Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Heart Rhythm Center, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Via Carlo Parea 4, 20138, Milan, MI, Italy.

Purpose: Previous studies indicate force time integral (FTI) as a radiofrequency (RF) lesion quality marker, while not considering power supply. Tacticath™ Quartz catheter provides Lesion index (LSI), a lesion quality marker derived by contact force (CF), power supply, and RF time combined. Our aim is to assess LSI and FTI correlation and a LSI-related cutoff of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences 12 months after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Read More

An Pediatr (Barc) 2018 Sep 13. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario Francesc de Borja, Gandía, Valencia, España. Electronic address:

Rev Chilena Infectol 2018 04;35(2):204-206

Sección de Micología, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea. González, Ciudad de México, México.

Exotic pets, such as the ground hedgehog, are capable of transmitting to the human being different zoonoses, such as salmonellosis, mycobacteria, protozoa such as Cryptosporidium parvum, and dermatophytosis. We present the case report of a male adult patient, who had recently acquired a ground hedgehog, who presented in his hand a ringworm lesion incognito and a Majocchi granuloma. The etiological agent was identified as Trichophyton erinacei by mycological culture and molecular biology. Read More

J Mycol Med 2018 Sep 1;28(3):523-526. Epub 2018 Jun 1.

Department and Clinic of Dermatology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Department of Medical Mycology and Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.

Majocchi's granuloma is a folliculitis caused by dermatophytes, which is most commonly located on the skin of the lower limbs in women. A favorable factor for the infection is an injury caused by epilation, which, together with an existing fungal infection, can lead to the spread of folliculitis to other parts of the body. The disease is extremely rare (Burgdorf et al. Read More

J Am Heart Assoc 2018 May 22;7(11). Epub 2018 May 22.

Heart Rhythm Center, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

Background: Only a few studies have systematically evaluated fluoroscopy data of electrophysiological and device implantation procedures. Aims of this study were to quantify ionizing radiation exposure for electrophysiological/device implantation procedures in a large series of patients and to analyze the x-ray exposure trend over years and radiation exposure in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation considering different technical aspects.

Methods And Results: We performed a retrospective analysis of all electrophysiological/device implantation procedures performed during the past 7 years in a modern, large-volume laboratory. Read More

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 2018 Jan 10;31(1):115-116. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

Center for Clinical Studies, Houston, Texas.

We present a case of Majocchi granuloma, a deep folliculitis, on the lip of a healthy 41-year-old man. The patient was successfully treated with systemic and topical antifungal medications. Correct diagnosis of this rare condition is needed, since misdiagnosis as an inflammatory dermatitis and treatment using topical corticosteroids can lead to dissemination of the infection. Read More

Transpl Infect Dis 2018 Jun 25;20(3):e12869. Epub 2018 Mar 25.

Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

A 61-year-old Caucasian man presented with papules on his left forearm and hand three months after liver transplantation: images from physical exam, pathology, and microbiology are presented. Skin biopsy confirmed the presence of fungal elements within the hair shaft, which is consistent with Majocchi granuloma, also known as nodular granulomatous perifolliculitis. A combination of fungal culture, microscopic morphology, and gene sequencing was used to identify the causative organism. Read More

CMAJ 2017 Dec;189(48):E1493

Departments of Pathology (Roy) and Dermatology (Davar), Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.

Cutis 2017 10;100(4):E10-E12

Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, and Southern California Permanente Medical Group of South Bay, Gardena, USA.

Transpl Infect Dis 2018 Feb 25;20(1). Epub 2018 Jan 25.

Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Department, Necker-Pasteur Infectious Diseases Center, Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, AP-HP, IHU Imagine, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France.

Objective: Severe dermatophytosis is described in immunocompromised patients with defective cellular immunity. We report here a large series and a literature review of severe dermatophytosis in solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients.

Method: The data main source was a national French retrospective study of severe dermatophytosis in SOT recipients between 2010 and 2016. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2017 Nov 20;56(11):1139-1145. Epub 2017 Sep 20.

Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Majocchi granuloma (MG) is a rare dermal and subcutaneous granulomatous inflammation caused by dermatophytes. The detailed characteristics of MG are not fully elucidated. This study investigated the influence of systemic immune status, age, and sex on the clinical, demographic, mycological, and therapeutic characteristics of MG in Korea. Read More

JAMA Dermatol 2017 Nov;153(11):1197-1198

Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

Med Mycol Case Rep 2017 Dec 6;18:5-7. Epub 2017 Jul 6.

Public Health Microbiology Forensic and Scientific Services, Health Support Queensland, Australia.

Severe dermatophyte infection is rare in immunocompetent adults. Recently cases have been described in travelers returning from South East Asia (Luchsinger et al., 2015) [1]. Read More

Rev Iberoam Micol 2017 Jul - Sep;34(3):185-188. Epub 2017 Apr 25.

Dermatology, Hospital Geral Policlínica do Rio de Janeiro and Instituto Nacional de Infectologia (INI) Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: Dermatophytoses are skin superficial mycoses in which clinical manifestations are directly related to the virulence of the infecting microorganism or the host immunity.

Case Report: We describe a severe case of dermatophytosis associated with exfoliative erythroderma, substantial palmoplantar keratoderma, onychodystrophy affecting all nails, diffuse non-scarring alopecia and tissue fungal invasion by Trichophyton tonsurans, which led us to the diagnosis of AIDS. Direct examination and culture for fungi from skin scraping from two different sites were performed. Read More

Mol Ther 2017 02;25(2):523-533

Novimmune SA, 14 chemin des Aulx, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland. Electronic address:

CD47 is a ubiquitously expressed immune checkpoint receptor that is often upregulated in cancer. CD47 interacts with its counter-receptor SIRPα on macrophages and other myeloid cells to inhibit cancer cell phagocytosis and drive immune evasion. To overcome tolerability and "antigen sink" issues arising from widespread CD47 expression, we generated dual-targeting bispecific antibodies that selectively block the CD47-SIRPα interaction on malignant cells expressing a specific tumor-associated antigen; e. Read More

Europace 2016 Nov 11;18(11):1705-1710. Epub 2016 Jul 11.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Milan, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via Parea 4, Milan 20138, Italy.

Aims: Pulmonary veins (PVs) isolation is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and can be achieved either by conventional radiofrequency ablation or by cryoenergy. Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has been proposed as alternative treatment to vitamin K antagonists (VKA). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of combining cryoballoon (CB) ablation and LAA occlusion in patients with AF and a high thromboembolic risk or contraindication to antithrombotic therapy. Read More

Biotechnol Bioeng 2017 02 3;114(2):384-396. Epub 2016 Oct 3.

Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, and Center for Biotechnology UNIL-EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Untargeted plasmid integration into mammalian cell genomes remains a poorly understood and inefficient process. The formation of plasmid concatemers and their genomic integration has been ascribed either to non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathways. However, a direct involvement of these pathways has remained unclear. Read More

Skin Appendage Disord 2016 Feb 3;1(3):111-3. Epub 2015 Sep 3.

Second Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 'Attikon' General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Majocchi's granuloma (MG) is an uncommon deep fungal infection. It is usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum and may develop in any hair-bearing skin, commonly on the face and the extremities. We present a 27-year-old female with MG of the pubic area treated unsuccessfully with itraconazole capsule 100 mg for 4 weeks. Read More

Cardiol Res Pract 2016 16;2016:5106127. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Via Carlo Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy.

Introduction. Cryoballoon (CB) ablation has emerged as a novel treatment for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The second-generation Arctic Front Advance (ADV) was redesigned with technical modifications aiming at procedural and outcome improvements. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2016 Sep 28;107(7):610-2. Epub 2016 Mar 28.

Department of Dermatology, ESIPGIMSR Basaidarapur, New Delhi, 15, India.

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2017 Jan - Feb;108(1):e6-e8. Epub 2016 Mar 4.

Department of Dermatology at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Majocchi granuloma is an uncommon deep follicular inflammation caused by dermatophytes and affects immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The clinical findings overlap with other skin conditions such bacterial infections and inflammatory skin diseases, thereby delaying correct diagnosis. We describe 2 cases in immunocompetent patients. Read More

Semergen 2016 Nov - Dec;42(8):599-600. Epub 2015 Dec 3.

Centro de Salud Reyes Magos, Servicio Madrileño de Salud, Área Este, Madrid, España.

Dermatol Ther 2016 May 2;29(3):181-3. Epub 2015 Nov 2.

University of Rome "G. Marconi", Rome, Italy.

We present a rare case of 36-year-old female patient, who developed a severe Majocchi granuloma in the pubis after waxing, with isolated causative agent Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The condition was initially misdiagnosed as a bacterial folliculitis and treated unsuccessfully with topical corticosteroids and antibiotics. After the adequate diagnose was confirmed by mycological examination, followed by histopathological verification, complete remission of the symptoms was achieved at the 4th week after initiating 6 weeks course of antifungal therapy with Terbinafine 250 mg/daily dose, while good therapeutic response was observed even in the 10th day. Read More

J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2015 Oct 23;44(1):39-45. Epub 2015 Jun 23.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

Background: Previous studies reported the usefulness of an irrigated circular radiofrequency ablation catheter (nMARQ(TM), Biosense Webster) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We evaluated the role of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) to optimize the manipulation of nMARQ(TM) catheter.

Methods: Thirty-seven patients (pts), (mean age 55 ± 12 years; 28 males) were enrolled to perform PVI. Read More

J Atr Fibrillation 2015 Feb-Mar;7(5):1164. Epub 2015 Feb 28.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Introduction: Ventricular tachycardia or frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can occur in the absence of any detectable structural heart disease. In this clinical setting, these arrhythmias are termed idiopathic. Usually, they carry a benign prognosis and any potential ablative intervention is carried out if patients are highly symptomatic or, more importantly, if frequent ventricular arrhythmias can lead to ventricular dysfunction. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2015 Jan-Feb;90(1):96-9

Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Employees' State Insurance, New Delhi, India.

Pigmented purpuric dermatoses are chronic and relapsing disorders characterized by a symmetrical rash of petechial and pigmentary macules, mainly confined to the lower limbs. Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi is a less common variant of Pigmented purpuric dermatoses characterized by punctate telangiectatic macules progressing to annular, hyperpigmented patches with central clearing and infrequent atrophy. A 12 year-old girl presented with asymptomatic round to oval reddish brown macules, present symmetrically over her lower and upper limbs for 3 years. Read More

J Atr Fibrillation 2014 Dec 31;7(4):1137. Epub 2014 Dec 31.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

The cornerstone of the new imaging technologies to treat complex arrhythmias is the electroanatomic (EAM) mapping. It is based on tissue characterization and in particular on determination of low potential region and dense scar definition. Recently, the identification of fractionated isolated late potentials increased the specificity of the information derived from EAM. Read More

J Atr Fibrillation 2014 Aug-Sep;7(2):1104. Epub 2014 Aug 31.

CardiacArrhythmia Research Centre, Centro CardiologicoMonzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

Most of interventional procedures in cardiology are carried out under fluoroscopic imaging guidance. Besides other peri-interventional risks, radiation exposure should be considered for its stochastic (inducing malignancy) and deterministic effects on health (tissue reactions like erythema, hair loss and cataracts). In this article we analized the radiation risk from cardiovascular imaging to both patients and medical staff and discusses how customize the X-ray system and how to implement shielding measures in the cath lab. Read More

Int J Hyperthermia 2014 Aug 10;30(5):328-34. Epub 2014 Jul 10.

Unit of Measurements and Biomedical Instrumentation, Centre for Integrated Research, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma , Rome , Italy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to experimentally assess temperature measurement error, or artefact, in ex vivo healthy porcine pancreases undergoing laser ablation due to direct light absorption by thermocouples, investigate this artefact at different relative positions between thermocouples and laser applicator, and correct the artefact by a three-variables model.

Materials And Methods: Temperature in ex vivo healthy porcine pancreases undergoing laser ablation, using a Nd:YAG laser at two low powers (i.e. Read More

Obstet Gynecol 2014 Aug;124(2 Pt 2 Suppl 1):423-5

Departments of Dermatology, the First People's Hospital of Shunde, Foshan, and Zhujiang Hospital, Guangzhou, China.

Background: Majocchi granuloma is a cutaneous dermatophyte infection of the dermal and subcutaneous tissues characterized by chronic erythematous and indurated plaques, which are almost always the result of immunodeficiency and trauma.

Case: Disseminated dermatophyte Majocchi granuloma was diagnosed in a 19-year-old woman at 32 weeks of gestation and had no history of trauma or chronic illness. She was treated with topical antifungal medications until delivery, at which time systemic medications were started. Read More

Hautarzt 2014 Aug;65(8):721-4

Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg, Standort Gießen, Gaffkystr. 14, 35385, Gießen, Deutschland,

A patient presented with Majocchi granuloma caused by T. rubrum. By the use of optical brighteners, fungal elements in the deep dermis could be detected more sensitive than with PAS staining. Read More

J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2014 Jun 16;40(1):23-31. Epub 2014 Mar 16.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Via Parea 4, 20138, Milan, Italy.

Purpose: Contact with cardiac tissue is a determinant of lesion efficacy during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The Sensei®X Robotic Catheter System (Hansen Medical, CA) has been validated for contact force sensing. The electrical coupling index (ECI) from the EnSite Contact™ system (St. Read More

J Clin Oncol 2014 Sep;32(27):e92-4

JAMA Dermatol 2014 Feb;150(2):182-4

Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York.

IMPORTANCE Medications as well as chemical and food exposures have been causally linked to the development of pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPD). We describe herein what is to our knowledge the first reported case of isotretinoin-induced PPD. OBSERVATIONS A woman in her 30s presented with purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi on the lower extremities 2 months after initiating isotretinoin for the treatment of refractory nodulocystic acne. Read More

Nucleic Acids Res 2014 Jan 25;42(1):193-204. Epub 2013 Sep 25.

Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Center for Biotechnology UNIL-EPFL, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.

In eukaryotic cells, transgene expression levels may be limited by an unfavourable chromatin structure at the integration site. Epigenetic regulators are DNA sequences which may protect transgenes from such position effect. We evaluated different epigenetic regulators for their ability to protect transgene expression at telomeres, which are commonly associated to low or inconsistent expression because of their repressive chromatin environment. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2013 Aug 15;19(8):19263. Epub 2013 Aug 15.

Baylor College of Medicine.

Purpura annularis telangiectodes (PAT), also known as Majocchi purpura, is a rare form of pigmented purpuric dermatosis characterized by non-palpable red-brown, occasionally pruritic patches which progress to hyperpigmented halos. Purpura annularis telangiectodes usually presents in female adolescents as benign symmetric lesions with a predilection for the lower extremities. We present an atypical case of unilateral PAT in an elderly male. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2013 Aug 15;19(8):19260. Epub 2013 Aug 15.

SUNY Downstate.

Atypical mycobacterial infections are more commonly described among immunocompromised patients, although there has been an increasing incidence in recent years of infections in immunocompetent hosts. Normally preceding trauma is a risk factor for infection. We describe a case of Mycobacteria chelonae infection in a healthy individual with no risk factors. Read More

J Atr Fibrillation 2013 Apr-May;5(6):786. Epub 2013 Apr 6.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

In the recent years, several new evidences support catheter-based ablation as a treatment modality of atrial fibrillation (AF). Based on a plenty of different applications, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is now a well-established technology in complex electrophysiological procedures, in particular in AF ablation. ICE contributes to improve the efficacy and safety of such procedures defining the anatomical structures involved in ablation procedures and monitoring in real time possible complications. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2012 Dec 15;18(12). Epub 2012 Dec 15.

The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, USA.

Purpura annularis telangiectoides of Majocchi (PATM) is a clinical variant of pigmented purpuric dermatoses. It is characterized by asymptomatic or mildly pruritic, erythematous, annular patches that vary in size. The patches exhibit central clearing and peripheral cayenne pepper petechiae. Read More

J Dermatol Case Rep 2012 Sep;6(3):70-2

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.

Background: Solid organ transplant recipients are at an increased risk for infections because of long-term immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection. Fungal infections with dermatophytes are a common cause of cutaneous infections seen in organ transplant recipients and cutaneous dermatophyte infections may progress to Majocchi's granuloma. Itraconazole is an anti-fungal compound used for the treatment of infections of the skin, nails and mucous membranes. Read More

ISRN Dermatol 2011 12;2011:767589. Epub 2011 Apr 12.

Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4L8.

Background. Wrestlers are at increased risk of developing cutaneous infections, including fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. Erythematous lesions due to tinea infections can be mistakenly diagnosed as an inflammatory dermatitis and incorrectly treated with potent topical corticosteroid treatments which cause localized skin immunosuppression. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2011 Jul-Aug;86(4):797-8

Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

We report the case of a man of 45 with superficial dermatophytosis longtime inadvertently treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids with subsequent progression to the deep form, known as granuloma Majocchi. Treatment with orally terbinafine was successful. Read More

Europace 2012 Feb 20;14(2):209-16. Epub 2011 Sep 20.

Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

Aims: Chest computed tomography (CT) scanning is increasingly used as an imaging technique in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. Chest CT scans visualize organs other than the heart and collateral findings may be identified incidentally. Our study aims to assess the prevalence and clinical relevance of such collateral findings in patients undergoing AF ablation. Read More

Am Fam Physician 2011 Mar;83(6):753-4

HealthPartners, St. Paul, MN, USA.

Europace 2010 Aug 28;12(8):1070-7. Epub 2010 May 28.

Unità Operativa di Cardiologia Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliera S Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate adherence to national guidelines on the non-pharmacologic (ablative) treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods And Results: This prospective, observational, transversal study enrolled 1256 consecutive in- and outpatients referred to 43 cardiology departments between 1 and 31 October 2008 for the management of AF as a primary diagnosis. A rhythm-control strategy (cardioversion, antiarrhythmic medication, pace-maker implantation, substrate ablation, alone or in combination) was prescribed in 865 (69%) of the patients and a rate-control strategy [drugs, atrioventricular junction ablation and pace-maker implantation (Ablate and Pace)] in 285 (23%). Read More

Mycoses 2011 Jul 6;54(4):361-2. Epub 2010 Apr 6.

Clin Dermatol 2010 Mar;28(2):133-6

Instituto Dermatológico y Cirugía de Piel "Dr. Huberto Bogaert Díaz," Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Inflammatory tinea capitis is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction to a dermatophytic infection. The usual forms are favus, kerion celsi, dermatophytic Majocchi granuloma, and mycetoma. Inflammatory tinea capitis can be caused by Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T tonsurans, T rubrum, and M gypseum. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2009 Oct;48(10):1129-33

Creighton University School of Medicine, 601 N 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68131, USA.

Background: Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi is an uncommon form of pigmented purpuric dermatosis which may present a therapeutic challenge. Given the rare nature of this condition, there is limited anecdotal information available regarding optimal therapy. Although pigmented purpuric dermatoses are generally innocuous, in some cases they may cause patients significant distress, and there is a need to exclude cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Read More

Mol Cell Biol 2009 May 9;29(9):2409-18. Epub 2009 Mar 9.

Institute of Biotechnology, Station 6, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.

Telomeres are associated with chromatin-mediated silencing of genes in their vicinity. However, how epigenetic markers mediate mammalian telomeric silencing and whether specific proteins may counteract this effect are not known. We evaluated the ability of CTF1, a DNA- and histone-binding transcription factor, to prevent transgene silencing at human telomeres. Read More

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2007 Jul;5(7):591-3

Universitäts-Hautklinik, Eberhard-Karls-Unievrsität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.

A 68-year-old man presented with a one month history of painful blue-red papules and nodules on an erythematous base on the top of his feet, as well as dystrophic toenails. He had undergone renal transplantation six months previously for membranous glomerulonephritis, and was immunosuppressed with tacrolimus 3 g, mycophenolate mofetil 1500 mg and prednisolone 5 mg daily. His tacrolimus level was 29. Read More