Korean J Dermatol.  2019 Nov;57(9):519-526.

Recurrent Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption: Investigation of Clinical Characteristics and Predisposing Factors

• Bae KN
• Kim T
• Park S
• Lee HJ
• Jin H
• You H
• Shim WH
• Kim GW
• Kim HS
• Ko HC
• Kim BS
• Kim MB

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Kaposi varicelliform eruption (KVE) is a disseminated viral infection primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus in the setting of an underlying chronic skin disease. Few studies have reported the clinical characteristics and predisposing factors for recurrent KVE.
OBJECTIVES
To characterize the clinical features and predisposing factors for recurrent KVE.
METHODS
This retrospective comparative study of recurrent vs. single-episode KVE was performed at the Pusan National University Hospital between 2004 and 2017.
RESULTS
A total of 84 episodes occurred in 60 patients, and of these, 13 patients developed recurrence (21.7%). No statistically significant intergroup difference was observed in the mean age and sex distribution. The face was the most common site of involvement in both groups, followed by the trunk and the upper and lower extremities. Atopic dermatitis was the most common pre-existing disease in both groups; however, Darier's disease was more common in the recurrent KVE group, and this difference was statistically significant. Most patients with KVE (66.7%) showed aggravation of the underlying skin disease within 3 months of KVE onset. This finding was more prominent in patients with recurrent episodes (91.7%) than in those with single-episode KVE (58.3%), (p=0.040).
CONCLUSION
This study can contribute to a better understanding of recurrent KVE and guide clinicians in treating patients with conditions predisposing to KVE.

Keyword

Clinical characteristics; Kaposi varicelliform eruption; Predisposing factors; Recurrent

MeSH Terms

Busan
Causality*
Darier Disease
Dermatitis, Atopic
Humans
Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption*
Lower Extremity
Preexisting Condition Coverage
Recurrence
Retrospective Studies
Sex Distribution
Simplexvirus
Skin Diseases