Primary Gastrointestinal Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma: A Rare Pediatric Case Report.

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare, human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)-associated vascular tumor that primarily affects the skin but can involve visceral organs, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. While iatrogenic KS is well-documented in adults, isolated gastrointestinal involvement in pediatric cases remains unreported. We describe a 16-year-old HIV-negative male with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) who initially presented with inflammatory bowel disease-like symptoms and was treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Over 17 months, he developed recurrent infections, hepatosplenomegaly, and ultimately intestinal perforation, necessitating emergency colectomy. Histopathology confirmed iatrogenic KS, highlighting the need for increased awareness of this rare malignancy in immunocompromised pediatric patients and carefully balancing the risks of long-term immunosuppressive therapy.