Optical Coherence Tomography as a Valuable Tool for the Evaluation of Cutaneous Kaposi Sarcoma Treated with Imiquimod 5% Cream

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare disease that was not frequently identified before the widespread occurrence of AIDS. Even today, it remains a challenge for physicians to diagnose, particularly in its early stages, often requiring referral to specialists and further investigations. Dermoscopy, a non-invasive imaging technique, reveals a distinctive rainbow pattern that strongly indicates KS. Moreover, advanced imaging tools like optical coherence tomography (OCT) can provide additional information though specific disease-related patterns have not been fully established yet. These emerging techniques show promise in facilitating early diagnosis of skin-related KS and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. However, biopsy remains the definitive method for confirming the disease. In this study, we present two cases of cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma, documented using OCT, both before and after treatment with imiquimod 5% cream. The study highlights the potential of OCT in evaluating disease progression and treatment response, as well as the usefulness of dermoscopy in detecting early indicators of KS. By integrating these advanced imaging techniques, the diagnosis and management of cutaneous KS could be improved, leading to timely interventions and better patient outcomes.

Clinical and Dermoscopic Characteristics of Cutaneous Sarcomas: A Literature Review

Under the umbrella of cutaneous sarcomas (CS) we include a heterogeneous group of rare, malignant, mesenchymal neoplasia, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, atypical fibroxanthoma, cutaneous undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, cutaneous angiosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Clinical presentation and histopathological examination are the cornerstone of CS diagnosis and classification. There are scarce data in the literature in regards to the clinical and dermatoscopic characteristics of CS and the role of dermatoscopy in their early identification. We performed a literature review, aiming to summarize current data on the clinical and dermatoscopic presentation of the most common types of cutaneous sarcomas that may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt management. Based on the available published data, CS are characterized by mostly unspecific dermatoscopic patterns. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Kaposi's sarcoma, and in a lesser degree, cutaneous angiosarcoma, may display distinct dermatoscopic features, facilitating their early clinical recognition. In conclusion, dermatoscopy, in conjunction with the overall clinical context, may aid towards suspicion of CS.

Clinical, Dermoscopic, Ultrasonographic, and Histopathologic Correlations in Kaposi's Sarcoma Lesions and Their Differential Diagnoses: A Single-Center Prospective Study

(1) Background: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative neoplasm typically appearing as angiomatous patches, plaques, and/or nodules on the skin. Dermoscopy and ultrasonography have been suggested as an aid in the diagnosis of KS, but there is little evidence in the literature, especially regarding its possible differential diagnoses. Our aim is to describe and compare the clinical, dermoscopic, and ultrasonographic features of KS and KS-like lesions. (2) Methods: we conducted a prospective study on 25 consecutive patients who were first referred to our tertiary care center from January to May 2021 for a possible KS. (3) Results: 41 cutaneous lesions were examined by means of dermoscopy, Doppler ultrasonography, and pathology, 32 of which were KS-related, while the remaining 9 were lesions with clinical resemblance to KS. On dermoscopy, a purplish-red pigmentation, scaly surface, and the collarette sign were the most common features among KS lesions (81.3%, 46.9%, and 28.1%, respectively). On US, all 9 KS plaques and 21 KS nodules presented a hypoechoic image. Dermoscopic and Doppler ultrasonographic findings of KS-like lesions, such as cherry angioma, venous lake, glomus tumor, pyogenic granuloma, and angiosarcoma were also analyzed. (4) Conclusions: dermoscopy and Doppler ultrasonography can be useful to better assess the features of KS lesions and in diagnosing equivocal KS-like lesions.

'Rainbow pattern': a dermoscopic sign of invasive melanoma

BACKGROUND

The 'rainbow pattern' was initially described as a highly specific dermoscopic feature of Kaposi sarcoma. Since then, it has been reported in many benign and malignant cutaneous tumours, including a few malignant melanomas (MMs).

AIM

To determine the frequency and presentation of this dermoscopic pattern in primary cutaneous MMs in comparison to other cutaneous tumours.

METHODS

The presence of a rainbow pattern was evaluated in a sample of 1100 dermoscopic images of different melanocytic and nonmelanocytic cutaneous neoplasms.

RESULTS

The rainbow pattern was observed in 23 of 245 (9.4%) MM and 44 of 855 (5.1%) non-MM neoplasms. MMs presenting this feature were generally thicker: 82.6% > 1 mm and 43.0% > 2 mm. Compared with non-MMs, rainbow pattern in MMs was more commonly focal (82.7% vs. 36.4% nonfocal, P = 0.001) and associated with > 2 dermoscopic structures associated with MM (100% vs. 9% with fewer, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The rainbow pattern is a dermoscopic sign that can occasionally be observed in invasive MMs. In MMs, this feature is usually associated with other dermoscopic criteria of MM and located in a focal and eccentric area, as opposed to a diffuse and isolated presentation in non-MM neoplasms.

Dermoscopic Features Summarization and Comparison of Four Types of Cutaneous Vascular Anomalies

Objective: Dermoscopic features of cutaneous vascular anomalies have been reported, but the described features currently known are limited and not well-understood. The aim of this study is to comprehensively summarize and compare the dermoscopic features of the four different types of cutaneous vascular anomalies [infantile hemangiomas (IH), cherry angioma (CA), angiokeratomas (AK), and pyogenic granuloma (PG)] in the Chinese Han population.

Materials and Methods: Dermoscopic features of 31 IH, 172 CA, 31 AK, and 45 PG were collected based on the contact non-polarized mode of dermoscopy at 20-fold magnification. Dermoscopic features including background, lacunae, vessel morphology and distribution were collected and summarized. Additionally, we compared these features by age stage, gender, and anatomical locations in CA.

Results: The dermoscopic features of IH included the red lacunae, red/red-blue/red-white backgrounds, and vessel morphology such as linear curved vessels, serpiginous vessels, coiled vessels. For CA, the lacunae appeared reddish brown to reddish blue or only red. In terms of vascular morphology, serpentine vessels, coiled vessels, looped vessels, and curved vessels could be seen in the lesions. A few lesions were black or presented with a superficial white veil. There were statistical differences in red background (P = 0.021), unspecific vessel distribution (P = 0.030), black area (P = 0.029), and white surface (P = 0.042) among different age groups. Red-brown lacunae (P = 0.039), red-blue (P = 0.013), red-white background (P = 0.015), black area (P = 0.016), and white surface (P = 0.046) were of statistical difference in terms of the locations of lesions. Lacunae were also observed in AK, which presented with red, dark purple, dark blue, black. Global dermoscopic patterns that were characterized by a homogeneous area were obvious in all PG lesions, among which 30 (66.7%) were red-white and 15 (33.3%) were red. As for local features, “white rail” lines were detected in 19 (42.2%) lesions and white collarette was seen in 34 (75.6%) lesions.

Conclusions: Dermoscopy is an applicable diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of cutaneous vascular anomalies. It is necessary to take into account the age stage and lesion location when we diagnose CA using dermoscopy.

Dermoscopy of penile sclerosing granuloma

Penile sclerosing granuloma is a foreign body reaction to the injection of material, usually for genital augmentation purposes. Patients commonly deny having had or performed these procedures on themselves, and diagnosis can be challenging. We describe the case of a 62-year-old man with a 10-year history of a growth on the penile shaft. Dermoscopic examination showed an orange background with shiny white structures, suggesting a granulomatous pathology. Guided biopsies confirmed a sclerosing lipogranuloma. The patient admitted to having self-injected motor oil. For the first time, we report the dermoscopic description of sclerosing granuloma, which will improve clinical diagnostic precision and guide biopsies. We also contribute the first description of a dermoscopic rainbow pattern in a granulomatous disorder; this could be due to a physical phenomenon called 'dichroism'.

Dermoscopic rainbow pattern: A strong clue to malignancy or just a light show?

OBJECTIVE

Rainbow pattern is a dermoscopic finding composed of multiple colors simulating a rainbow. It is known as a characteristic feature of Kaposi's sarcoma. Here, we reported different non-Kaposi's sarcoma conditions with a rainbow pattern aiming to discuss the diagnostic significance of the finding.

METHODS

In this multicenter study, dermoscopic images of the non-Kaposi's sarcoma lesions having a histopathological diagnosis were reviewed for the presence of a rainbow pattern. Dermoscopic examination was performed by a polarized handheld dermoscope with x10 magnification.

RESULTS

A total of 840 lesions were reviewed and 21 (2%) non-Kaposi sarcoma lesions having dermoscopic rainbow pattern were detected. These lesions were as follows; pyogenic granuloma (n=4, 19%), hypertrophic scar (n=4, 19%), basal cell carcinoma (n=2, 10%), dermatofibroma (n=2, 10%), angiokeratoma (n=2, 10%), blue nevus (n=1, 5%), granuloma annulare (n=1, 5%), strawberry angioma (n=1, 5%), epidermal cyst (n=1, 5%), malignant melanoma (n=1, 5%), dissecting cellulitis (n=1, 5%) and subungual hematoma (n=1, 5%). The most common localization was limb (n=14, 67%) followed by face (n=3, 14%).

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the rainbow pattern is a complex and quite unspecific optic phenomenon which can be seen both in vascular and non-vascular lesions. Its diagnostic significance should be considered in the context of the other structural dermoscopic finding. To the best of our knowledge, to our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study focusing on rainbow pattern in non-Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. Here, we also reported rainbow pattern in dissecting cellulitis, granuloma annulare and subungual hematoma which has not been shown to have rainbow pattern previously.

Disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma as a presenting sign of HIV in an Indian male: A case report with dermoscopic findings

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is one of the AIDS-defining illnesses, which tends to occur at low CD4 count. It is the most common malignancy associated with HIV disease. Yet, there is a paucity of Indian case reports of KS in the English literature. We report the case of a 45-year-old HIV-positive heterosexual male with an unusual presentation of KS in the form of unilateral lymphedema mimicking cellulitis. We also describe the dermoscopic findings of the same.

Pyogenic granuloma and nodular Kaposi’s sarcoma: dermoscopic clues for the differential diagnosis

Background/aim

Pyogenic granuloma (PG)-like nodular Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) has been previously demonstrated in several studies. However, to the best of our knowledge, no original study investigating the dermoscopic differential diagnosis of PG and KS exists in the relevant literature. In this study we aimed to identify dermoscopic findings providing useful clues to differential diagnosis between the two entities.

Materials and methods

Patients with histopathologically confirmed PG or nodular KS were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological findings of the cases were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The most common finding observed in PG was red structureless areas (80.00%), followed by intersecting thick white lines (56.66%), ulceration (36.66%), and collarette scale (33.33%). The most common findings detected in nodular KS were polychromatic structures (56.66%) and red (46.66%) and white (13.33%) structureless areas, respectively.

Conclusion

Intersecting thick white lines seem to be the strongest dermoscopic clue to PG. Striate surface scaling (n = 6) was a novel finding identified for PG. Here we also described a new vascular pattern (widespread vessels composing a network) for nodular KS.

Clinical features of Kaposi's sarcoma: experience from a Taiwanese medical center

BACKGROUND

Most of the previous reports regarding the clinical features of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) have been performed in Western and African countries. The clinical characteristics of KS have not been well defined in Han Chinese or Taiwanese patients. In this study, we analyzed the clinical features of KS patients in a Taiwanese medical center.

METHODS

Medical records from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital over the past 20 years (1996-2016) were comprehensively reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 55 patients with KS (50 males and 5 females), including 37 patients (67%) with classic disease, 17 patients (31%) with AIDS-associated disease, and one patient (2%) with immunosuppressive medication-related disease. The average age was 58.7 years (range 20-87 years), and the average age was younger for AIDS patients (33.8 years) compared with non-AIDS patients (69.8 years). Among patients with classic KS, lesions were mostly localized to the lower extremities, whereas AIDS-associated KS patients were more likely to develop disseminated skin lesions, skin lesions on atypical sites (head and neck, trunk), and extracutaneous involvement (particularly oral cavity). The most common underlying diseases were diabetes mellitus (20% of patients) and hepatitis B (15% patients), and 38% of KS patients were smokers. Patients with AIDS-associated KS usually responded well to chemotherapy, whereas only 32% of patients with non-AIDS-associated KS showed complete response to radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study will serve as important references for clinicians in the diagnosis of KS and may form the basis for the implementation of KS clinical practice guidelines in Taiwan.

Dermoscopy of venous lake on the lips: A comparative study with labial melanotic macule

BACKGROUND

Venous lake (VL) is a common vascular tumor occurring on the lips in the elderly. VL is sometimes difficult to distinguish from melanotic lesions such as labial melanotic macule (LMM) or oral malignant melanoma. However, the dermoscopic features of VL have not been sufficiently established in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed at investigating the dermoscopic features of VL on the lips, and to compare the dermoscopic features of VL with those of LMM.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the dermoscopic findings of histopathologically proven cases of VL and LMM.

RESULTS

The structureless pattern (78.6%) and globules/clods (42.9%) were the common patterns in VL cases. Purple was the most frequent color (78.6%), followed by red (42.9%) and blue (42.9%). The structureless pattern (p = 0.003) and the colors purple (p = 0.000), red (p = 0.003), and blue (p = 0.018) were significantly more common in VL than in LMM. In contrast, lines (p = 0.000) and dots (p = 0.044) as patterns, and brown (p = 0.000) and gray (p = 0.044) colors were significantly more frequent in LMM. White structures were more common in VL than in LMM (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Structureless patterns or globules/clods with purple, red, or blue coloration can be useful findings when differentiating VLs from LMM on dermoscopy. Therefore, dermoscopic evaluation is a helpful noninvasive ancillary tool in the diagnosis of VL.

Vascular structures in dermoscopy

Dermoscopy is an aiding method in the visualization of the epidermis and dermis. It is usually used to diagnose melanocytic lesions. In recent years, dermoscopy has increasingly been used to diagnose non-melanocytic lesions. Certain vascular structures, their patterns of arrangement and additional criteria may demonstrate lesion-specific characteristics. In this review, vascular structures and their arrangements are discussed separately in the light of conflicting views and an overview of recent literature.

Dermoscopic variability of basal cell carcinoma according to clinical type and anatomic location

BACKGROUND

Correctly diagnosing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) clinical type is crucial for the therapeutic management. A systematic description of the variability of all reported BCC dermoscopic features according to clinical type and anatomic location is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the dermoscopic variability of BCC according to clinical type and anatomic location and to test the hypothesis of a clinical/dermoscopic continuum across superficial BCCs (sBCCs) with increasing palpability.

METHODS

Clinical/dermoscopic images of nodular BCCs (nBCCs) and sBCCs with different degrees of palpability were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic criteria including degree of pigmentation, BCC-associated patterns, diverse vascular patterns, melanocytic patterns and polarized light patterns.

RESULTS

We examined 501 histopathologically proven BCCs (66.9% sBCCs; 33.1% nBCCs), mainly located on trunk (46.7%; mostly sBCCs) and face (30.5%; mostly nBCCs). Short fine telangiectasias, leaf-like areas, spoke-wheel areas, small erosions and concentric structures were significantly associated with sBCC, whereas arborizing telangiectasias, blue-white veil-like structures, white shiny areas and rainbow pattern with nBCCs. Short fine telangiectasia, spoke-wheel areas and small erosions were independently associated with trunk location, whereas arborizing telangiectasias with facial location. Scalp BCCs had significantly more pigmentation and melanocytic criteria than BCCs located elsewhere. Multiple clinical/dermoscopic parameters displayed a significant linear trend across increasingly palpable sBCCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Particular dermoscopic criteria are independently associated with clinical type and anatomic location of BCC. Heavily pigmented, scalp BCCs are the most challenging to diagnose. A clinical/dermoscopic continuum across increasingly palpable sBCCs was detected and could be potentially important for the non-surgical management of the disease.

Cavernous hemangioma-like Kaposi sarcoma: a unique histopathologic variant

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angiolymphatic neoplasm with multifactorial etiology. Clinically, KS has been divided into 4 distinct types and 3 well-defined histologic stages. Rare reports in the literature have characterized additional unique histopathologic variants. The authors report a case of KS, confirmed with human herpesvirus type 8 and D2-40 staining, which resembled a cavernous hemangioma on histopathology.

Dermoscopy, confocal laser microscopy, and hi-tech evaluation of vascular skin lesions: diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives

Vascular skin lesions comprise a wide and heterogeneous group of malformations and tumors that can be correctly diagnosed based on natural history and physical examination. However, considering the high incidence of such lesions, a great number of them can be misdiagnosed. In addition, it is not so rare that an aggressive amelanotic melanoma can be misdiagnosed as a vascular lesion. In this regard, dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy examination can play a central role in increasing the specificity of the diagnosis of such lesions. In fact, the superiority of these tools over clinical examination has encouraged dermatologists to adopt these devices for routine clinical practice, with a progressive spread of their use. In this review, we will go through the dermoscopic and the confocal laser microscopy of diagnosis of most frequent vascular lesions (i.e., hemangiomas angiokeratoma, pyogenic granuloma, angiosarcoma) taking into particular consideration the differential diagnosis with amelanotic melanoma.

How to diagnose nonpigmented skin tumors: a review of vascular structures seen with dermoscopy: part II. Nonmelanocytic skin tumors

Nonmelanoma skin cancer refers to a broad class of tumors, including actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, and as a group these are the most frequent cancers occurring in light skinned humans. In contrast to the rarity of amelanotic melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer commonly lacks pigmentation. Although these tumors rarely cause death related to metastases, they commonly destroy underlying tissues and should be removed at the earliest possible stage. Dermoscopy improves the clinical diagnosis of nonpigmented skin tumors by allowing the visualization of specific vascular structures that are usually not visible to the naked eye. Dermoscopic vascular patterns of several nonmelanocytic nonpigmented skin tumors, such as sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic keratosis, clear cell acanthoma, Bowen disease, or nodular cystic basal cell carcinoma are highly specific, allowing a ready diagnosis in most cases. Others, such as actinic keratosis, pyogenic granuloma, or uncommon adnexal tumors, may be difficult to differentiate even with the aid of dermoscopy. For this reason, general guidelines have been established to assist in making the most appropriate management decision. In the second part of this review of dermoscopic vascular structures of nonpigmented skin tumors, the dermoscopic patterns associated with benign and malignant nonmelanocytic skin tumors and recommendations for the management of these tumors will be discussed.