Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis in a renal transplant patient: a case report

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare disease. It can develop in immunocompromised patients due to infection with human papillomaviruses. Because such patients are at high risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, timely diagnosis and regular monitoring of the patient is essential. Here we present the case of a 46-year-old male patient with acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis occurring 5 years after a kidney transplantation. A skin biopsy detected human papillomavirus genotype 20 with low oncogenic potential. Accordingly, a follow-up interval of 1 year was determined. He was instructed to follow strict photoprotection and to visit earlier if atypical lesions appeared. Overall, our case emphasizes the consideration of possible squamous cell carcinoma in such patients and the importance of appropriate preventive measures.