Evaluation of the Diagnostic Value of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Differentiating the Lymphocytic Cicatricial Alopecias.

Background: Differentiating lymphocytic scarring alopecias may be difficult clinically as well as histopathologically.

Objective: To investigate plasmacytoid dendritic cell (PDC) presence and distribution patterns and their diagnostic value in differentiating scarring alopecias of lupus erythematosus (LE) from lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).

Methods: Seventeen LE-associated alopecia, 20 LPP and 10 FFA cases were immunohistochemically tested for PDC presence/distribution and activity.

Poliosis circumscripta: overview and underlying causes.

Although traditionally known as "white forelock," poliosis circumscripta, defined as a localized patch of white hair in a group of hair follicles, can involve any hairy area on the body including the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Microscopically, poliosis demonstrates either decreased or absent melanin and/or melanocytes in the hair bulbs of the affected hair follicles. Classically, poliosis is known to occur in the setting of several genetic syndromes including piebaldism, Waardenburg, and tuberous sclerosis.

A homozygous frameshift mutation in the HOXC13 gene underlies pure hair and nail ectodermal dysplasia in a Syrian family.

Pure hair and nail ectodermal dysplasia (PHNED) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by hypotrichosis or complete alopecia, as well as nail dystrophy. Mutations in the type II hair keratin gene KRT85 and the HOXC13 gene on chromosome 12q have recently been identified in families with autosomal-recessive PHNED. In the present study, we have analyzed a consanguineous Syrian family with an affected girl having complete alopecia and nail dystrophy since birth.

Maximizing diagnostic outcomes of skin biopsy specimens.

Skin biopsy is a common dermatologic procedure that is typically required to assess cutaneous neoplasms and to evaluate indistinct skin eruptions for which a clinical differential diagnosis is considered. Although plenty of literature exists on the histopathologic features of different skin diseases, clues and methods that help maximize the diagnostic results and avoid common pitfalls in the processing of skin biopsies have received little attention. In cutaneous biopsy, interpretation is very important, as is the process of choosing the appropriate biopsy technique.

Plasma myeloperoxidase concentration predicts the presence and severity of coronary disease in patients with chest pain and negative troponin-T.

Background: A non-negligible proportion of patients with chest pain with negative cardiac troponin may harbor a disrupted coronary plaque. A marker of plaque rupture upstream from myocardial necrosis may help identify high-risk patients among this patient population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration and angiographic coronary disease among patients with suspected troponin-negative coronary syndromes.