Oral Kaposi sarcoma: a case of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

Microscopic diversity in oral Kaposi sarcoma

“…The impact and effects are far-reaching, being no more prevalent than in South Africa that is currently home to more HIV-infected persons than any other country. 5,7,8,10,11,15 OKS is most prevalent in epidemic forms of disease, occurring at all stages of HIV infection. End-stage disease (AIDS) correlates strongly with a higher clinical prevalence with lesional aggression indicating immune deterioration, low CD4 cell count and increased HHV-8 viral loads.…”

“…2,3 The earliest classic form of KS as first described by Moritz Kaposi in 1872 runs a protracted yet indolent course. 4,5 Iatrogenic KS (transplantation associated) occurs in patients on 3 immunosuppressive therapy and expresses borderline to intermediate behavioral qualities. Endemic (African) KS and epidemic (HIV/AIDS associated) KS are far more aggressive, fulminant forms of disease with potentially fatal consequences.…”

“…The oral cavity represents the initial site of KS in up to 22% of cases, often being the first clinical indication of HIV infection in previously undiagnosed individuals. 5,11 Furthermore, oral Kaposi sarcoma (OKS) is prognostically significant 4 in antiretroviral naive patients, portending far greater mortality than KS in untreated patients with cutaneous lesions only. [12][13][14] The microscopic features of KS are for the most part easy to recognize; nevertheless, the increasing number of morphologic variants as reported in cutaneous KS potentially presents a diagnostic obstacle for the histopathologist.…”

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy–Associated Flare of Oropharyngeal Kaposi Sarcoma

“…Oral cavity KS is also associated with higher death rates when compared with cutaneous KS alone. 2 Furthermore, oral cavity KS is a prognostic marker of an individual's response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). 3 Despite the role of HAART in effecting stabilization, regression, and a significant reduction in the incidence and morbidity of KS, 4 adverse clinical events that are temporally associated with the onset of HAART are being increasingly recognized.…”

The microscopic diversity of oral kaposi sarcoma

“…The oral cavity represents the initial site of KS in up to 22% of cases, often being the first clinical indication of HIV infection in previously undiagnosed individuals. 5,11 Furthermore, oral Kaposi sarcoma (OKS) is prognostically significant 4 in antiretroviral naive patients, portending far greater mortality than KS in untreated patients with cutaneous lesions only.…”