Pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma in AIDS

Lung Malignancies in HIV Infection

Pulmonary malignancies are a major source of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected persons. Non-AIDS-defining lung cancers (mostly non-small cell lung cancers) are now a leading cause of cancer death among HIV-infected persons. HIV-associated factors appear to affect the risk of lung cancer and may adversely impact cancer treatment and outcomes. HIV infection also may modify the potential harms and benefits of lung cancer screening with computed tomography. AIDS-defining lung malignancies include pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma and pulmonary lymphoma, both of which are less prevalent with widespread adoption of antiretroviral therapy.

Primary Kaposi's sarcoma of the nasal cavity: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Kaposi sarcoma is a neoplastic vascular disorder. It usually present on the skin of the upper and lower extremities, rarely in the mucosa of the head and neck. The most common sites reported are within the oral cavity, particularly on the palate. Other mucosal sites are rare. We present an unusual case where the primary manifestation of the Kaposi’s sarcoma was in the nasal mucosa.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old female of Mediterranean descent presented with a 1 year history of swelling on the left side of her nose, nasal obstruction and occasional minor epistaxes. Physical examination showed a firm and bulging polypoid mass which filled the left nasal cavity without cutaneous lesions.

Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a tumor, measuring 77 mm in diameter, occupying the left nasal cavity causing erosion of nasal septum and extending posteriorly to the left choana and nasopharynx. There was bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Patient treated with chemotherapy alone. She was in a complete response after the first cycle. The patient received no further treatment. She needs a regular medical checkups that include a review of a patient’s medical history and a complete physical exam. She is in excellent local control over 12 months.

Conclusions

A review of the literature revealed that only seven cases of primary Kaposi sarcoma of the nasal cavity have previously been published and only two of them presented in a patient not associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Here, we report the third case where the primary manifestation of the Kaposi sarcoma was in the nasal cavity in a patient with an adequate immune system.

Bilateral Chest X-Ray Shadowing and Bilateral leg lesions - A case of Pulmonary Kaposi Sarcoma

We report a case of a 30 year old gentleman seen on the respiratory ward with no significant past medical history presenting with a three week history of worsening dyspnoea, productive cough, fever, bilateral leg swelling and bilateral leg swelling. Initial differential diagnosis included community-acquired pneumonia, cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis. After much investigation a diagnosis of AIDS-related kaposi's sarcoma with visceral manifestations was made.

Case Report: Pulmonary Kaposi Sarcoma in a non-HIV patient

Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative tumor associated with human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8).  Often known as one of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining skin diseases, pulmonary involvement in KS has only been discussed in a handful of case reports, rarely in a non-HIV patient. Herein we report the case of a 77 year-old- male who presented with a 6-week history of progressive dyspnea on exertion accompanied by productive cough of yellow sputum and intermittent hemoptysis. His past medical history was significant for Non-Hodgkin's Follicular B-Cell Lymphoma (NHL). Patient also had biopsy-confirmed cutaneous KS. His physical exam was notable for a 2cm firm, non-tender, mobile right submandibular lymph node.  Lungs were clear to auscultation. He had multiple violet non-tender skin lesions localized to the lower extremities. CT scan of the chest showed numerous nodular opacities and small pleural effusions in both lungs. A thoracenthesis was performed, showing sero-sanguineous exudative effusions. Histopathology failed to demonstrate malignant cells or lymphoma. A subsequent bronchoscopy revealed diffusely hyperemic, swollen mucosa of the lower airways with mucopurulent secretions. Bronchoalveolar lavage PCR for HHV-8 showed 5800 DNA copies/mL.  It was believed that his pulmonary symptoms were likely due to disseminated KS.  This case illustrates the potential for significant lung injury from KS. It also demonstrates the use of PCR for HHV-8 to diagnose KS in a bronchoalveolar lavage sample in a case when bronchoscopic biopsy was not safe. Furthermore, this case is unique in that the patient did not match the typical KS subgroups as HIV infection and other immune disorders were ruled out. Recognition of this syndrome is critical to the institution of appropriate therapy. As such, this case should be of interest to a broad readership across internal medicine including the specialties of Pulmonology and Critical Care.

Isolated kaposi sarcoma of the tonsil: a case report and review of the scientific literature

Kaposi sarcoma is a tumour caused by human herpes virus 8, also known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus. It usually affects the skin and oral mucosa; however, it can also sometimes affect the lungs, the liver, the stomach, the bowel, and lymph nodes. Several body sites may be affected simultaneously. The involvement of the tonsils is rare. We described an isolated localization of Kaposi's sarcoma of the right tonsil in a HIV-positive patient.