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JAAD Case Rep 2021 Dec 2;18:74-78. Epub 2021 Oct 2.

Department of Dermatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.

Clin Dermatol 2021 Mar-Apr;39(2):271-277. Epub 2020 Oct 16.

Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Dermatology Clinic, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.

New and emerging types of cutaneous vascular (capillary) proliferations have been described or better categorized in the last few years. They include reactive angioendotheliomatosis, acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma), diffuse dermal angiomatosis, intravascular histiocytosis, glomeruloid angioendotheliomatosis, and angiopericytomatosis (angiomatosis with cryoproteins). Clinically, they are characterized by multiple, red violaceous, and purpuric patches and plaques, sometimes evolving toward necrosis and ulceration with a wide distribution but a propensity to involve the extremities. Read More

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2020 Dec 21;18(12):1475-1477. Epub 2020 Sep 21.

Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Medical Center, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

Turk Gogus Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Derg 2019 Jun 22;28(2):382-385. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Department of Pathology, Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey.

Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma is a rare, vasoproliferative skin disease usually caused by an underlying vascular malformation or venous insufficiency. Unusual forms such as amputation stumps and lower extremity paralysis have been also reported. However, its emergence in the leg from which the saphenous vein was harvested following peripheral artery disease and coronary artery bypass surgery has not been previously reported. Read More

Cutis 2019 Jun;103(6):336-339

Advanced Dermatology Associates LTD, Allentown, USA.

Acroangiodermatitis (AAD), also known as pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma, is a rare benign vascular proliferation mainly of the extremities. It is characterized by violaceous patches or plaques resembling Kaposi sarcoma. The term pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma encompasses 2 variants of acroangiodermatitis: Mali type and Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome (SBS). Read More

Wounds 2018 Nov;30(11):E105-E107

College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Acroangiodermatitis, also known as psesudo-Kapsoi sarcoma, is a rare and benign angioproliferative malady. It presents clinically as purple-colored plaques, patches, or nodules resembling Kaposi sarcoma and is often related to chronic venous insufficiency, arteriovenous malformation of the legs, paralyzed limbs, and residual limbs. Obesity is a risk factor for venous insufficiency and could be related to acroangiodermatitis. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2016 Jun;174(6):e84

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Brest, France.

Dermatol Online J 2015 May 18;21(5). Epub 2015 May 18.

Istanbul University.

Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma is a benign reactive vascular proliferative disorder, which can be seen at any age. It occurs when the chronic venous pressure changes result in vascular proliferation in the upper and mid dermis. This disease is divided into two subtypes: the most frequent subtype is the Mali type and seen in early ages. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2015 May-Jun;60(3):268-71

Department of Pathology, Ankara Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Acroangiodermatitis is a rare self-limited angioproliferative lesion which can be associated with congenital vascular malformations or acquired venous insufficiency. Despite of its benign character, differential diagnosis of this lesion is very important because it closely resembles Kaposi sarcoma. Here we present a 26-year-old male patient with unilateral, purplish-red colored papules on his right ankle which diagnosed as acroangiodermatitis and discuss histopathological features, differential diagnosis and treatment of this unusual condition. Read More

Indian Dermatol Online J 2014 Jul;5(3):323-5

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Acroangiodermatitis or Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma is a rare angioproliferative entity, related to chronic venous insufficiency or certain other vascular anomalies. It is often associated with chronic venous insufficiency, arteriovenous malformation of the legs, chronic renal failure treated with dialysis, paralyzed legs and amputation stumps. We hereby describe a case of 45 year old female presenting with pitting pedal edema, multiple ulcers over bilateral lower limbs with irregular margins with erythema and hyperpigmentation of the surrounding skin. Read More

Ann Saudi Med 2014 Mar-Apr;34(2):179-81

Dr. Muzamil Amin Chisti, Department of Dermatology,, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre,, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia, T: +966114424608, F: +966114424603,

Acroangiodermatitis (AAD) (synonym, pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma) is a term that encompasses 2 different conditions: (1) AAD of Mali, which refers to skin lesions that mainly develop bilaterally on the lower extremities of patients with chronic venous insufficiency and is an extreme form of stasis dermatitis and (2) Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome, which consists of an arteriovenous malformation that mainly affects the limbs of young patients unilaterally. We present a case of a 68-year-old lady with progressive skin lesions on both lower limbs (right > left) as a result of chronic venous insufficiency that became worse after the leg-vein harvest for coronary artery bypass grafting was taken from the right leg. Up to our knowledge this is the first case of its kind to be reported. Read More

Int Wound J 2015 Apr 5;12(2):169-72. Epub 2013 Apr 5.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.

Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome (SBS), also known as acroangiodermatitis or pseudo-Kaposi, is a condition rarely encountered. It involves skin lesions that are clinically similar to Kaposi sarcoma but are histologically different, and are usually secondary to an underlying arteriovenous fistula. Treatment of this disease usually involves the correction of the underlying vascular abnormality, with the mainstay of therapy ranging from compression devices for venous stasis, limited oral medications (dapsone and erythromycin) and local wound care including topical steroids. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2011 Jul-Aug;86(4 Suppl 1):S13-6

Laboratório de Vigilância em Leishmanioses, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

Acroangiodermatitis, often known as pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma, is an uncommon angioproliferative entity related to chronic venous insufficiency, arteriovenous fistulae, paralysed limbs, amputation stumps, vascular syndromes and conditions associated with thrombosis. It presents most frequently as purple macules, papules or plaques in the dorsal aspects of the feet, especially the toes, and the malleoli. We report a case of acroangiodermatitis in the plantar aspect of the foot, misdiagnosed for two years, in which haematoxylin-eosin hystopathological stain and immunolabeling with CD34 histochemistry examination were decisive for diagnosis. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2010 Sep-Oct;76(5):553-6

Department of Dermatology, T.N. Medical College and B.Y.L. Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, India.

Acroangiodermatitis (synonym pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma) is an unusual, benign condition which clinically presents as purple-colored patches, plaques or nodules, mostly on the extensor surfaces of lower extremities in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and arteriovenous malformations. It resembles aggressive conditions like Kaposi's sarcoma and requires histopathological examination for its diagnosis. We report two such cases of acroangiodermatitis. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2010 Jul 15;16(7). Epub 2010 Jul 15.

Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma is a disease entity that encompasses acroangiodermatitis as well as Steward-Bluefarb syndrome. It has varied etiologies and clinical presentations. Most important distinction is from Kaposi sarcoma and this is mainly histopathological. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 2009 Apr;36(4):482-5

Department of Dermatology, Hospital dos Capuchos, Lisbon, Portugal.

Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma is a benign reactive vascular proliferation mainly involving the lower legs, which can be related to acquired chronic venous insufficiency or congenital arteriovenous malformations. In its most common presentation, acroangiodermatitis is seen in patients with chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs as an exaggeration of the stasis dermatitis. However, rare reports of acroangiodermatitis include descriptions in amputees (especially in those with poorly fitting suction-type devices), in patients undergoing hemodialysis (with lesions developing distally to arteriovenous shunts) and in patients with paralyzed legs. Read More

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 2007 ;15(3):152-7

University Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital, Vinogradska cesta 29, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.

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. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2007 May;98(4):268-70

Servicios de Dermatología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Juan Canalejo, La Coruña, España.

Acroangiodermatitis or pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma is an angioproliferative, self-limited entity that includes a group of diseases, congenital or acquired, with cutaneous lesions similar to Kaposi sarcoma (KS). This term can lead to confusion because it comprises several entities that are completely different, nonetheless, it has an important clinical value as it guides the diagnosis and management of these patients. We report the case of a 67-year-old patient with lesions of acroangiodermatitis in both forearms secondary to arteriovenous shunts from hemodialysis. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 2005 Jul;32(6):429-32

Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Sciences, Section of Dermatology, Universit of Siena, Siena, Italy.

Increasing use of suction-socket lower limb prostheses has been associated with an increased frequency of dermatological manifestations, linked to the fact that the skin of the amputation stump must adapt to an entirely new environment. In particular, verrucous hyperplasia and rare cases of acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma) have been described. We report a case of amputation stump dermatitis, clinically resembling verrucous hyperplasia, but with predominant histological aspects of acroangiodermatitis in a patient with a suction-socket lower limb prosthesis. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2003 Nov;49(5):887-96

DISEM, University of Genoa.

New and relatively old types of vascular (capillary) proliferations in the skin have been described or better categorized in the last few years. They include reactive angioendotheliomatosis, acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma), diffuse dermal angiomatosis, intravascular histocytosis, glomeruloid angioendotheliomatosis, and angiopericytomatosis (angiomatosis with cryoproteins). Clinically, all of them present with multiple, erythematous-violaceous and purpuric patches and plaques, sometimes evolving toward necrosis and ulceration with a wide distribution but a propensity to involve limbs. Read More

Hautarzt 2000 May;51(5):336-9

Hautklinik der Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg.

The Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome is defined as an unilateral angiodermatitis due to multiple arterio-venous fistules accompanied by acroangiodermatitis resembling Kaposi sarcoma (pseudo-kaposi sarcoma). The acroangiodermatitis is most common on the lower limb. It leads to ulcerated nodules with a high risk of bleeding and infection, as well as edema, pain and seldom limb hypertrophy. Read More

Hautarzt 1996 Jul;47(7):493-501

Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik, der Universität, Regensburg.

Dermatologic disorders of the stump in patients with a leg amputation may have characteristic pathophysiologic and clinical features. A knowledge of these factors may lead to earlier diagnosis and avoid immobilization. There ist no German language review of this aspect of dermatology. Read More

J Mal Vasc 1991 ;16(2):153-7

Clinique des Maladies Cutanées, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris.

Pseudo-Kaposi's Sarcoma with vascular disease concern mainly acroangiodermatitis described by Mali--(with chronic venous insufficiency)--, arteriovenous malformations with angiodermatitis described by Stewart and Bluefarb, and pseudo-Kaposi's Sarcoma occurring after placement of arteriovenous shunt for hemodialysis. Search for relation ships between classical Kaposi's Sarcoma and new AIDS Kaposi's Sarcoma explains new interest devoted to Pseudo-Kaposi's Sarcoma. Read More

Hautarzt 1988 May;39(5):304-7

Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.

The cases are reported of two patients afflicted with acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-kaposi) in paralysed legs. From the pathogenetic point of view, the lack of a muscle pump and, possibly, disturbed innervation of vessels are of importance. Read More

Z Hautkr 1987 Sep;62(17):1272-9

Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie in Graz.

We present clinical, angiological, and histopathological findings concerning different kinds of so-called "kaposiform" acroangiodermatitis. In particular, we refer to the etiopathogenesis, prognosis, differential diagnosis, and therapy of each entity. The similarities between the so-called "kaposiform" acroangiodermatitis and Kaposi's sarcoma are primarily derived from clinical criteria. Read More

Dermatol Monatsschr 1986 ;172(7):415-21

Acta Derm Venereol 1984 ;64(3):246-9

A case of pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma of the feet (acroangiodermatitis) is reported. The patient showed clinical and light-microscopic signs closely resembling Kaposi's sarcoma, but by electron microscopy of skin biopsies definite signs of degeneration of vascular walls and infiltrating cells were demonstrated. Electron microscopy should be applied when conventional histology is inconclusive or fits poorly to the anamnestic information and/or clinical appearance of the lesions. Read More

Dermatologica 1975 ;151(2):65-79

Acroangiodermatitis is a special form of the 'angiodermite' of Favre and Chaix in patients presenting with chronic venous insufficiency localized on the dorsal areas of the feet and toes. Different stages including exulceration may occur. 60% of our male and 38% of our female patients with postthrombotic syndrome showed signs of acroangiodermatitis. Read More