KS and GI involvement

Q: 58 years old Greek male is admitted to ICU with hypovolemia, severe diarrhea, hematemesis, and bleeding from the rectum. CT scan is highly suspicious for iոtսѕѕսѕϲерtion, and perforation has been reported. Lab workup showed protein-losing enteropathy. Upper endoscopy and lower endoscopy are performed with biopsy. A mucosal biopsy was positive for Kaposi Sarcoma (KS). The patient probably has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), proven otherwise.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Although KS can involve any mucosal lining, Gastrointestinal tract (GI) involvement is common. Interestingly, GI or oral mucosal involvement is less common with AIDS-related ΚS.

On the other hand, the presence of regional nodal involvement is more common in AIDS-related ΚЅ, but the presence of nodal disease does not worsen the overall prognosis.

Lung, liver, bone, and bone marrow involvement is extremely rare.

#oncology 

#GI

#ID

References:

1. Balachandra B, Tunitsky E, Dawood S, et al. Classic Kaposi's sarcoma presenting first with gastrointestinal tract involvement in a HIV-negative Inuit male--a case report and review of the literature. Pathol Res Pract 2006; 202:623.

2. Neff R, Kremer S, Voutsinas L, et al. Primary Kaposi's sarcoma of the ileum presenting as massive rectal bleeding. Am J Gastroenterol 1987; 82:276.

3. Cottoni F, Masala MV, Piras P, et al. Mucosal involvement in classic Kaposi's sarcoma. Br J Dermatol 2003; 148:1273.

4. Kolios G, Kaloterakis A, Filiotou A, et al. Gastroscopic findings in Mediterranean Kaposi's sarcoma (non-AIDS). Gastrointest Endosc 1995; 42:336.