[Kaposi's disease: epidemiological, clinical, anatomopathological and therapeutic features in 75 patients]

Kaposi's sarcoma [KS] is a mutifocal angiogenic process characterized by cellular and vascular proliferation. To identify the epidemio-clinical, histological and therapeutic features of KS. Retrospective study of 75 cases of KS at the dermatology department of Rabta hospital in Tunis during a period of 25 years [1982-2007]. Three epidemio-clinical forms of KS were observed in our study: the classic KS [70 cases], the AIDS-related KS [4 cases] and the iatrogenic KS [1 case]. The mean age of our patients at diagnosis was 69.16 years with a sex ratio of 2.33. Elective site of cutaneous lesions in the classic KS was the limbs [87.1%]. The cephalic part was concerned in 17.1% of cases. Mucosal involvement was found in 28.5% of patients. Extra dermatological localizations of KS were observed in 32.9%. Our study identified some epidemio-clinical features of the classic KS especially the high frequency of mucosal and cephalic involvement as well as extra dermatological localizations. Thus further exploration is required even without alarm signs

[Hydroxyurea induced-Leg ulcer in polycythemia vera]

Hydroxyurea [HU] is an antineoplastic drug commonly used to treat chronic myeloproliferative disorders. Dermatological side effects are frequent and usually benign. Leg ulceration following HU therapy is less common. To describe epidemioclinical and therapeutic features of leg ulcers induced by HU. A 70-year-old woman is treated with hydroxyurea for polycythemia vera. One year later; she presented with a malleolar painful ulcer, initially healed without discontinuation of the treatment, but has been recurred 2 months later, becoming multiple and bilateral. HU has been discontinued and ulcers were completely cured. Leg ulcers induced by hydroxyurea are rare. Pathogenesis of HU-induced ulcers remains unknown and is multi factorial. Discontinuation of treatment is still the option of choice for complete recovery