[Cutaneous nodular Kaposi sarcoma following kidney transplantation and immunosuppression].

Five months after renal transplantation and an immunosuppressive trial with azathioprine and methylprednisolone, a black African female developed a cutaneo-nodular Kaposi's sarcoma that occurred symmetrically on the lower legs, thighs and forearms. Intensive search for visceral involvement was negative. Histologically, the nodes consisted of spindle cells; there were many new vessel formations with proliferation of atypical endothelial cells. After therapy with cytostatica and x-rays there was a time-limited disappearance of the Kaposi's sarcoma; 1 year later a relapse developed on the left lower leg. Field radiotherapy with accelerated electrons in a single dose of 8 Gy was successful. There is a greater incidence, in the literature, of Kaposi's sarcoma in immunosuppressed patients with organ transplants. Treatment with immunosuppressive substances is probably significant in the development of the Kaposi's sarcoma in those patients.