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Coexistence of Kaposi's sarcoma and tuberculosis in a renal transplant recipient
1Department of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong. awang@cuhk.edu.hk
Background:
We describe a case of Kaposi's sarcoma that developed in a renal transplant recipient as early as 5 months after the transplant.
Method:
The Kaposi's sarcoma evolved in an aggressive manner, involving the oral mucosa, the cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes, the gastrointestinal tract, and possibly the lung. Histological features of tuberculosis were also detected incidentally on an excisional biopsy of the lymph node. The patient was given 12 months of antituberculous chemotherapy. At the same time, immunosuppression was gradually tapered over a 2- to 3-week period.
Results:
Despite the aggressive nature of the disease, the Kaposi's sarcoma regressed completely without the institution of chemotherapy. The patient remained disease-free after a follow-up period of 30 months. The kidney allograft, however, was rejected and the patient required dialysis again.
Conclusion:
Although lymphadenopathy is a well-recognized feature in organ transplant recipients who develop Kaposi's sarcoma, one has to watch out for other coexisting diseases, such as tuberculosis, lymphoma, and cytomegalovirus infection.