Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: radiological, surgical and anatomopathological correlation

Abstract

Introduction: Kaposiform cutaneous hemangioendothelioma (HEK) is a rare locally aggressive vascular tumor, seen mainly in newborns and children. It has a prevalence of 0.91 cases per 100,000 children, being most common in the extremities. The treatment of choice is total resection; however, it is often not possible due to the lesion’s extent and association with the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. Objectives: To describe the evolution of a rare tumor in the plantar region of a child, correlating the radiological, surgical, and histopathological findings. Methods: The authors report the case of a boy admitted at the age of five with a recurrent painful plantar skin lesion. In the magnetic resonance examination (NMR), he presented a lesion in the posterior plantar region measuring 3cmx2cm, superficial to the plantar fascia. In the biopsy examination, he revealed kaposiform hemangioendothelioma without association with the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. He underwent a surgical procedure for excision and presented recurrence after six months. A new broad resection, reconstruction with a plantar flap, and partial skin graft were performed, obtaining free margins, with no recurrence in the 15-year follow-up. Conclusion: Clinical findings suggested plantar fibromatosis, NMR helped in delimiting the tumor, and histopathological examination with immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of kaposiform cutaneous hemangioendothelioma. Resection was performed up to the fascia with recurrence, requiring re-approach and resection to the periosteum with reconstruction using a plantar flap and skin graft, without recurrence after 15 years. The authors call attention to the wide resection of deep and lateral margins to control tumor growth. ■ ABSTRACT