Kaposi's sarcoma in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris mimicking exacerbation of pemphigus

Abstract

Background Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare multifocal angiogenic tumor often seen in immunocompromised setting such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or organ transplantation recipients. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare blistering disorder with mucocutaneous involvement for which immunosuppressive therapy has long been the core of treatment. Iatrogenic form of KS has been reported infrequently in pemphigus patients as a result of long‐term immunosuppressive therapy. Case We describe a 39‐year‐old male patient with confirmed diagnosis of PV who developed KS after receiving immunosuppressive agents for his pemphigus. KS was initially localized to the oral cavity with features mimicking exacerbation of his pemphigus. Conclusion This interesting case of KS suggests that dermatologists visiting patients with pemphigus with discomfort in the oral cavity should have a high degree of awareness and consider other differential diagnoses along with merely an exacerbation of PV.

A case report of esophageal cancer in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: A coincidence or something beyond that?

“…Recently, we have reported an interesting case of PV who developed kaposi's sarcoma (KS) after receiving immunosuppressive agents which was initially localized to the oral cavity with features mimicking exacerbation of his pemphigus to emphasize the fact that careful examination and clinical suspicion are the key factors for correct diagnosis. 13 …”