Background: Videocapillaroscopy (VCP) is a method to study the morphology and dynamics of microcirculation, but information about capillaroscopic features of the psoriatic plaque is limited. Objective: To investigate the distribution, morphology and density of capillaries in lesional and perilesional skin of the psoriatic plaque. Methods: VCP of a well-delimited plaque of the trunk, arms or legs in 15 consecutive patients with untreated, chronic plaque psoriasis was performed. Results: In the lesional skin, capillaries were tortuous and dilated, homogeneously appearing as ‘bushy’. In the perilesional skin, capillary loops seemed to be on a parallel course with respect to the skin surface, with their apex directed towards the marginal zone. The number of capillary loops per area unit was statistically increased in perilesional compared to lesional skin. Conclusion: According to the morphology, distribution and density of capillary loops, two different angiogenetic patterns were found in lesional and perilesional skin.

Introduction. Bisphosphonates (BPs) delay the onset or reduce the incidence of skeletal complications in patients with bone metastases. However, there are few data on the renal safety and activity of i.v. BPs beyond 2 years of administration.Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed serum creatinine (SCr) levels and skeletal-related events (SREs) in cancer patients receiving i.v. BPs for ≥24 months. All patients received 90 mg pamidronate every 3-4 weeks. Pre-and post-treatment SCr levels and the peak levels attained were recorded. A notable SCr increase was defined as: an increase >0.5 mg/dl for patients with baseline SCr <1.4 mg/dl; an increase >1 mg/dl for patients with baseline SCr >1.4 mg/dl; or doubling over baseline. The following parameters were also analyzed: the proportion of patients with at least one SRE, the distribution of each type of SRE, the time to first SRE, and the skeletal morbidity rate (SMR).Results. Fifty-seven patients with bone metastases resulting from breast cancer (BC) (n = 48), multiple myeloma (n = 7), renal cell carcinoma (n = 1), and prostate cancer (n = 1) were evaluated. The median age at the start of treatment was 57 years (range, 27-81); 25% of the patients were >70 years old. Forty-three patients

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