Classic Kaposi Sarcoma from North-East India: A case report

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade vascular neoplasm caused by proliferation of lymphatic endothelium associated with human herpes-8 (HHV-8) infection. An 81-year-old male presented with 1-year history of multiple brownish papular lesions on lower limbs. He gave no history of high risk behaviour or treatment with immunosuppressants. Cutaneous examination revealed bluish-black discrete papules, small nodules and non-pitting edema on lower limbs, and large ulcerative plaques on left foot. Mucous membranes, lymph nodes and systemic examination were normal. Histopathological examination of the papular lesions showed spindle cell proliferation and vascular slits with extravasated red blood cells. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was negative. However, total lymphocyte and absolute CD4+ T lymphocytes counts were reduced. We report this case of Classic Kaposi sarcoma (CKS) because of it’s rarity in India as well as being the first report from Northeast India, indicating wide ethnic and geographical distribution of this condition.