Kaposi's sarcoma of internal organs. A multiparameter study of 86 cases

Abstract

Background. During the past decade, Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), one of the most common acquired immune deficiency syndrome‐defining diseases, has been the subject of sustained research. However, basic questions about its etiology, histogenesis, growth, and dissemination remain unanswered. Even its nature, whether hyperplasia or neoplasia, is still controversial. Most studies and concepts to date have been based on dermatologic KS. The present study, in contrast, examines by various parameters a series of patients with KS of internal organs. Materials and Methods. The series includes 86 cases (39 surgical specimens and 47 autopsies) of visceral and disseminated KS. The study is focused on the gross distribution of lesions, the mode of dissemination, the histologic patterns, and the cellular immunophenotypes, which are investigated with the use of 18 monoclonal antibodies. Results. The involvement of various organs, multiplicity of lesions, and progression of tumors were recorded. Seven histologic patterns forming a spectrum of cellular differentiation were distinguished. Immunophenotypes characteristic for different histologic patterns were recognized. Although some cell markers such as those recognized by antibodies against Factor VIII R‐Ag, Actin, and Ulex europaeus were restricted to the well differentiated KS cells, others including CD34 and CD31 demonstrated a strong affinity for the entire spectrum of KS cell differentiation. Conclusion. The present study of KS of internal organs revealed that poor grades of histologic and immunophenotypic differentiation correlated with invasion and dissemination, which are fundamental characteristics of malignant tumors. Cancer 1995;75:1376‐85.

AIDS-Related Malignancies: Emerging Challenges in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

“…Almost no organ is spared from involvement with KS. Autopsy series frequently describe KS involvement of lymph nodes, liver, pancreas, heart, and testes [31].…”

Severe gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to primary intestinal kaposi’s sarcoma — a case report

“…Severe GI bleeding necessitating repeated blood transfusion is rare and there are no documented reports of this eventuation in our sub region and scanty reports worldwide [4,5,8]. Earlier cases reported include GI secondaries in a patient with stable cutaneous disease [5], HIVinfected individual [8] and a patient on immunosuppressive therapy following cadaveric renal transplantation [4]. The patient we report here is a heterosexual, HIV-negative man who is not on any immunosuppressive therapy and has no cutaneous lesions.…”

“…Gastrointestinal KS, either primary or metastatic, is usually indolent [4,5,7] and when it occurs, may present as intestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, multiple intra-abdominal masses or occult blood loss and chronic anaemia. Severe GI bleeding necessitating repeated blood transfusion is rare and there are no documented reports of this eventuation in our sub region and scanty reports worldwide [4,5,8]. Earlier cases reported include GI secondaries in a patient with stable cutaneous disease [5], HIVinfected individual [8] and a patient on immunosuppressive therapy following cadaveric renal transplantation [4].…”

Gastric and Peritoneal Involvement of Human Herpes Virus 8 Related Kaposi Sarcoma in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

“…However, peritoneal carcinomatosis is a rare feature and MCD and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) must be considered in these cases [2] . In the case of this patient, immunohistochemistry analysis identified KS cell deposits and the widespread intrabdominal extension provides an explanation for ascites and carcinomatosis.…”