Composite hemangioendothelioma: An unusual presentation of a rare vascular tumor.

Objectives: Composite hemangioendothelioma (CHE) has been recently recognized as a low- to intermediate-grade vascular tumor. CHEs are rare vascular tumors that are clinically similar to more common vascular tumors but histologically exhibit a composite of hemangioendothelioma variants. We report the first case of a CHE on the scalp and the fifth case to show findings supportive of regional metastasis.

Novel nonablative radio-frequency rejuvenation device applied to the neck and jowls: clinical evaluation and 3-dimensional image analysis.

Objective: To use 3D photography to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel radiofrequency delivery device used to improve the appearance of rhytids and laxity of the face and neck.

Study Design: Forty-nine subjects received a total of two radio-frequency treatments to the face and neck one-month apart. The novel radio-frequency delivery device was used to heat the dermis between 41-43°C for five heat cycles.

Immunomodulation by imiquimod in patients with high-risk primary melanoma.

Imiquimod is a synthetic Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist approved for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and genital warts. Imiquimod leads to an 80-100% cure rate of lentigo maligna; however, studies of invasive melanoma are lacking. We conducted a pilot study to characterize the local, regional, and systemic immune responses induced by imiquimod in patients with high-risk melanoma.

Tissue-selective effects of injected deoxycholate.

Background: Recent studies suggest that the principal active ingredient in phosphatidylcholine-containing injectable fat-reduction formulations is actually deoxycholate (DC). This bile acid acts as a detergent to rapidly disrupt cell membranes. Thus, it is not obvious why DC would preferentially target fat.

Disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis: hyperinfection during medical immunosuppression.

Hyperinfection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis in iatrogenically immunosuppressed patients is becoming more frequently observed. Here, we review the relevant literature and present a recent case of hyperinfection syndrome of S stercoralis in a patient chronically treated with systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate for dermatomyositis. The patient was born in Guatemala but no history of Strongyloides infection was documented.

A light-emitting mouse to image skin inflammation.

Background: The mouse ear swelling test is a well-accepted method for quantitating the inflammatory response to contact irritants and sensitizing agents. However, this assay measures edema rather than the cellular component of skin inflammation.

Objective: To develop a quantitative and noninvasive assay of inflammatory cell infiltration in contact dermatitis.