Non-cutaneous AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma presenting as recurrent rectal abscesses. (20th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schulberg, Steven; Al-Feghali, Vanessa; Bain, Kevin; Shehebar, Josef
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-08-20
• Subjects: endoscopy -- hiv / aids -- oncology -- radiology; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225749
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Kaposi's sarcoma is a fatal disease that typically presents with cutaneous manifestations in immunocompromised individuals. There are a small number of documented cases where patients diagnosed with this disease present without cutaneous lesions. We present a 35-year-old man with recurrent rectal abscesses and fistula-in-ano, which required multiple drainage procedures. Further investigation revealed a diagnosis of HIV-AIDS, and biopsy of a rectal mass confirmed the diagnosis of visceral Kaposi's sarcoma, despite the absence of cutaneous involvement. Workup revealed hepatic metastasis and a second pulmonary primary malignancy. The patient denied chemotherapy or further intervention and was subsequently lost to follow-up. Prompt diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma and initiation of treatment is vital to decrease disease progression. A high index of suspicion should be present in immunocompromised patients, and clinicians must recognise atypical presentations in order to improve long-term survival.