{"title":"New-onset alopecia areata during calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitor therapy: first reported case.","authors":"Luca Valtellini, Mauro Barbareschi, Silvia Mariel Ferrucci, Angelo Valerio Marzano, Andrea Sechi","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10802","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10802","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dear Editor, Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide with potent vasodilatory effects and a key role in trigeminovascular signaling, underlying the pathogenesis of migraine. Consequently, the inhibition of CGRP activity has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of acute migraine attacks. Based on this evidence, monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or its receptor have been approved by the European Medicines Agency for prevention of both episodic and chronic migraine. Among CGRP inhibitors, galcanezumab has also been authorized for the treatment of episodic cluster headache. Since the advent of CGRP inhibitors, several cases of drug-induced telogen effluvium have been reported, with incidence rates ranging from 1.10% to 7.23%. However, to the best of our knowledge, alopecia areata (AA) associated with CGRP inhibition remains undescribed in the literature. [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148812405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Monia Di Prete, Behnaz Abdollahzadeh, Paola Pasquini, Angela Ferrari, Pasquale Frascione, Maria Concetta Fargnoli, Carlo Cota
{"title":"Melanoma arising in nevus spilus: a systematic review and report of two new cases.","authors":"Monia Di Prete, Behnaz Abdollahzadeh, Paola Pasquini, Angela Ferrari, Pasquale Frascione, Maria Concetta Fargnoli, Carlo Cota","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10842","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nevus spilus (NS) is a melanocytic lesion characterized by multiple darker macules or papules within a lighter-brown background patch. It is generally considered benign, but rarely melanoma may arise within NS. This association is controversial and poorly quantified. We systematically reviewed the literature on melanoma arising in NS and describe two additional reports. Clinical, histopathologic, molecular, and outcome data were extracted from all eligible cases. The aim of our study was to analyze the clinicopathological patterns, risk factors, and management implications. A total of 39 cases met inclusion criteria, suggesting that melanoma arising in NS is rare but not anecdotal. Most cases occurred in large, congenital, zosteriform lesions; the predominant location was the trunk, followed by the lower and upper limbs; the most common histotype was superficial spreading melanoma (SSM). Favorable outcomes were associated with early detection and thinner lesions, whereas thicker or nodular melanomas and delayed diagnosis correlated with poorer prognosis. Molecular data were limited but suggested possible heterogeneity, with infrequent BRAF/NRAS mutations. The risk of melanoma arising in NS appears to be subtype-dependent rather than uniform. Routine prophylactic excision of NS lesions is not supported by current evidence. A structured clinical and dermoscopic follow-up - particularly for larger, congenital, and segmental lesions - may represent a balanced management strategy, facilitating earlier identification of malignant transformation and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Further molecular profiling studies are needed to clarify pathogenetic mechanisms and refine risk stratification.</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148789289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Serum periostin levels in mycosis fungoides: associations with clinical subtype and disease stage.","authors":"Ramazan Çetin, Müge Güler Özden","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10904","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10904","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Serum biomarkers with diagnostic and staging relevance in mycosis fungoides (MF) remain limited. In this prospective case-control study, we evaluated serum periostin levels in 40 patients with MF and 40 matched healthy controls, and assessed their associations with clinical subtype and disease stage. Serum periostin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests. Serum periostin levels were significantly higher in patients with MF than in controls (p<0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated moderate discrimination for MF, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-0.88); the optimal cut-off was 7.50 ng/mL, yielding 74.36% sensitivity and 70.00% specificity. Periostin levels also differed significantly across clinical subtypes (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.0001), with higher levels in patch and plaque disease than in tumor-stage disease. In addition, serum periostin was significantly higher in early-stage MF (IA-IIA) than in advanced-stage disease (IIB and above) (p=0.035). These findings support serum periostin as a supportive biomarker reflecting clinical subtype and stage in MF, warranting further validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148789277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Edoardo Mortato, Claudia Paganini, Marina Talamonti, Virginia Maffei, Alfredo Belcastro, Cosimo Di Raimondo, Lorenzo Tofani, Luca Bianchi, Marco Galluzzo
{"title":"Real-world effectiveness and safety of lebrikizumab in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a retrospective observational study with focus on head and neck involvement.","authors":"Edoardo Mortato, Claudia Paganini, Marina Talamonti, Virginia Maffei, Alfredo Belcastro, Cosimo Di Raimondo, Lorenzo Tofani, Luca Bianchi, Marco Galluzzo","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10460","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10460","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lebrikizumab, an anti-interleukin (IL)-13 monoclonal antibody, is a promising treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). We conducted a single-center, retrospective study in 21 adults with moderate-to-severe AD who were biologic-naïve and had failed or were intolerant to conventional systemic therapies. Patients received lebrikizumab 500 mg at weeks 0 and 2, then 250 mg every 2 weeks; those achieving complete remission at week 16 transitioned to monthly dosing. Assessments at baseline, weeks 6, 16, and 24 showed significant improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), pruritus and sleep Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores (all p<0.001). At week 16, 77.7% achieved EASI-75 and 27.7% reached EASI-90. Three patients transitioned to monthly dosing after remission. Only two mild cases of keratoconjunctivitis were reported, with no treatment interruptions. These findings support lebrikizumab as an effective, well-tolerated option for biologic-naïve patients with moderate-to-severe AD, including those with challenging head and neck involvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148789321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Follicular-predominant pretibial Flegel's disease: a unilateral folliculocentric presentation expanding the dermoscopic spectrum.","authors":"Caterina Mariarosaria Giorgio, Patrizia Maddalena, Gaetano Licata","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10675","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10675","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dear Editor, We report a rare unilateral presentation of pretibial Flegel's disease displaying a folliculocentric dermoscopic pattern not previously described in the literature. A 58-year-old woman presented with a 4-year history of multiple firm, brownish, keratotic papules confined to the right pretibial region, gradually extending toward the knee. The lesions were dome-shaped, rough, and scaly, partially coalescing into small plaques. [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148577466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Entela Shkodrani, Alert Xhaja, Martin Shameti, Barbara Shkodrani
{"title":"Comparison between physician assessment and artificial intelligence analysis in digital dermoscopy: evaluation of 71 dermoscopic cases.","authors":"Entela Shkodrani, Alert Xhaja, Martin Shameti, Barbara Shkodrani","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10872","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI)-based dermoscopic analysis is increasingly being used to assist dermatologists in the early detection and monitoring of pigmented skin lesions. However, discrepancies between AI-generated assessments and clinical evaluation may occur. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the level of agreement between dermatologist assessment and AI-generated analysis in the dermoscopic evaluation of skin lesions. The study included 71 dermoscopic cases examined at two time points between September 2024 and January 2026 at a dermatologic clinic in Tirana, Albania. Dermoscopic images were acquired using a digital dermoscopy platform equipped with an integrated AI algorithm for automated lesion analysis. Agreement between the dermatologist and the AI system was observed in 58 cases (81.7%), whereas 13 cases (18.3%) demonstrated discordance. The 95% confidence interval for the agreement rate was 72.7%-90.7%, indicating a high level of concordance between clinical assessment and AI-based evaluation. These findings suggest that AI-assisted dermoscopic analysis demonstrates substantial agreement with clinical evaluation and may serve as a valuable supportive tool in dermatologic practice. Nevertheless, the observed discordant cases highlight the continuing importance of clinical expertise and established dermoscopic criteria in guiding patient management. AI systems should therefore be regarded as complementary decision-support tools rather than independent diagnostic systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148561137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gaetano Licata, Anna Balato, Giuseppe Argenziano, Caterina Mariarosaria Giorgio
{"title":"Dupilumab as a targeted therapeutic strategy for Th2-driven cutaneous manifestations in Kimura disease.","authors":"Gaetano Licata, Anna Balato, Giuseppe Argenziano, Caterina Mariarosaria Giorgio","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10839","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10839","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dear Editor, Kimura disease (KD) is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition characterized by subcutaneous nodules, lymphadenopathy, peripheral and tissue eosinophilia, and markedly elevated serum IgE concentrations. Although its precise etiopathogenesis remains incompletely defined, accumulating evidence supports its classification as a type 2 immune-mediated disorder, sustained by Th2 lymphocyte activation and overexpression of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 signaling pathways. This immunological milieu promotes eosinophilic infiltration, vascular proliferation, IgE overproduction, and persistent pruritus, ultimately driving both systemic and cutaneous manifestations of the disease. [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pasquale Sorrentino, Gaetano Licata, Maria Maddalena Nicoletti, Margherita Malaspina, Giuseppe Argenziano, Eugenia Veronica Di Brizzi, Caterina Mariarosaria Giorgio
{"title":"Unilateral facial flushing and anhidrosis: a case of idiopathic Harlequin syndrome with successful botulinum toxin treatment.","authors":"Pasquale Sorrentino, Gaetano Licata, Maria Maddalena Nicoletti, Margherita Malaspina, Giuseppe Argenziano, Eugenia Veronica Di Brizzi, Caterina Mariarosaria Giorgio","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10912","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10912","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dear Editor, Harlequin syndrome is a rare autonomic disorder characterized by unilateral facial flushing and sweating caused by dysfunction of sympathetic innervation. Although generally considered a benign condition, it may occasionally represent the first manifestation of underlying neurological or structural abnormalities, including brainstem lesions, multiple sclerosis, or thoracic spinal cord disorders. Due to its striking clinical appearance, Harlequin syndrome may be misinterpreted as an allergic reaction, chronic urticaria, or other dermatological conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis. We report a case of idiopathic Harlequin syndrome in a middle-aged woman, highlighting the importance of recognizing this uncommon autonomic disorder in dermatological practice. [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pietro Pasquale Cozza, Luigi Bennardo, Steven Paul Nisticò, Marco Marcasciano, Antonella Tammaro, Antonino De Caridi, Elena Zappia, Valeria Falcomatà
{"title":"Could an intra-procedural dermoscopic approach be necessary for obtaining radical treatment of actinic keratosis cancerization field if combined with ablative CO<sub>2</sub> laser?","authors":"Pietro Pasquale Cozza, Luigi Bennardo, Steven Paul Nisticò, Marco Marcasciano, Antonella Tammaro, Antonino De Caridi, Elena Zappia, Valeria Falcomatà","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10638","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin disorder resulting from chronic sun exposure, which can be treated with various treatment modalities, including ablative CO2 laser. Dermoscopic evaluation is fundamental in diagnosis and post-procedural follow-up. This study aimed to achieve radical clearance of AK cancerization fields through a combined approach using an ablative CO2 laser and intra-procedural dermoscopy, rather than a pre- and post-procedural approach only. Twenty patients with 25 AKs were included in the study. Treatment with ablative CO2 laser through a dermoscopic intra-procedural approach was performed for every patient with Olsen grade I or II AK. The results of this study showed that 100% of patients treated with this method achieved clinical clearance at follow-up, and 92% had no clinical recurrence after 2 months. The intra-procedural dermoscopic approach demonstrated to be useful to extend laser ablation to the AK cancerization field. According to the results of our study and after a comprehensive literature review, we conclude that intra-procedural dermatoscopy combined with ablative CO2 laser therapy can be considered a valid alternative to CO2 laser therapy alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Niccolò Gori, Elena Ippoliti, Flaminia Antonelli, Ludovica Manieri, Ketty Peris
{"title":"Hidradenitis suppurativa characterized by type 2-skewed inflammatory features when associated with atopic dermatitis: critical appraisal of a dupilumab-treated case report.","authors":"Niccolò Gori, Elena Ippoliti, Flaminia Antonelli, Ludovica Manieri, Ketty Peris","doi":"10.4081/dr.2026.10292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Atopic dermatitis (AD) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are two common chronic inflammatory skin diseases associated with a significant impairment of patients' quality of life. Although AD and HS are substantially different from a pathogenetic perspective, recent findings have indicated the existence of potential common pathogenetic mechanisms, including skin barrier alteration. We describe a 29-year-old male with concomitant HS and AD who obtained a marked improvement of both diseases under treatment with dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 signaling. This finding supports the hypothesis that type 2 inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HS.</p>","PeriodicalId":11049,"journal":{"name":"Dermatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148444927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}