New-onset cutaneous kaposi's sarcoma following SARS-CoV-2 infection

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Dec;20(12):3747-3750. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14549. Epub 2021 Nov 3.

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is associated with several cutaneous manifestations, including chilbain-like lesions, urticaria, erythema multiforme, and maculopapular lesions. Dermatoses may be directly linked to the viral infection or also represent a consequence of systemic therapies administrated for COVID-19. A potential role of SARS-CoV-2 in triggering the reactivation of other viruses, such as HHV-6, HHV-7 and Epstein-Barr virus has been hypothesized.

Objective: To better understand and hypothesize possible pathogenetic correlations of COVID-19 with other dermatological conditions.

Methods: We report the case of an 83-year-old woman hospitalized in a nursing home for several years. On November 2020, the patient had been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, with repeated positive swabs until January 2021. After a month, new-onset asymptomatic cutaneous purplish macular lesions and violaceous patches occurred bilaterally on the feet.

Results: An incisional cutaneous biopsy and the histological examination of the plantar lesion revealed the diagnosis of Kaposi Sarcoma.

Conclusion: We report a unique case of new-onset bilateral Kaposi's sarcoma following COVID-19, speculating on a possible role of SARS-CoV-2 in the reactivation of human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) infection.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; kaposi sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections*
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi*