P0054 Demographic and histopathological study of Kaposi’s sarcoma in a dermatology clinic in Iran during the period 2006–2011

Abstract

Background Kaposi’s sarcoma is a low-grade vascular tumour; its prevalence is increasing worldwide due to the increased rates of HIV and organ transplantations. In this study, we tried to assess risk factors for Kaposi’s sarcoma among Iranian patients, and report on disease stages from pathological specimens. Methods We assessed all cases of Kaposi’s sarcoma that were diagnosed in the dermatopathology department ofthe Razi Hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, between 2006 and 2011. Patients were diagnosed by pathological confirmation and only those with complete records were included. Finally, demographic data for each patient was reported, and in the cases of incomplete data, patients were contacted and information was completed. Findings Thirty-four patients with diagnoses of Kaposi’s sarcoma entered the study. Of the 34 patients, 29% were female and 71% were male, mean age was 66 years, and average disease duration was 6 months. The most common pathological stages were reported: patch 32%, patch to plaque 24%, plaque 12%. The most common location of involvement was the lower extremities (88%); upper extremities were affected in 24% of patients. At presentation, the mean number of lesions was three to four. 15% of patients had a history of smoking and 15% had a history of use of immunosuppressive drugs. None of the patients had HIV infection. Interpretation Based on the present study, Kaposi’s sarcoma is a disease of elderly people and is most prevalent in older men. The most common site of involvement is the lower extremities and the most common pathological stage was patch to plaque.