A Case Report: Disseminated AIDs-related Kaposi Sarcoma

Abstract

Background: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular tumor associated with the Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) virus and is common in patients with advanced HIV infection, especially those with low CD4 lymphocyte counts. It can occur in the skin, oral mucosa, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract, which has a high mortality rate.

Objective: To report a case study of an HIV patient diagnosed with invasive Kaposi sarcoma and emphasize the importance of diagnosis through skin lesion examination to prevent disease spread.

Method: We present a case study of a 25-year-old male patient who presented with chronic shortness of breath for 1 week and a purplish lesion in the oral cavity with skin rash for 1 month. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy results of skin and oral lesions and pathological examinations that showed characteristics of Kaposi sarcoma.

Results: This case report is a case report of invasive Kaposi sarcoma in an HIV patient from a regional hospital in Thailand. The patient was a 25-year-old homosexual male. A patient came to the hospital with shortness of breath for 1 week and a lump on the gums, along with a purple rash for 1 month. This patient was diagnosed with metastatic Kaposi's sarcoma. Later, the patient died from complications resulting from starting antiretroviral therapy and receiving chemotherapy at Songklanagarind Hospital. The purpose of writing this article is to consider the diagnosis in skin examination as a part of helping in diagnosing the disease and preventing it from spreading later if diagnosed early.

Conclusion: Early detection of skin lesions is important for diagnosing and preventing the spread of Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV patients. In addition, early initiation of antiretroviral therapy plays an important role in reducing the mortality rate of patients.