Rafael do Valle Reem Ayoub Henry Lim Marshall Hall Michael Carletti Stephen Weis
UNTHSC HCA Healthcare
01-01-2025
Introduction: Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is a soft tissue sarcoma that affects the linings of blood and lymphatic vessels. It occurs, primarily in immunocompromised individuals. It is caused by the Human Her..
Introduction: Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is a soft tissue sarcoma that affects the linings of blood and lymphatic vessels. It occurs, primarily in immunocompromised individuals. It is caused by the Human Herpesvirus 8. There are four recognized forms of KS: AIDS-related, iatrogenic, classic, and endemic. Each form varies in demographics and manifestation. AIDS-related KS occurs in HIV-positive individuals, while iatrogenic KS develops in transplant patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Classic KS is typically seen in elderly males from specific geographic regions, and endemic KS affects young individuals in certain areas of Africa. Clinical manifestations of KS include red, purple, or brown papules or plaques. In addition, Kaposi's sarcoma can affect all visceral organs and the lymphatic system; notably, pulmonary involvement can be fatal. If left untreated, KS can lead to complications such as lymphedema, lymphadenopathy, and secondary malignancies. Treatment strategies depend on the specific type of KS, with AIDS-related KS often managed through Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to control HIV.