Cellulitis in patients with chronic lower-limb lymphedema due to HIV-related Kaposi sarcoma

Classic Kaposi Sarcoma in an Immunocompetent Male From Haiti: An Unusual Epidemiological Presentation

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disorder caused by human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection. KS manifests as vascular and mucosal nodules and is classified into four subtypes based on epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathology, and HHV-8/human immunodeficiency virus serology. Here, we present a unique case of classic KS in an 84-year-old immunocompetent Haitian male patient, highlighting the rarity of this variant in this population. Additionally, our article delves into the broader context by reviewing a few documented cases of classic KS in the Caribbean region.

Cutaneous Kaposi Sarcoma as a Presenting Sign of HIV: A Case Report

We present the case of a 68-year-old man with no known risk factors for HIV infection who developed a new, rapidly growing lesion on the left medial foot. The lesion was biopsied and found to be consistent with Kaposi sarcoma (KS). He subsequently tested positive for HIV and developed cellulitis of the left lower extremity. Treatment involved empiric antibiotics, surgical excision of the lesion, radiation therapy, and antiretroviral therapy. The development of KS with no known history of HIV/AIDS is uncommon, with only a few reported cases. We provide a summary of 18 cases in the current literature of cutaneous KS as an initial presenting sign of HIV/AIDS.

Tinea pedis: an updated review

Background

Tinea pedis is one of the most common superficial fungal infections of the skin, with various clinical manifestations. This review aims to familiarize physicians with the clinical features, diagnosis and management of tinea pedis.

Methods

A search was conducted in April 2023 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms 'tinea pedis' OR 'athlete's foot'. The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies and reviews published in English within the past 10 years.

Results

Tinea pedis is most often caused by Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. It is estimated that approximately 3% of the world population have tinea pedis. The prevalence is higher in adolescents and adults than in children. The peak age incidence is between 16 and 45 years of age. Tinea pedis is more common amongst males than females. Transmission amongst family members is the most common route, and transmission can also occur through indirect contact with contaminated belongings of the affected patient. Three main clinical forms of tinea pedis are recognized: interdigital, hyperkeratotic (moccasin-type) and vesiculobullous (inflammatory). The accuracy of clinical diagnosis of tinea pedis is low. A KOH wet-mount examination of skin scrapings of the active border of the lesion is recommended as a point-of-care testing. The diagnosis can be confirmed, if necessary, by fungal culture or culture-independent molecular tools of skin scrapings. Superficial or localized tinea pedis usually responds to topical antifungal therapy. Oral antifungal therapy should be reserved for severe disease, failed topical antifungal therapy, concomitant presence of onychomycosis or in immunocompromised patients.

Conclusion

Topical antifungal therapy (once to twice daily for 1-6 weeks) is the mainstay of treatment for superficial or localized tinea pedis. Examples of topical antifungal agents include allylamines (e.g. terbinafine), azoles (e.g. ketoconazole), benzylamine, ciclopirox, tolnaftate and amorolfine. Oral antifungal agents used for the treatment of tinea pedis include terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole. Combined therapy with topical and oral antifungals may increase the cure rate. The prognosis is good with appropriate antifungal treatment. Untreated, the lesions may persist and progress.