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07:02
Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Gastrointestinal Kaposi sarcoma with appendiceal involvement
Steve Egwuonwu1, Cara Gatto-Weis, Roberto Miranda
1Department of Internal Medicine and Pathology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA. Steveoge76@yahoo.com
Southern Medical Journal
|May 25, 2011
Summary
This case highlights appendiceal Kaposi sarcoma, a rare gastrointestinal manifestation in an HIV-positive individual. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing this aggressive vascular tumor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm often associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- Gastrointestinal involvement of KS can present with diverse symptoms, including abdominal pain and bleeding.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old HIV-positive male, not on antiretroviral therapy, presented with abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and melena.
- Endoscopy identified Kaposi sarcoma in the stomach and duodenum.
- Subsequent exploratory laparotomy revealed extensive gastrointestinal KS with appendiceal involvement.
Findings:
- The patient underwent appendectomy for appendiceal KS with acute abdomen.
- Histopathological confirmation of Kaposi sarcoma in the appendix was established.
- Literature review indicates appendiceal KS is a rare but critical presentation of disseminated KS.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering KS in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal pathologies in immunocompromised patients.
- Appendiceal KS, though rare, necessitates prompt recognition and management.
- Surgical intervention, such as appendectomy, can lead to favorable outcomes in selected cases of appendiceal KS.
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