Kaposi sarcoma in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an uncommon vascular neoplasm associated with human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) infection. Lesions predominantly present at mucocutaneous sites, but may involve other organs. Epidemiological-clinical forms of KS include classic, endemic, AIDS associated and iatrogenic KS. KS is one of the most common AIDS defining malignancy. Lesions evolve from early (patch stage) macule into plaque stage and nodule stage. Diagnosis is made through clinical, histopathological findings and specific immunohistochemical markers for HHV8. Treatment is either by means of destructive procedures and systemic therapy in case of multiorgan involvement. This report is a case of classic KS in a 74-year nondiabetic, non hypertensive female, with no significant surgical, sexual or history of immunosuppression for the occurrence of KS. This case throws light on addressing KS in an immunocompetent patient or a newer variant of KS yet to be researched upon, which can go clinically misdiagnosed due to lack of significant history.