Acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma): three case reports.

Acroangiodermatitis (synonym pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma) is a dermatological condition characterized by purple-colored nodules, plaques or patches, mostly on the extensor surfaces of lower extremities, usually in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and arteriovenous malformations of the legs, but also in hemodialysis patients with iatrogenic arteriovenous shunts, paralyzed limbs and amputation stumps. Acroangiodermatitis in patients with chronic venous insufficiency manifests usually as bilateral skin lesions located on the dorsa of the feet, halux and second toe, or on the medial aspect of lower legs. Acroangiodermatitis may look like Kaposi sarcoma, but in contrast to Kaposi sarcoma, acroangiodermatitis is not characterized by progression of changes, and there is a lack of spindle cells and silt-like vessels on histopathologic analysis. Three cases of acroangiodermatitis encountered in our clinical practice are described. The patients presented with livid-erythematous patches on lower legs and skin changes connected with chronic venous insufficiency, treated at the Department Phlebology Unit. Results of the histopathologic analysis indicated acroangiodermatitis. Thus, in clinical practice it is important to recognize acroangiodermatitis and to exclude Kaposi sarcoma, as sometimes there is similarity with this entity. Topical therapy with neutral and local corticosteroid preparations is often useful, however, the use of compressive bandages and dermatologic follow up are recommended.