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Disseminated AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma without cutaneous involvement: a case report and review of literature

  • Case Report - Pathology
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Abstract

Disseminated AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) without cutaneous lesions is rare and can present in varying ways. Diagnosis is even more challenging now when incidence of KS is on the decline. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, the medical literature should be made aware of any manifestations of KS that can occur without the typical cutaneous lesions. A 23-year-old presented with worsening cervical lymphadenopathy, recurrent cough and bilateral leg swelling of a month duration. Examination revealed features of pericardial effusion, pulmonary fibrosis, necrotizing cervical lymphadenopathy and the presence of pityriasis rotunda at the periumbilical region. Patient was diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive 6 months before she presented and was placed on antiretroviral therapy. Histology confirmed AIDS-associated KS. However, patient died before commencement of chemotherapy. The clinical course of disseminated AIDS-associated KS without cutaneous lesions can be atypical and aggressive. It is important to include KS in the differential diagnosis of cases with atypical or persistence/recurrence of clinical symptoms in spite of treatment especially in HIV patients.

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Acknowledgements

We want to acknowledge the family and nursing staff of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada, Abuja.

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No funding was received.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

    Vera Mbamulu & Grace A. Otokpa

  2. Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

    Bob A. Ukonu & Perpetua U. Ibekwe

Authors
  1. Vera Mbamulu
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  2. Grace A. Otokpa
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  3. Bob A. Ukonu
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  4. Perpetua U. Ibekwe
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All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Perpetua U. Ibekwe.

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Mbamulu, V., Otokpa, G.A., Ukonu, B.A. et al. Disseminated AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma without cutaneous involvement: a case report and review of literature. Int Canc Conf J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13691-024-00671-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13691-024-00671-9

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