Spinal Kaposi sarcoma presenting without cutaneous manifestations. Case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a frequent malignancy in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• KS typically manifests as skin lesions, making extraskeletal presentations uncommon.
• Spinal involvement by KS is exceptionally rare, particularly without cutaneous signs.

Observation:

• A 32-year-old male with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) presented with abdominal pain.
• Computed tomography (CT) revealed incidental lumbar spine lesions.
• Further imaging identified numerous lesions in the lumbosacral spine and pelvis.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination of an open biopsy confirmed Kaposi sarcoma.
• The patient exhibited no cutaneous lesions or other typical KS manifestations at presentation.
• This case represents a rare instance of spinal KS without skin involvement.

Implications:

• The findings suggest Kaposi sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal lesions in HIV-positive individuals.
• This case underscores the diverse clinical presentations of KS in the context of advanced HIV infection.
• Early recognition of extraskeletal KS is crucial for timely and appropriate management in immunocompromised patients.