LAUSR

DEAR EDITOR, A female newborn was hospitalized because of a red–purple mass on the abdomen (a) and severe thrombocytopenia (5 9 10 cells L ). Histologically, a multilobular vascular proliferation was seen, composed of infiltrating nodules of spindle endothelial cells, with peripheral dilated lymphatic vessels. The spindle cells formed short fascicles and lined slit-like spaces (b, c; haematoxylin and eosin, original magnification 9 100 and 9 200). A diagnosis of kaposiform haemangioendothelioma (KHE) with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) was made. The patient was otherwise healthy. KHE is a rare vascular tumour. The prognosis depends on both tumour infiltration and KMP. Treatment with vincristine 0 05 mg kg 1 was conducted for 19 weeks, and residual tumour was excised. After 1 year the child is free of disease. E . MOSCAR E L L A O. AMETRANO M. D I P LOMAT I CO C . DE CH IARA M. CAPA S SO M.E . ERR I CO R. P I C C IOCCH I 2 Dermatology and Skin Cancer Unit, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Neonatology Unit, Oncology Unit and Pathology Unit, AORN Santobono Pausilipon, Naples, Italy Pediatric Unit, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy E-mail: [email protected]