Dermoscopic findings of Kaposi sarcoma and dermatopathological correlations.

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.