A randomized, half-side comparative study of aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy vs. CO(2) laser ablation in immunocompetent patients with multiple actinic keratoses.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and laser ablation (LA) are frequently used treatment options for multiple actinic keratoses (AK), yet they have not been compared head to head.

Objectives: To compare PDT and carbon dioxide (CO(2) ) LA in the management of multiple AK using objective and subjective outcome measures.

Methods: A single-centre, randomized, two-treatment half-side comparative study of PDT vs.

Erythromelalgia and livedo reticularis in a patient with essential thrombocythemia, acquired von Willebrand disease, and elevated anti-phospholipid antibodies.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a clonal stem cell disease characterized by isolated thrombocytosis and thrombohemorrhagic complications. We describe an unusual case of ET primarily presenting with skin symptoms including erythromelalgia and livedo reticularis (racemosa-type). Persistent thrombocytosis, bone marrow findings, JAK2 gene mutation, and markedly decreased ristocetin-cofactor activity were consistent with the diagnosis of ET and acquired von Willebrand disease.

Expression of extracellular matrix proteins in reticular variant of mid-dermal elastolysis.

Background: Mid-dermal elastolysis (MDE) is a rare disorder of the elastic tissue that is characterized histopathologically by selective loss of elastic fibres in the mid dermis.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the protein and mRNA expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins and growth factors in the skin (lesional and non-lesional) of a female patient with the reticular variant of MDE.

Methods: Real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry was performed for matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, decorin, biglycan, versican, fibronectin, elastin, extracellular matrix protein 1, cathepsin G, transforming growth factor ß1 and connective tissue growth factor.

In vivo data of epidermal thickness evaluated by optical coherence tomography: effects of age, gender, skin type, and anatomic site.

Background: The knowledge of epidermal thickness (ET) is of great significance in many areas of medical and biological research.

Objectives: We aimed to assess optical coherence tomography (OCT) in terms of precision, and to investigate the influence of several constitutional factors, such as age, gender, skin type, and anatomic site, on the mean ET using OCT in vivo.

Methods: Eighty-three subjects were studied using OCT in vivo.