Kaposi Sarcoma in Two Lung Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Transplantation
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) is a vascular malignancy often associated with immunosuppression, notably in individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
• Lung transplant recipients face an elevated risk of KS due to potent immunosuppressive therapies.
• This risk is linked to human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection, either transmitted from the donor or reactivated in the recipient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe two cases of pulmonary Kaposi's Sarcoma in lung transplant recipients.
• To review the diagnostic approaches and bronchoscopic findings associated with pulmonary KS.
• To discuss current treatment and surveillance strategies for this condition in lung transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

• Case report review of two lung transplant recipients diagnosed with pulmonary KS.
• Analysis of diagnostic procedures, including bronchoscopy and histopathological examination.
• Literature review on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of pulmonary KS in transplant populations.

Main Results:

• Both presented cases involved lung transplant recipients with pulmonary KS and unfavorable outcomes.
• Diagnostic challenges were encountered, underscoring the importance of high clinical suspicion.
• Treatment strategies varied, with limited efficacy observed in these severe cases.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary KS is a rare but serious complication in lung transplant recipients.
• Early diagnosis and vigilant surveillance are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal therapeutic and management guidelines.