Corticosteroid induced, HHV-8 positive Kaposi’s sarcoma in a non-HIV elderly patient
Keywords:
Kaposi sarcoma, corticosteroids, HHV-8, HIV/AIDS
Abstract
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/44-1-9317
Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) was first described in 1872 by Moritz Kaposi. In 1994, Chang et al. first identified DNA sequences corresponding to human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) in AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma biopsies. It is now believed that presence of HHV-8 is necessary but not sufficient to cause KS. Other factors like immunosuppressive therapy also play a role. We describe an HIV-negative elderly patient who developed KS of skin and mucous membrane after prolonged use of corticosteroids for knee pain. The patient was positive for HHV-8.
- Figure 1 Discrete, violaceous lesions of Kaposi’s sarcoma on the arm and thigh of a Kashmiri male
- Figure 2 Typical lesions of Kaposi’s sarcoma on the lower limb of an elderly Kashmiri male, showing confluence.
- Figure 3 Violaceous nodules and plaques of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Note also edema of the hand.
- Figure 4 Characteristic patches of Kaposi’s sarcoma on the hard and soft palate of an HIV-negative elderly patient due to corticosteroids.
- Figure 5 Micro-section from plaque shows dilated, irregular new vessels and pre-existing vessels in the dermis. Also seen are few scattered spindle cells (H & E× 400).
- Figure 6 Micro-section from nodule shows fascicles of spindle cells in the dermis and superficial subcutis.
- Figure 7 Immunohistochemistry. The section immune-stained for CD31, highlights tumor cells in the vessels and in the stroma.
Published
2012-08-15
Issue
Section
Case Reports
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