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Non-cutaneous AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma presenting as recurrent rectal abscesses
Steven Schulberg1, Vanessa Al-Feghali1, Kevin Bain1
1Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
BMJ Case Reports
|August 23, 2018
Summary
Visceral Kaposi's sarcoma can occur without skin lesions in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates in these atypical cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an opportunistic malignancy often associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Typical KS presentation involves skin lesions, but visceral involvement without cutaneous signs is documented.
- Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for developing KS.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male presented with recurrent rectal abscesses and fistula-in-ano.
- Diagnostic workup revealed HIV-AIDS and a rectal mass.
- Biopsy confirmed visceral Kaposi's sarcoma, with no cutaneous manifestations.
Findings:
- The patient had hepatic metastasis and a secondary pulmonary primary malignancy.
- The diagnosis was visceral Kaposi's sarcoma in the absence of skin lesions.
- The patient opted against further treatment and was lost to follow-up.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering visceral Kaposi's sarcoma in immunocompromised patients with non-specific symptoms.
- Emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for atypical KS presentations.
- Underscores that prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital for improving patient outcomes and survival in complex cases.