple iPad Pro, Apple Inc), computer desktop monitors (Dell LCD monitor P2414HB; Dell Inc, Round Rock, TX), laptop screens (Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series; Dell Inc), large flatscreen televisions used for display (Sharp Aquos LC70LE745U, Sharp Electronics Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), office ceiling lights (Pentron 3500k 28w fp28/ 835/eco; OSRAM Sylvania, Wilmington, MA), clinic examination room ceiling lights (Pentron 3500k 28w fp28/835/eco, OSRAM Sylvania), office desktop lamps (CF23EL/mini, 2700K, OSRAM Sylvania), and

Early Recognition and Treatment Heralds Optimal Outcomes: the Benefits of Combined Rheumatology–Dermatology Clinics and Integrative Care of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

Purpose of ReviewDiagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can be challenging and require a multidisciplinary approach. This review provides an overview of combined dermatology–rheumatology clinics.Recent FindingsCombined dermatology–rheumatology clinics have emerged to optimize integrated care for patients with psoriasis and PsA. There are over 20 such clinics across the USA. These clinics facilitate multidisciplinary care for patients with psoriasis and PsA and have been found to improve outcomes and enhance both patient and physician satisfaction and knowledge. Challenges presented by these clinics include appropriate scheduling for both dermatologists and rheumatologists and proving the benefits of the clinics to obtain institutional support.SummaryCombined dermatology–rheumatology clinics are a novel model of care for patients with psoriasis and PsA. They improve outcomes, patient and physician satisfaction, and efficiency. As more of these clinics are established, we must further understand their impact on outcomes and care processes.