A Case of Kaposi’s Sarcoma during Primary HIV-1 Infection

Abstract

The majority of cases of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) occur at low CD4 counts during chronic HIV-1 infection. We present a case of KS which was diagnosed during primary HIV-1 infection. This report aims to draw attention that KS may occur early in the course of HIV-1 infection and that primary HIV-1 infection may rapidly progress to AIDS.

Kaposi sarcoma in an individual recently diagnosed with HIV

“…To our knowledge, only a single other case report discusses KS diagnosis during the period of primary HIV infection. However, that patient’s symptoms appeared 11 weeks after HIV diagnosis [14] whereas our patient’s symptoms of Kaposi Sarcoma happened 4 to 5 weeks prior to diagnosis of HIV. Review of the literature revealed a case of an individual diagnosed with AIDS and KS simultaneously [18] .…”

“…One month later, he received the biopsy that revealed the additional diagnosis of KS. The patient tested positive Kaposi sarcoma can occur as quickly as 24 months after the primary HIV infection but it is extremely rare to see Kaposi sarcoma during the primary HIV infection [14] . Based on the patient’s clinical presentation, it is most likely that he has classic KS rather than AIDS-related KS.…”