Primary gastric Kaposi's sarcoma presenting first with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain: A case report

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common tumour among human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) infected individuals, but its involvement of the gastrointestinal tract was reported long before the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Although most cases of gastrointestinal KS are asymptomatic, advanced lesions may occasionally result in a severe life-threatening haemorrhage that requires immediate treatment. Endoscopy, with biopsy of suspicious lesions is necessary to make the diagnosis and is recommended in all HIV antibody positive patients with persistent upper gastrointestinal symptoms.We describe a patient with primary gastrointestinal involvement by KS who presented first with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain and no other stigmata. Afterwards, the diagnosis of an HIV infection was made. South African Gastroenterology Review Vol. 6 (1) 2008: pp. 5-7