Kaposi Sarcoma in a Child after Fanconi Anemia-Induced Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Case Report

Kaposi sarcoma is relatively common after solid organ transplantation, but very rare after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Here we are reporting a rare case of Kaposi sarcoma in a child after HSCT. An 11-year-old boy with Fanconi anemia was treated by haploidentical HSCT from his father. Three weeks after transplantation, the patient developed severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) which was treated by immunosuppressive therapy and extracorporeal photopheresis. Approximately 6.5 months after HSCT, the patient had asymptomatic nodular skin lesions over the scalp, chest, and face. Histopathological examination showed typical findings of Kaposi sarcoma. Later, additional lesions in the liver and oral cavity were confirmed. Liver biopsy was positive for HHV-8 antibodies. The patient was continued on Sirolimus which was already being used for the treatment of GVHD. Cutaneous lesions were also treated with topical timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution. Within six months, cutaneous and mucous membrane lesions were completely resolved. Follow-up abdominal ultrasound and MRI showed the disappearance of the hepatic lesion.

Automated summary

This article reports a rare case of Kaposi sarcoma in a child after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The patient developed asymptomatic nodular skin lesions, and additional lesions in the liver and oral cavity were confirmed. The patient was treated with Sirolimus and topical timolol, and the lesions completely resolved.