Kaposi's sarcoma and community-acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), or idiopathic multiple hemorrhagic sarcoma, has heretofore been considered an indolent disease of the elderly, which also occurs in immunosuppressed hosts. Within the last two years, an epidemic of a community-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and disseminated KS has been reported in various population groups across the United States. The head and neck manifestations of KS in AIDS and our experience at UCLA are reviewed. Of 45 patients with AIDS, 18 (40%) had initial disease in the head and neck region. Most commonly, dermal lesions (44%), oropharyngeal lesions (39%), and cervical lymphadenopathy (33%) were noted. One patient had coexistent lymphoma. Six patients (33%) died of opportunistic infections. Head and neck lesions often herald more extensive disease. Early recognition of AIDS is important for complete patient evaluation as well as for personal safety.