Anna Elisa Verzì
@unict.it
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
F. Lacarrubba, A. Verzì, Stefano Dimarco, Ivano Luppino, F. Dall'Oglio and G. Micali
A 72-year-old man presented with actinic keratosis (AK) of the scalp confirmed by line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) a novel non-invasive skin imaging technique. Patient was treated with Tirbanibulin 1% ointment once a day for 5 consecutive days and, after 8 days from baseline, mild erythema and desquamation was observed on the treated area, associated with mild pruritus. At the same time-point, L'LC-OCT revealed the presence of intraepidermal "targeted-like" cells, corresponding to apoptotic keratinocytes. After 2 months, clinical and instrumental examination showed the almost total disappearance of the AK. At the same time-point, a strong improvement of photoaging was noted at the level of the treated area. At 1-year follow-up, no relapse and/or new AK were observed. In conclusion, the reported case is emblematic of the short and long-term efficacy and safety of tirbanibulin in the treatment of AK, as already reported in the literature, as well as of the usefulness of non-invasive imaging technique such as LC-OCT in the therapeutic monitoring.
Simone Cappilli, Andrea Paradisi, Alessandro Di Stefani, Gerardo Palmisano, Luca Pellegrino, Martina D’Onghia, Costantino Ricci, Linda Tognetti, Anna Elisa Verzì, Pietro Rubegni,et al.
MDPI AG
Background: Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography is a novel technology able to reproduce a “virtual biopsy” of the skin. The aim of this review is to explore the application of line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) in various skin diseases, covering skin cancers, inflammatory and infectious skin diseases, genetic diseases, cosmetic procedures, and less common disorders. Methods: Study selection was conducted based on LC-OCT and using pertinent MeSh terms, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines from inception to March 2024; to evaluate the quality and risk of bias of studies, Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) was used. Results: the search retrieved 154 papers according to the selection criteria; after removing publications by one or more of the exclusion criteria, a total of 96 studies were found to be suitable for the analysis. Conclusions: Increasing evidence supports the use of LC-OCT as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for the in vivo diagnosis of a variety of skin tumors. As this device can be considered a “bridge” between dermoscopy and histopathology, widening applications in numerous fields of clinical dermatology, including inflammatory skin disease treatment, presurgical mapping, cosmetic procedures, and monitoring of non-invasive therapies, have been explored.
Anna Elisa Verzì, Alessia Villani, Rosario Caltabiano, Giuseppe Micali, and Francesco Lacarrubba
Wiley
Anna Elisa Verzì, Giuseppe Micali, and Francesco Lacarrubba
Elsevier BV
A. E. Verzì, F. Lacarrubba, F. Dall'Oglio, S. Rini, A. Tosti, and G. Micali
Wiley
Francesco Lacarrubba, Anna Elisa Verzì, Federica Dall'Oglio, Alessia Villani, and Giuseppe Micali
Wiley
Anna Elisa Verzì, Francesco Lacarrubba, Maria Letizia Musumeci, Rosario Caltabiano, and Giuseppe Micali
Wiley
ABSTRACTLine‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a novel imaging technique for in vivo examination of the skin that has recently been introduced in the dermatologic armamentarium of non‐invasive diagnostic tools. Its usefulness in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of some neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious skin conditions has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the LC‐OCT features of psoriasis in a large number of psoriatic plaques along with their histopathologic correlation. In this retrospective study, the LC‐OCT and the corresponding histopathologic images of 100 psoriatic plaques of the trunk, upper and lower arms from 60 patients that underwent both procedures were evaluated and correlated. The following microscopic findings, typical of plaque psoriasis, were observed at both LC‐OCT and histopathology: hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, papillomatosis and vascular changes, Munro microabscesses, and pustules of Kogoj. The LC‐OCT findings perfectly matched with histopathology. Our study confirms the usefulness of this new imaging technique in the non‐invasive visualization of the common diagnostic clues of psoriasis.
Alessandro Polizzi, Gianluca Martino Tartaglia, Simona Santonocito, Angela Alibrandi, Anna Elisa Verzì, and Gaetano Isola
Wiley
ABSTRACTObjectiveTo examine the impact of fluocinonide 0.05% gel formulation for the topical treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP).MethodsThrough an RCT design, 47 patients with OLP were randomly allocated for topical OLP treatment with fluocinonide 0.05% (n = 23) or placebo (n = 24). Patients were examined for OLP symptoms, signs, disease severity, and extension score changes over 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsAfter 6 months, in comparison with placebo, patients treated with fluocinonide experienced a significant reduction of OLP symptoms (p = 0.024), signs (p = 0.014), and OLP extension score (p = 0.028). The two‐way ANOVA estimation models revealed that treatment with fluocinonide determined, at 6 months, a positive significant effect on the reduced OLP signs (p = 0.017), OLP symptoms (p = 0.026), and OLP extension score (p = 0.028). The multivariate regression analysis highlighted that anxiety, stress, and depression were significant predictors of every analyzed OLP outcome (p < 0.05 for each parameter) and that patients who had baseline anxiety, depression, and stress gained more benefits from fluocinonide at 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsTopical fluocinonide 0.05% was more efficacious compared to placebo in reducing OLP outcomes at 6‐month follow‐up. Anxiety, depression, and stress were significant predictors of OLP outcomes and positively impacted the treatment with fluocinonide at 6 months.
Federica Dall’Oglio, Andrea Calogero Trecarichi, Maria Rita Nasca, Francesco Lacarrubba, Anna Elisa Verzì, and Giuseppe Micali
Elsevier BV
Francesco Lacarrubba, Anna Elisa Verzì, Giuseppe Broggi, and Giuseppe Micali
Wiley
Anna Elisa Verzì, Andrea Russo, Niccolò Castellino, Rosario Caltabiano, Matteo Fallico, Francesco Cappellani, Giuseppe Micali, and Francesco Lacarrubba
Wiley
AbstractBackgroundThe clinical differential diagnosis of lesions arising on the eyelid margin may be challenging and an unneeded surgical approach may have serious functional and aesthetic consequences. Nonetheless, early recognition and treatment of malignant tumors of the eyelid margin is mandatory. Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a novel tool for the in vivo, real‐time skin imaging.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to identify and analyze the LC‐OCT features of a series of eyelid margin growths and to correlate these features with the histopathological findings.MethodsPatients with eyelid margin growths who were scheduled for lesion excision underwent LC‐OCT examination. Inclusion criteria were a challenging clinical aspect of the lesions and a clinical history of recent onset (up to 12 months). In all cases, the histopathological examination of the excised lesions was performed for the final diagnosis.ResultsA total of 31 lesions located on the upper (13 cases) or lower (18 cases) eyelid margin from 28 consecutive patients (male = 15, female = 13; mean age: 64.7 years, range: 44–87 years) were evaluated and excised. The histopathologic diagnoses were nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (nine cases), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (three cases), compound nevus (four cases), dermal nevus (two cases), seborrheic keratosis (four cases), pyogenic granuloma (one case), trichilemmal cyst (three cases), and hidrocystoma (five cases). LC‐OCT allowed the in vivo recognition of the main microscopic features of the examined lesions.ConclusionsLC‐OCT represents a promising tool for the evaluation of eyelid margin lesions. Advantages of non‐invasive diagnosis particularly relevant in such a sensitive region include a more correct planning of the treatment and, in case of surgery, the most appropriate surgical approach and, importantly, a correct timing of intervention.
Francesco Lacarrubba, Anna Elisa Verzì, Maria Vittoria Magnani, Martino Ruggieri, Maria Chiara Consentino, and Giuseppe Micali
Wiley
Dear Editor, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant multisystemic syndromewith awide range of clinical features.1–3 The diagnosis is generally easy and is usually based on the recognition during infancy of typical cutaneous and neurologic signs. However, skin lesions may show different age of onset and severity making the diagnosis more difficult.1–3 In case ofmild disease, TSCmay remain unknown for years. Facial angiofibromas (FAs) are benign hamartomatous skin growths occurring in nearly 75% of patients with TSC.4,5 They appear as reddish, fibrous, dome-shaped papulesmainly involving the central area of the face (especially aroundnasolabial folds). Theusual onset is between ages 2 and 5 years.2,4 The identification of FAs is important as theymay represent the sign of a TSC not yet diagnosed. Although one or two isolated sporadic lesions may be observed within the general population,
Anna Elisa Verzì, Francesco Lacarrubba, Federica Dall'Oglio, Davide Puglisi, and Giuseppe Micali
Wiley
The dermal– epidermal junction is characterized by the presence of a complex network of dermal papillae (DP), which are finger-like structures of the dermis projecting upwards into the epidermis and providing metabolic support to the basal cells. Dermal papillae modification may be observed in different skin conditions consisting of their elongation and enlargement, as seen in chronic inflammatory and neo-plastic dermatoses, or reduction/disappearance, as observed in interface dermatitis and aged/photoaged skin. A precise evaluation of DP number and size in normal skin may play an important role to define their modifications in various skin disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the density and diameter of DP in healthy skin from three different anatomic areas using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM)
Francesco Lacarrubba, Anna Elisa Verzì, Matteo Polita, Alice Aleo, and Giuseppe Micali
Wiley
Anna Elisa Verzì, Giuseppe Broggi, Elisa Cinotti, Linda Tognetti, Rosario Caltabiano, Pietro Rubegni, Giuseppe Micali, and Francesco Lacarrubba
Wiley
Dear Editor, Darier's disease is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by mutations in the ATP2A2 gene with the result of impaired keratinocytes adhesion and clinically characterized by rough, greasy, skincoloured or yellowish/brownish papules, commonly involving the seborrhoeic areas of the trunk, neck and flexures. Lesions have a chronic relapsing course, although spontaneous remissions can occur. Clinical manifestations usually first appear between 6 and 20 years, but the disease may present in older age. Aggravating factors include friction, heat, sweating and sunlight. The diagnosis is often clinical, and histopathological confirmation is required. Gene sequencing for ATP2A2 is diagnostic but not routinely performed. In the last years, some noninvasive diagnostic techniques have been reported to aid in the diagnosis of Darier's disease including dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).1 Recently, linefield confocal optical coherence tomography (LCOCT), a novel imaging technique for realtime, highresolution, vertical and horizontal skin imaging from the stratum corneum to the dermis, has been introduced in the dermatologic armamentarium, showing its usefulness in the diagnosis of several infectious, neoplastic and inflammatory diseases.2– 10
Simone CAPPILLI, Cristina GUERRIERO, Azzurra IACOANGELI, Anna E. VERZÌ, Elisa CINOTTI, Mariano SUPPA, Ketty PERIS, and Alessandro DI STEFANI
Edizioni Minerva Medica
BACKGROUND
In the last decades diagnosis of dermatological diseases has achieved a significant progress with the aid of imaging technologies. In pediatric population dermatologic procedural investigations require special considerations, skill sets, and knowledge. Avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures in children is highly recommended to reduce psychological disturbance and cosmetical scars. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is an innovative, high-resolution, non-invasive imaging technique, that is proving to be valuable in the diagnosis of different skin conditions. In this study, we aimed to analyze the most common indications for LC-OCT in pediatric age group, discussing its potential role in clinical setting.
METHODS
A retrospective review of the medical charts of patients ≤18 years of age, who were performed clinical, dermoscopy and LC-OCT for equivocal skin lesions, was conducted. Diagnostic confidence level was calculated for clinical/dermoscopic diagnosis alone and for combined clinical/dermoscopy and LC-OCT findings, based on a three-point scale ranging from 0% to 100%.
RESULTS
Seventy-four skin lesions in 73 patients [(39 (53.4%) females and 34 (46.6%) males, mean age 13.2 (range 5-18 years) years] were investigated with LC-OCT. Diagnosis was established with histopathology in 23/74 (31.1%) cases, while 51/74 (68.9%) skin lesions were monitored over time or treated with topical/physical therapy. High diagnostic confidence increased by 21.6% after LC-OCT assessment, meanwhile reducing low and average score.
CONCLUSIONS
LC-OCT may add practical clues for the identification of common skin conditions in pediatric population, improving diagnostic confidence and consequent tailored approach.
Giuseppe Micali, Anna Elisa Verzì, Maria Letizia Musumeci, Beatrice Nardone, Giuseppe Monfrecola, and Francesco Lacarrubba
Elsevier BV
Anna Elisa Verzì, Giuseppe Broggi, Rosario Caltabiano, Giuseppe Micali, and Francesco Lacarrubba
Wiley
AbstractLentigo maligna (LM) is a subtype of in situ melanoma that classically presents in elderly patients as a slowly growing lesion on sun‐exposed areas that may evolve to invasive melanoma. Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a new non‐invasive technique for a real‐time, vertical, and horizontal skin imaging with high resolution close to conventional histopathology. We present the LC‐OCT features of an LM of the nose in a 49‐year‐old white man along with their horizontal and vertical histopathological correlations. LC‐OCT was able to detect in vivo, in both horizontal and vertical imaging, the main microscopic features typical of LM by showing, in the epidermis and around the hair follicles, the presence of large, bright roundish, or dendritic atypical cells, with evident nuclei, corresponding to atypical melanocytes with a tendency toward folliculotropism. A strong correspondence between LC‐OCT images and vertical and horizontal histopathological sections was observed. Our study, although limited to a single case, is indicative of the great potential of LC‐OCT to improve the non‐invasive diagnosis of LM.
Dominga Peirano Deck, Sebastián Vargas, Álvaro Abarzúa, Alejandra Villarroel, Cristián Navarrete-Dechent, Pablo Uribe, Francesco Lacarrubba, Anna Elisa Verzì, Giuseppe Broggi, Paula Anca,et al.
Springer Nature Switzerland
Ahmed Sadek, Emilia Noemi Cohen Sabban, Horacio Cabo, Enzo Errichetti, Dominga Peirano, Sebastian Vargas, Alvaro Abarzua, Cristian Navarrete Dechent, Pablo Uribe, Verche Todorovska,et al.
Springer Nature Switzerland
Anna Elisa Verzì, Giuliana Caruso, Giuseppe Broggi, Giuseppe Micali, Antonio Carpinteri, and Francesco Lacarrubba
Elsevier BV
Francesco Lacarrubba, Giuseppe Micali, Andrea Calogero Trecarichi, Enrica Quattrocchi, Giuseppe Monfrecola, and Anna Elisa Verzì
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
A.E. Verzì, G. Broggi, G. Micali, F. Sorci, R. Caltabiano, and F. Lacarrubba
Wiley
AbstractBackgroundLine‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a novel, non‐invasive technique that provides in vivo, high‐resolution images in both vertical and horizontal sections.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate LC‐OCT imaging in some inflammatory disorders and to correlate the resulting features with histopathology.MethodsThe retrospective study included patients with histopathological confirmed diagnosis of plaque psoriasis, atopic eczema and lichen planus, who were imaged with LC‐OCT before the biopsy. LC‐OCT was performed with the commercially available LC‐OCT device.ResultsA total of 15 adult patients with histopathologically proven plaque psoriasis (N: 5), atopic eczema (N: 5) and lichen planus (N: 5) were included. In all cases, LC‐OCT allowed the in vivo recognition of the main microscopic features of the examined inflammatory skin disease, with a strong correlation with histopathology.ConclusionsAlthough future studies on larger series of patients are necessary, LC‐OCT, based on these preliminary findings, may represent a promising tool in inflammatory skin disorders with potential applications including enhanced diagnosis, biopsy guidance, follow‐up and treatment monitoring.
Giuseppe Micali, Federica Dall'Oglio, Anna Elisa Verzì, Helga Platania, and Francesco Lacarrubba
Hindawi Limited
During the COVID‐19 pandemic, teledermatology services were set up and enhanced to take care of those benign conditions like cutaneous warts (CWs) which, if undiagnosed or treated with delay, could have worsened, enlarged, and potentially spread to the community. The aim of this hybrid exploratory trial was to combine face‐to‐face clinical and dermoscopic evaluation with teledermatology follow‐up in the management of CWs with a cryogenic pen based on nitrous oxide for home treatment. Twelve adult patients affected by CWs were enrolled. During the first face‐to‐face visit, single CWs were selected for the study by clinical and dermoscopic evaluation. The home schedule consisted of one application to be repeated after 2 weeks, when signs of CWs were still evident. Patients were also asked to send a clinical photo of the treated lesion at weekly intervals. A final face‐to‐face evaluation was scheduled to verify the response to home treatment by clinical and dermoscopy evaluation. A total of 20 CWs located on the trunk and the extremities were treated: a complete clinical and dermoscopic resolution was observed in 16 out of 20 lesions (80%), and a partial response in two cases. The adverse events observed during treatment were comparable to those normally observed with cryotherapy of CWs. In conclusion, home treatment of CWs with the cryogenic pen, that should be always preceded by dermatologist diagnosis and prescription, is safe and effective, especially if combined with face‐to‐face and teledermatology consultations, pointing out its important role during pandemic times or in any other environmental limitations that may impair the access to medical care services. The combination of face‐to‐face consultations for initial and final visits and teledermatology during the treatment phase could represent a model for other dermatologic conditions as well (e.g., acne, rosacea, psoriasis, atopic eczema etc.).
Giuseppe Broggi, Anna Elisa Verzì, Francesco Lacarrubba, Giuseppe Micali, and Rosario Caltabiano
MDPI AG
Horizontal histopathological sections (HHSs) have been reported to show a strong correlation with images obtained via in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), as both reflect the same horizontal plane of the skin. Although vertical histopathology remains the diagnostic gold standard for most neoplastic and inflammatory skin diseases, HHSs represent a useful tool to validate the RCM features of some inflammatory disorders, including psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and eczema. The aim of the present review is to summarize the state of the art on the existing correlations between HHS and RCM in this field and to emphasize that RCM may represent a useful diagnostic tool to discriminate between diseases with similar clinical presentations.