Tolkachjov, Stanislav N.

BACKGROUND The most common complication after interpolated forehead flap repair is postoperative bleeding from the pedicle. Reconstructive surgeons should focus on minimizing postoperative bleeding while ensuring the blood supply and integrity of the flap are preserved. OBJECTIVE To provide a comprehensive review of the various methods to reduce the risk of bleeding after interpolated forehead flap repair. METHODS A comprehensive literature review of PubMed articles discussing strategies to reduce postoperative bleeding specifically in interpolated forehead flap repair was performed. RESULTS A total of 9 unique techniques were apparent from the literature, including use of hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate, ferric subsulfate 20% solution, oxidized regenerated cellulose gauze, gelatin sponges, thrombin-based hemostatic agents, aluminum chloride, cyanoacrylate, skin graft, and tranexamic acid. CONCLUSION Reconstructive surgeons should be knowledgeable of the various techniques to reduce bleeding after interpolated forehead flap repair, as bleeding can result in patient dissatisfaction and often requires intervention. Each technique identified in the literature offers its own advantages and drawbacks; its choice should be tailored to the needs of each patient.

AbstractBackground/ObjectiveThere are few studies examining pediatric scarring alopecia. The objective of this study is to characterize the clinicopathologic findings, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with scarring alopecia.MethodsRetrospective review of patients under age 18 diagnosed with scarring alopecia at Mayo Clinic from 01/01/1992 through 02/05/2019.Results27 patients met inclusion criteria with a mean age of 11.2 years and a racial breakdown of 85.2% (23) White, 11.1% (3) Black, and 3.7% (1) Multiracial. Clinical scarring was noted in most (23, 85.2%). Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in most (24, 88.9%). The most common diagnoses were folliculitis decalvans (6, 22.2%), lichen planopilaris (6, 22.2%), aplasia cutis congenita (4, 14.8%), tinea capitis (4, 14.8%), and morphea (3, 11.1%). Comorbid depression (6, 22.2%) and anxiety (6, 22.2%) were prevalent. Of the patients who received follow‐up, most who pursued treatment achieved stabilization (55.5%) or slowing of progression (27.8%), with 44.4% of those treated experiencing regrowth. Mean time to stabilization in the treated population was 19.6 months. Two patients did not pursue treatment, but received follow‐up and these untreated patients did not experience hair regrowth.ConclusionsMost patients presented with clinically evident primary scarring alopecia. Biopsy may confirm the diagnosis. Active treatment should be pursued, and successful treatment often requires combination therapies. Time to stabilization often takes years. Screening for depression and anxiety should be pursued.

AbstractBackgroundLichen planopilaris (LPP) is a scarring alopecia rarely described in men.ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical and histopathologic features of LPP in men.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of male patients with LPP seen at Mayo Clinic between 1992 and 2016.ResultsNineteen men with biopsy‐confirmed LPP were included. The disease most commonly presented with diffuse (42.1%) or vertex scalp (42.1%) involvement. None of the patients had eyebrow or body hair involvement. Perifollicular erythema (94.7%) and pruritus (57.9%) were the most frequent clinical findings. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) co‐occurred in 26.3% of patients. Mucosal lichen planus was found in four patients (21.1%). Thyroid disease occurred in three patients (15.8%). Disease improvement (47.3%) occurred with combination topical and systemic therapy, topical clobetasol monotherapy, and minocycline monotherapy.ConclusionsLPP in men has similar clinical and histologic presentations as reported in women. Nonscalp hair loss appears less likely in men with classic LPP than reported in men with frontal fibrosing alopecia, while mucosal lichen planus and thyroid disease appear to be more common in classic LPP. Men with AGA can present with new‐onset concomitant LPP. Limitations included small study size, variable follow‐up, and lack of standardized clinical assessment due the study’s retrospective nature.

SummaryBackgroundAlpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) may be associated with liver and lung disease and rarely causes panniculitis.ObjectiveWe evaluated the clinicopathologic and laboratory findings of AATD panniculitis in 10 patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of all cases of AATD panniculitis at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, from 1989 to 2016.ResultsTen patients with AATD panniculitis were included. Seven of ten were women. Clinical lesions were most commonly nodular (100%), erythematous (90%), ulcerated (90%), and painful (90%) subcutaneous nodules and plaques. Extracutaneous associations were rare. PiZZ phenotype was most commonly identified (50%). Histopathologically, lobular panniculitis (80%) with associated septal involvement (60%) and a predominant neutrophilic infiltrate (100%) were most common. Treatments varied; dapsone and alpha‐1 proteinase inhibitor infusions were each used in five (50%) patients, respectively. In patients with greater than 6‐month follow‐up (n = 4), one patient continued to have disease activity despite treatment.ConclusionAATD panniculitis should be considered in the differential for a painful, ulcerative panniculitis with a predominantly neutrophilic histopathologic infiltrate. Diagnosis can be made with clinicopathologic correlation and genetic and laboratory evaluations. Serum AAT level and phenotype assists in diagnosing patients with suspected AATD panniculitis.