HHV8-Associated Multicentric Castleman Disease: A Case Report on a Rare Complication of HIV in a Low-Income Setting

We present the case of an HIV-positive man diagnosed with multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection, complicated by renal failure. This subtype of an otherwise rare disease is a complication of HIV and HHV8 infection. The diagnosis and management of HHV8-MCD in the developing world is challenging-in part due to its rarity, but largely due to the limited access to histology and other laboratory services. Our case presented with a confusing constellation of symptoms and was diagnosed with MCD on histology. Here we discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of HHV8-MCD in the context of HIV infection in a resource-limited setting, in the hope that greater awareness will lead to more prompt recognition.