Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome–Associated Kaposi Sarcoma in a Child Presenting as a Solitary Plantar Hyperkeratotic Plaque

Abstract

Background and Objective:

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)–associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) among the pediatric population is a rare entity in North America and Europe, and its cutaneous manifestations are not well defined in the literature. The investigators report the case of a boy with an AIDS-associated KS presenting as an infiltrated hyperkeratotic plaque of the plantar arch.

Methods and Results:

An 11-year-old African boy with congenital human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had a skin biopsy of the plantar lesion that was consistent with a KS. The patient also presented intestinal and pulmonary symptoms; combined chemotherapy regimen and highly active antiretroviral therapy were given in the presence of systemic involvement.

Conclusion:

AIDS-associated KS poses a particular challenge to clinical diagnosis, since it can manifest with a variety of lesions. Dermatologists should have a low threshold for performing a skin biopsy in patients with HIV.