A case of classic Kaposi’s sarcoma masquerading as a vascular malformation

Abstract

A 45-year-old man presented with painful lumps on his right foot. Imaging suggested a vascular malformation and the patient was referred first to a vascular surgeon, then to a specialist vascular malformation centre. MRA and catheter angiography confirmed a high flow lesion. However, there was clinical and radiological suspicion that an alternative diagnosis was possible. Biopsy confirmed the lesions to be Kaposi’s sarcoma. Arteriovenous malformations and Kaposi’s sarcoma can appear almost identical clinically and radiologically, so histological analysis is important if there are any doubts about the diagnosis.