Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Commons^™

Facial Follicular Porokeratosis Simulating Discoid Lupus Erythematosus In An African American Woman, Pritika Singh, Layna Mager, Jeffrey Y. Liu, Jason B. Lee, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Spontaneous Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm In A Young Male With Full Mutation Of The Fragile X Syndrome With A High-Functioning Phenotype: Illustrative Case, Eleni Papadopoulos, Anna Abrimian, Hekmat Zarzour, Randi J Hagerman, Richard F Schmidt

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder that typically presents with neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Patients with FXS can present with signs and symptoms of connective tissue disorder (CTD) and occasionally with vascular disease. However, cerebrovascular disease is not well documented in these patients, and it is unknown whether there is a direct link between abnormal levels of fragile X protein (FMRP) and its mRNA.

OBSERVATIONS: Here, the authors present a rare case of an adult male with full mutation FXS of a high-functioning phenotype who presented with syncope, and on further evaluation, a fusiform dissecting aneurysm of the distal …

Periumbilical Perforating Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum, Ana L. Duarte-Summers, Anna Chen, Morgan E. Sussman-Mccrea, Shayan Waseh, Jason B. Lee, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Is Associated With An Increased Risk Of Adverse Cardiac Events And All-Cause Mortality, Thomas Z. Rohan, Ramsay Hafer, Teresa Duong, Rishob Dasgupta, Sherry Yang

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been previously associated with greater rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) compared to the general population. This study aims to better elucidate the association between HS, MACEs, and other cardiovascular diseases. Methods: We utilized TriNetX, a global database of electronic health records, to conduct a retrospective cohort study. HS patients were matched on demographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors to both healthy and psoriasis groups as controls. Results: After adjusting for cardiovascular disease risk factors, HS patients had a relative risk (RR) (95% CI) of 2.06 (1.83-2.32) for myocardial infarction, 1.62 …

A Guide To Diagnosis And Management Of Hypertrichosis, Rahib K. Islam, Victoria T. Tong, Shari R. Lipner

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Hypertrichosis is a phenotype characterized by excessive hair growth in areas not typically prone to dense hair coverage. It may be congenital or acquired, and has significant clinical and psychosocial implications, often leading to psychological distress and social stigmatization. Diagnostic approaches emphasize the importance of thorough clinical evaluation and differentiation from hirsutism. Treatment options include topical and systemic treatments, as well as mechanical methods and laser therapies. Special considerations are given to pediatric patients regarding the psychosocial aspects of the phenotype. This review aims to provide physicians and researchers with a thorough understanding of hypertrichosis to facilitate better diagnosis, treatment, …

A Case Of Injury-Induced Pyoderma Gangrenosum Requiring Skin Graft, Yukiko Brewer, Nameer Ascandar, Tesnim Hamdan, Iryna Witt, Sana Khan, Robert Cropper

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Drug Induced Sweet's Syndrome Secondary To Pegfilgrastim: A Rare Case, Renuka Mahatara, Abhi Rao, Ian Whitaker, Bradley Saylors, Charles Holladay

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Health Inequities In An Undocumented Immigrant Woman With Scleroderma: A Case Report Of Uninsured Care Challenges, Jorge Aboytes, Jose Loayzam, I Cantu

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

From Resistance To Remission: Transforming Recalcitrant Plaque Psoriasis With Secukinumab And Methotrexate, Rabia S. Mahfooz, Annmary Behanan, Amita J. Dsouza, Naser Elkhalili

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Effective Managment Of Relapsing Henoch-Schonlein Purpura With Nephropathy In An Adult With Long-Term Use Of Azathioprine, Rabia S. Mahfooz, Neil Maithel, Loiacono Agostina, Minha Aslam, Naser Elkhalili

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Skin Cancer Screening In A Fm Residency: Dermatoscope Utilization, Aleksandra Radzio, Navina Delight, Aniruddha Logan

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Keloids, Marshall Hall, Alyssa Forsyth, Paige Loux, Henry Lim, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Keloids are benign, firm nodules resulting from excessive scar formation, typically following trauma, but they can also arise spontaneously. They commonly affect areas like the chest, shoulders, back, cheeks, and earlobes. Their growth exceeds the boundaries of the original injury. Keloids can cause discomfort, pruritus, or cosmetic concerns. While they are more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones, they occur across all age groups and skin types. Differentiating keloids from conditions such as hypertrophic scars, dermatofibromas, acrochordons, inflamed nevi, cysts, and lipomas i s crucial for proper diagnosis and management. This review highlights the diverse clinical presentations of …

A Complex Case Of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma In A Patient With Multisystem Complications Leading To Acute Cerebral Infarctions And Debility, Genevieve Mccloskey, Radhika Mohan, Michael A. Smith

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Localized Reticulate Hyperpigmentation From Heater Use: A Case Of Erythema Ab Igne, Chitwan Kaur Ghuman, Monish Yarlagadda, Ashwini P K

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a reticulated, hyperpigmented dermatosis resulting from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation insufficient to cause burns. While increasingly rare due to central heating, it remains relevant in vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and immobilized.

Case Summary: We report the case of an 83-year-old bedbound female who developed characteristic pigmentary changes over her right upper and lower limbs due to chronic proximity to a room heater.

Conclusion: Awareness of EAI is crucial to prevent unnecessary investigations and to emphasize the importance of appropriate thermal environment modifications, especially in bedbound geriatric patients.

Systemic Therapy Targeting Psoriatic Inflammation Is Associated With Decreased Incidence Of Dementia: An Observational Retrospective Cohort Study, Madison P. Olexson, Ana Ormaza Vera, Chunghwan Ro, Clinton W. Enos

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

[Introduction] To the Editor: Psoriasis, an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disorder, has been implicated in cognitive impairment and dementia.1, 2, 3 Emerging evidence suggests that systemic inflammation contributes to neuroinflammation and resultant cytokine-driven neurodegeneration, although findings remain inconclusive.1, 2, 3 While systemic therapies such as biologics and conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are routinely used in psoriasis management, their role in modulating dementia in this population remains underexplored, with research yielding mixed results.1, 2, 3 We conducted a large-scale, retrospective cohort study to investigate the relationship between psoriasis and dementia and whether systemic treatments for psoriasis impact this association.

Life Over Limb: A Case Of Rapidly Rrogressive Necrotizing Fasciitis, Olesya A. Balashova, Adam Lerchenfeld, Rahul Ramakrishnan, Ashley Diaz, Anna Felizcek, Daniel Heller

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Too Rash To Rule Out The Rash, Fnu Swatisikta, Chinar Singh

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Primary Malignancy Risk Following Initiation Of Biologic Therapy In Psoriasis Patients, Chunghwan Ro, Ana Ormaza Vera, Waleed Adawi, Alexander Yap, Clinton W. Enos

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

Limited evidence exists regarding the long-term oncologic safety of biologic therapies, particularly interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) and IL-23i, in the management of psoriasis. This propensity-score-matched retrospective-cohort study assessed the risk of developing a primary malignancy within 10-years following exposure to an FDA-approved biologic among psoriasis patients compared to biologic-naïve controls. After propensity-score-matching, 32,230 biologic-exposed patients were further grouped into cohorts of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi, n=16,011), IL-23i (n=5,604), IL-12/23i (n=3,856), and IL-17i (n=5,467). During a 10-year period, TNFi-treated patients had a reduced risk of developing any primary malignancy compared to biologic-naïve psoriasis patients [HR 0.80(0.73-0.87)]. Similarly, a lower incidence …

Atypical Presentation Of Eruptive Syringomas On The Forearms Of A 19-Year-Old Patient, Margo Waters, Sami Osman, Jacob Hostetter, Joy Mosser-Goldfarb

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Case-Control Comparison Of Alopecia Areata And Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Mohammad Fardos, Amritpal Kooner, Rawle A. Sekhon, Beniamin Zeka, Aditya Dutt, Richard Miller

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Adult-Onset Iga Vasculitis And Nephropathy In Alcoholic Cirrhosis: A Case Report And Brief Review, Brett Thomas, Summer Wong, Walaa Abualhuda, Siddhi Patodia, Elaine Bruno, David Esguerra, Richard Miller

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Inked And Infected: A Case That Highlights The Emerging Concern Of Tattoo-Associated Mycobacterium Abscessus, Tory Starzyk, Neena Edupuganti

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

The Quality-Of-Life Benefits And Risk Of Isotretinoin (Accutane) In Acne Treatment: A Systematic Review, Noelia Valencia Zuniga

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological condition, particularly affecting adolescents and young adults. While often treated as a cosmetic issue, acne can significantly impair a patient's mental health and overall quality of life (QoL). Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for severe and persistent acne. However, its use is controversial due to a range of potential side effects, including psychiatric symptoms, teratogenicity, and other systemic complications. To better understand the risk-benefit profile of isotretinoin in acne treatment, we conducted a systematic review, focusing on the QoL benefits and risks associated with its use. …

High-Throughput Drug Screening For Disease-Modifying Arthritis Therapy, Janapriya Vijayakumar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Current therapy for arthritis predominantly focuses on the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of disease progression. Thus, it is necessary to identify novel drugs which target the underlying molecular basis of such diseases. Using high-throughput cell-based drug screening, we screened 458 different compounds, narrowed down from 811 starting compounds from the NIH Mechanistic Set. We selected drugs from the Mechanistic Set following Lipinski's Rule of 5 to ensure optimal pharmacokinetic properties. The study used modified primary human chondrocytes (IIAM-PRG4Luc), which secrete a lubricin promoter-driven luciferase reporter. We use this luciferase expression as a proxy to measure lubricin, a compound …

Investigation Of Lubricin-Stimulating Fda-Approved Compounds For A Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritic Drug, Swathi S. Menon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that affects many people worldwide. Current methods of treatment are palliative, and no treatment exists to fully reverse or cure OA once it begins to progress. The discovery of a disease-modifying osteoarthritic drug (DMOAD) would increase the quality of life for millions and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Screening FDA-approved drugs ensures more promise due to their known safety profile and potential for faster translation to the clinic. The goal of this project was to conduct dose-response assays with FDA-approved drugs that have been shown to stimulate lubricin production in cells that mimic …

Inpatient Dermatology Vignettes: Seborrheic Dermatitis, Garrett Furth, Henry Lim, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory disorder characterized by greasy scale, itching, and erythema. It commonly affects areas of the skin that have high sebum production or are sebaceous gland-rich, including the scalp, face, sternum, axilla, groin, and other skin folds. Seborrheic dermatitis can present in infants, adolescents, and adults, and is more common in men. The etiology is not fully understood, but contributing factors include presence of the yeast genus Malassezia, androgen levels, immunosuppression, family history, and stress or lack of sleep. Interestingly, those with neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Parkinsons Disease, spinal cord injury, epilepsy, and tardive dyskinesia, …

Perceived Risk Of Skin Cancer: Influence Of Family History, Age, Ethnicity, And Fitzpatrick Type, Henry Lim, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Dana Olsen, Ysabelle Martinez, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Skin cancer in the United States accounts for approximately 50% of new early cancer diagnoses. Despite this, many individuals underestimate their personal risk, leading to lower engagement in preventative behaviors. Several factors may influence an individual’s perceived risk, including family history, age, race, ethnicity, skin type, and gender. While some individuals recognize their increased susceptibility based on personal, familial, and cultural experiences, others may have a lower perceived risk due to misconceptions or limited awareness. This study examines how these demographic factors influence individuals' perceived risk of skin cancer. Methods: This study analyzed data from 333 individuals aged 19 …

Follicular Occlusion Syndrome: Diagnosis, Management, And Emerging Insights, Henry Lim, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Marshall Hall, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Follicular Occlusion Syndromes (FOS) are rare chronic relapsing skin disorders characterized by abnormal follicular hyperkeratinization, plugging, and inflammation. FOS are more commonly discussed as a ‘triad’ or ‘tetrad’ based on the patient’s clinical presentation. The triad includes hidradenitis suppurativa, acne conglobata, and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. The tetrad in addition to the triad includes a history of pilonidal cysts. These disorders have a considerably negative effect on quality of life due to chronic pain, psychological distress, and body image concerns. Delayed or misdiagnosis can exacerbate patient outcomes, heightening the importance of timely identification and multidisciplinary treatment. We present two …

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Presenting As Alopecia Anxiety: A Case Report, Henry Lim, Paige Loux, Arianne Felicitas, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves a preoccupation with a nonexistent or insignificant physical defect that causes clinically significant distress and impacts a patient's daily functioning. We present a case of a patient with body dysmorphia that manifested as anxiety about hair loss. Case Information: A 48-year-old otherwise healthy female presented to the dermatology clinic with the chief complaint of 8 months of hair loss. She had been seen previously by 2 other dermatologists. She brought 28 pages of paperwork to her first appointment detailing previous work-up, including four separate skin punch biopsies consistent with androgenetic, non-cicatricial (non-scarring) alopecia. Other …

Skin Color Cannot Be Confined To Six Categories: Comparing The Fitzpatrick Scale And Colorimetric Measures, Henry Lim, Kristina Kafle, Reem Ayoub, Dana Olsen, Ysabelle Martinez, Rafael Do Valle, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Purpose The Fitzpatrick Scale (FS), originally developed to dose photochemotherapy in Caucasian skin, has become widely adopted for skin color categorization. It originally included types I-IV, with types V-VI added later for darker skin. The FS was designed for UV radiation reactivity assessment. However, it is increasingly used as a proxy for objective skin color classification, despite being based on a subjective questionnaire. Individual Typology Angle (ITA), a validated colorimetric measurement, presents a potential alternative. Previous studies examining these classification systems have been limited by small sample sizes and uneven distribution across skin tones with subjects predominantly having lighter skin …