What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• BA (Bacillary Angiomatosis)

What is Bacillary Angiomatosis? (Definition/Background Information)

• An angiomatosis is a benign condition, wherein there is a growth of small blood vessels involving multiple soft tissue types, organs, muscles, and bones. They are known to appear or spread across a large section of the body
• Bacillary Angiomatosis (BA) is a benign vascular tumor caused by infection with bacteria, namely Bartonella henselea or Bartonella quintana
• This tumor is commonly observed in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with AIDS, and can occur on the skin and mucus membranes. They can cause a variety of health concerns, depending on the tumor location and size
• Bacillary Angiomatosis is managed through treating the underlying immunosuppression and using antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection
• With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for the lesions can be excellent; however, it is also linked to the poor immune system causative factor

Who gets Bacillary Angiomatosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Bacillary Angiomatosis is generally seen in adults who are immunodeficient. However, it may affect a wide age range
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• There is no known ethnic or racial preference and Bacillary Angiomatosis is seen worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Bacillary Angiomatosis? (Predisposing Factors)

Immunocompromised individuals are at a high risk for Bacillary Angiomatosis. This may be caused by:

• HIV infection or AIDS
• Immunosuppression after major organ transplant

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What is the Cause of Bacillary Angiomatosis? (Etiology)

Bacillary Angiomatosis is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselea or Bartonella quintana in individuals with poor immunity.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bacillary Angiomatosis?

The presentations may be based on the location of Bacillary Angiomatosis. The signs and symptoms include:

• The lesions grows at a slow rate
• The lesions appear as raised pink papules
• They may occur on any part of the body, on the skin and mucus membrane
• Organs, such as the liver, can also be affected

How is Bacillary Angiomatosis Diagnosed?

Bacillary Angiomatosis is diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• CT, MRI scan of the affected region
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. The pathologist may use special techniques, such as immunohistochemistry stains, to help reveal the presence of bacteria

Note: Sometimes, the condition may resemble Kaposi sarcoma, and hence, a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Bacillary Angiomatosis?

The complications from Bacillary Angiomatosis could include:

• Ulceration of the lesions resulting in abscess formation
• Depending on the location of the tumor, they may cause cosmetic concerns and anxiety
• Large tumors may affect the function of organs, if they occur in them

How is Bacillary Angiomatosis Treated?

The treatment measures for Bacillary Angiomatosis include:

• Undertaking treatment of underlying immunosuppression
• Treating the bacterial infection with antibiotics: The administration of antibiotics can normally cause the tumors to shrink in size and disappear, resulting in a complete recovery. However, this may take over a month
• Since the tumors respond well to antibiotic therapy in most cases, a surgery to remove them is not usually necessary
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Bacillary Angiomatosis be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a way of preventing Bacillary Angiomatosis. However, undertaking a proper treatment of any longstanding immunocompromised condition is beneficial.

What is the Prognosis of Bacillary Angiomatosis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Bacillary Angiomatosis is generally excellent with appropriate treatment. A complete recovery can be expected through proper antibiotic treatment
• However, the prognosis is associated with the underlying condition causing a weak immune system

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bacillary Angiomatosis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/