Pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma as a complication of Cimino-Brescia arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients

Nephron. 1987;46(2):170-3. doi: 10.1159/000184335.

Abstract

Pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma is a skin lesion that is associated with chronic venous insufficiency and/or congenital arteriovenous fistulas. Theoretically, this lesion could also be expected in connection with hemodialysis vascular accesses. Nevertheless, this disease has been reported only once in conjunction with a Cimino-Brescia arteriovenous fistula, and no attention has been paid to the potential complications of this disease. In the present paper 3 cases are reported. In 1 patient pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma was complicated by an infected open wound as a consequence of a trauma. In the 2 other patients, a skin biopsy was followed by local infection and retarded healing of the wound. Evaluation by fistulagraphy and/or Doppler revealed venous outflow stenosis in only 1 case. After reconstruction or ligation of the fistula, correction of the lesions was observed. It is concluded that pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma can occur as a complication of Cimino-Brescia arteriovenous fistulas, necessitating early correction of the fistula. The performance of a skin biopsy might be associated with infection and delayed wound healing, so that this diagnostic procedure should only be performed in cases where the clinical diagnosis is not obvious.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Renal Dialysis*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / etiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology*