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Dermoscopic evaluation of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Muhsin A Al-Dhalimi1, Shadan Hussein Jasim2
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Kufa Post Office, P.O. Box 21, Najaf, Iraq. muhsin.aldhalimi@uokufa.edu.iq.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|September 27, 2022
Summary
Dermoscopy reveals distinct features of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iraq, aiding diagnosis. Specific dermoscopic patterns correlate with lesion type and body site, improving identification of this endemic protozoan infection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic protozoan infection in Iraq.
- Dermoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing various skin conditions, including infestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dermoscopic characteristics of CL lesions.
- To determine the relationship between dermoscopic features and disease duration, site, and pattern.
Main Methods:
- Dermoscopic examination of 91 CL lesions in 67 patients using a Dermlite DL 100 at tenfold magnification.
- Data collected from December 2019 to December 2020.
Main Results:
- Key dermoscopic features included generalized erythema (100%), hyperkeratosis with erosion/ulceration (53.8%), and various vascular patterns (linear irregular vessels 63.1%).
- Specific features varied by body site (e.g., linear irregular vessels on face/upper limbs, hyperkeratosis with erosion/ulceration on lower limbs).
- Dermoscopic findings correlated with lesion patterns: hyperkeratosis with erosion/ulceration in papular, linear irregular vessels in nodular and plaque, and glomerular vessels in noduloulcerative CL.
Conclusions:
- Dermoscopic features are helpful in diagnosing CL, particularly in endemic regions like Iraq.
- A significant relationship exists between dermoscopic findings and the specific type of CL lesion.
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