Nonclassic Histologic Variants of Kaposi Sarcoma With Nonspecific Endoscopic Inflammatory Patterns: A Near-Miss Diagnosis Lookout in Gastrointestinal Tract Biopsies.

Context.—: The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most frequent extracutaneous site for Kaposi sarcoma (KS). However, GI-KS often displays nonspecific endoscopic findings with nonclassic histology in biopsies with a serious potential for a missed diagnosis. There is a paucity of studies discussing the histologic variants of GI-KS, coupled with reportedly high false-negative rates of GI-KS on endoscopic biopsies.

Objective.—: To present our single-institution large case analysis to further elucidate nonclassic histologic variants of GI-KS, with pathologic-endoscopic correlation.

Design.—: A retrospective pathology database search was performed to retrieve 44 GI-KS biopsies from 28 immunocompromised patients.

Results.—: We found that 64% (28 of 44) showed exclusive nonclassic histology mimicking varied inflammatory patterns, namely mucosal hemorrhage-like (n = 10; 23%), mucosal prolapse-like (n = 6; 14%), mucosal inflammation-like (n = 5; 11%), granulation tissue-like (n = 5; 11%), and dilated vascular- or lymphatic-like (n = 2; 5%) patterns. Classic morphology was seen in 16 biopsies (36%), with 11 (25%) also showing concomitant nonclassic histologic patterns. Endoscopically, most cases presented as nodules (n = 16; 36%), or inflammatory patterns (n = 11; 25%). Interestingly, 91% (10 of 11) presenting endoscopically as a nonspecific inflammatory pattern showed nonclassic histology. GI-KS preceded cutaneous diagnosis in 54% (15 of 28) of patients. Coexisting infectious or drug-associated pathology was seen in 18% (8 of 44) of biopsies, further confounding histologic assessment.

Conclusions.—: GI-KS often presents with nonspecific endoscopic and histologic findings, frequently mimicking benign reactive and inflammatory conditions. Awareness of the morphologic diversity of KS on limited biopsy material in the setting of immunosuppression is crucial for pathologists to actively consider this diagnosis even in the absence of known cutaneous KS or an endoscopic masslike lesion.