Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma presentation in hand in a paediatric patient.
Rajesh Meena, Tejas Win, Harsh Jain et al.
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Case in brief
A young female patient presented with progressive swelling and discoloration of the pulp of her right middle finger. Initially misdiagnosed as chronic osteomyelitis, further evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of kaposiform haemangioendothelioma (KHE). After wide local excision, the patient experienced local recurrence 10 months later, which was managed with amputation through the middle phalanx. At follow-up, she was asymptomatic with satisfactory function.
What made this case unusual
The case illustrates the diagnostic challenge of KHE, which was initially misidentified as a more common condition, chronic osteomyelitis.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent digital swellings in children, especially when initial treatments are ineffective.
Why it matters
This case emphasizes the need for careful surgical planning and close follow-up due to the potential for recurrence in KHE.