Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade mesenchymal tumor involving the blood and the lymphatic vessels that primarily effaces the skin and is mediated by human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) in more than 90% of patients. There are 4 distinct types of KS. Compared with the classic and AIDS-related variants, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) associated with KS is a relatively rare clinical condition; thus, only a few cases have been reported.
Case Report: This report presents a case study of an 87-year-old patient with B-cell CLL and cutaneous KS managed with cryotherapy, along with a short review of the literature.
Conclusions: Considering that the method is relatively simple and with few adverse effects, cryotherapy may represent a simple and safe treatment method for cutaneous KS. However, more studies should be conducted to further evaluate the effectiveness of cryotherapy as a promising treatment for cutaneous KS.
Introduction
Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a low-grade mesenchymal tumor involving the blood and the lymphatic vessels, primarily effaces the skin and is mediated by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in more than 90% of patients.[1–4]
It was first described as multiple idiopathic pigmented hemangiosarcoma in elderly males by Moritz Kaposi at the University of Vienna in 1872.[2] Since then, clinicians have described 4 distinct types of KS. The endemic African form of KS was first described in 1914 and occurs predominantly among black adult men aged 25 to 40 years. In addition, a lymphadenopathic subvariant of the African form affects children at a mean age of 3 years.[3] In the 1970s, the third form of KS was described, mainly in patients who are immunosuppressed. Indeed, immunosuppressant treatment in organ transplant recipients and patients on long-term corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapy is associated with increased risk for KS development. Additionally, the development of KS is more likely in patients who are immunosuppressed because of malignancy.[1] Finally, a fourth form, epidemic, has been recognized after the emergence of the HIV infection (AIDS-related KS), being predominantly multicentric, visceral, and disseminated, with a more aggressive behavior in comparison with classic KS.[5]
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) associated with KS is a relatively rare clinical condition compared with the classic and AIDS-related variants; thus, only a few cases have been reported.[6–10] Reported is the case of an 87-year-old female with B-cell CLL in whom cutaneous KS developed and was managed with cryotherapy. Signed informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying figures.
Wounds. 2022;34(1):E1-E6. © 2022 HMP Communications, LLC
