Epidermodysplasia verruciformis occurring in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus: a case report

Cutis. 2007 Apr;79(4):307-11.

Abstract

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is an uncommon dermatosis associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in association with defects in cell-mediated immunity. Malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma has been associated with lesions caused by HPV-5, HPV-8, and HPV-14. Clinically, the disease may be confused with verruca plana, seborrheic keratosis, and pityriasis versicolor. We present an unusual case of EV occurring in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive man and discuss the clinical and histologic findings. Clinically, the patient had 1- to 3-mm hypopigmented smooth macules covering the entire body. Histopathologic examination of the skin biopsy results demonstrated enlarged keratinocytes with prominent blue-gray cytoplasm and clumping of keratohyalin granules within the granular layer of the epidermis. Although EV typically is viewed as a disease of childhood, sometimes presenting in patients with a family history of the disease, it rarely may be seen in immunocompromised adults.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Adult
  • Black People
  • Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis / complications*
  • Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis / immunology
  • Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis / pathology
  • Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications
  • Skin Pigmentation