Ann Dermatol.  2009 Aug;21(3):297-299. 10.5021/ad.2009.21.3.297.

Kaposi Sarcoma after Corticosteroid Therapy for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

• Choi KH
• Byun JH
• Lee JY
• Cho BK
• Park HJ

• KMID: 2266296
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2009.21.3.297

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal vascular neoplasm most commonly seen in association with human immunodeficiency virus infection. However, KS has also been reported in patients treated with immunosuppressive agents. However, it is very rare to find KS in association with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Here we describe a 58-year-old male patient suffering from ITP treated with corticosteroid therapy who developed KS and present a review of the literature.

Keyword

Corticosteroid; Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; Kaposi sarcoma

MeSH Terms

HIV
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Male
Middle Aged
Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
Sarcoma, Kaposi
Stress, Psychological
Vascular Neoplasms
Immunosuppressive Agents

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Multiple, dark-red colored nodules on the extremities that were several centimeters in size. (B) After the cessation of corticosteroids for 6 months, the skin nodules decreased in sized and number.

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  Fig. 2 Skin biopsy specimen showing proliferation of spindle-shaped cells with typical slit-like vessels in the dermis (H&E, ×400).

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