Disseminated Kaposi’s sarcoma in patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

Kaposis sarcoma is the most common acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining malignancy. With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy into practice, the incidence of Kaposis sarcoma has declined significantly. However, cases associated with late diagnosis of HIV infection are still recorded. Herein, we present the clinical case of a patient with HIV infection and generalized Kaposis sarcoma with multiple lesions in the skin, mucous membranes, and organs. If the lesions in the skin and mucous membranes did not cause difficulties, distinguishing pulmonary lesions from disseminated tuberculosis and cytomegalovirus infection is difficult. Extremely severe Kaposis sarcoma with an unfavorable outcome is caused by severe immunosuppression and, apparently, an inflammatory immune reconstitution syndrome. In autopsy, in addition to the skin and oral mucosal lesions, foci in the epiglottis, larynx, trachea, lungs, colon, duodenum, peribronchial, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and lumbar muscles were noted. Diagnosing internal organ involvement in Kaposis sarcoma is not easy and requires the involvement of specialists in various fields.