Presentation
A 78-year-old Caucasian man of Italian descent previously diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) presented with an ulcerated lesion on the third digit of his right foot. The patient was diagnosed with classic type KS 10 years ago and since then intermittently develops several violaceous papules on the hands and feet. He underwent multiple treatments with liquid nitrogen, and one year ago was started on topical five-percent imiquimod cream applied nightly on his lesions with good results. Lesions clear after several weeks of treatment; however, new ones evolve.
One week prior to consult, the patient noted ulceration of a violaceous papule, which had been present on the distal portion of his toe for 4 to 6 weeks. The lesion was moderately painful and the toe was swollen and red. The patient did not recall any specific traumatic event to the affected area although the lesion was located at a site of frequent contact with the adjacent toe. He continued to apply imiquimod cream on the ulcerated area and cover it with a plaster dressing.
The patient had no other systemic illnesses, and had a cousin also diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma.
Wounds. 2004;16(7) © 2004 Health Management Publications, Inc.
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