Dermoscopic findings of Kaposi sarcoma and dermatopathological correlations

Abstract

Background/Objective There are a limited number of studies regarding the dermoscopic features and dermatopathological correlations of Kaposi sarcoma. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate dermoscopic features of Kaposi sarcoma, and the secondary objective was to investigate their dermatopathological correlates. Methods Dermoscopic and clinical analysis of 222 lesions from 38 patients with histologically confirmed Kaposi darcoma were assessed by two investigators. A total of 83 biopsies were available from different clinical stages. Additionally, 3 mm punch biopsy was performed where newly defined dermoscopic findings were observed. Modified pattern analysis algorithm was used for the dermoscopic evaluation. Results The most common dermoscopic features of Kaposi sarcoma were white lines (55.9%) and white clods (37.8%) followed by surface scale (32.9%) and polychromatic colour change (22.1%). Four dot clods, white lines, white clods, collarette sign, serpentine vessels, dotted, curved and coiled vessels were the new dermoscopic findings of our study. Polychromatic colour change is correlated with the presence of hyaline globules probably with their birefringence properties, whereas we found no significant correlation between polychromatic colour change and honeycomb‐like pattern of vascular spaces. Conclusions White lines, white clods, four dot clods, collarette sign, serpentine vessels, dotted, curved and coiled vessels are the new dermoscopic features of Kaposi sarcoma, and polychromatic colour change is correlated with the presence of hyaline globules.

‘Rainbow pattern’: a dermoscopic sign of invasive melanoma

“…of > 100 dermoscopic images of KS samples determined that this is a common feature 4 . Subsequent reports have focused not only on KS but also on other neoplasms and a few inflammatory disorders 5–7 …”

“…4 Subsequent reports have focused not only on KS but also on other neoplasms and a few inflammatory disorders. [5][6][7] In our clinical practice, it is not so uncommon to observe focal areas resembling a rainbow pattern in the dermoscopic evaluation of nonvascular tumours, including nodular malignant melanoma (MM). However, the presence of the rainbow pattern in MM has barely been reported.…”

Acroangiodermatitis, Mali and Stewart–Bluefarb type: Two additional cases in adolescents

“…Rainbow pattern is usually seen due to diffraction in conditions with abundant vascularisation and comprises of structureless polychromatic zone, which corresponds to the presence of hyaline globules. 3 Initially rainbow pattern was thought to be specific to Kaposi sarcoma. However, it has recently been described in other lesions including acroangiodermatitis, hypertrophic scar, lichen planus, melanoma, stasis dermatitis and basal cell carcinoma.…”

“…However, it has recently been described in other lesions including acroangiodermatitis, hypertrophic scar, lichen planus, melanoma, stasis dermatitis and basal cell carcinoma. 3 Dermoscopic features of acroangiodermatitis and other vascular lesions are listed in Table 1. 1,3,4,5 Geetika Chhabra 1…”

“…3 Dermoscopic features of acroangiodermatitis and other vascular lesions are listed in Table 1. 1,3,4,5 Geetika Chhabra 1…”