AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma: 22 cases

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated malignancy. Our aim was to analyse the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic findings in AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma diagnosed between 1991 and 2005. Epidemiological data, the stage of human immunodeficiency virus's (HIV) infection, clinical characteristics of Kaposi's sarcoma, treatment rendered and outcome were collected. The search of HHV8 was not done. RESULTS: Twenty two patients were included. They were 17 men and 5 females (sex-ratio=3.4/ 1) with a mean age of 33.6 years at the diagnosis of HIV infection. The Kaposi's sarcoma appeared after a period varying between 0 and 10 years. The Kaposi's sarcoma uncovered the infection in 5 cases. There were 6 homosexual men. The mean rate of CD4 was 216 21/mm3 at the diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma. All patients had skin lesions. Mucocutaneous lesions were isolated in 12 cases and associated with visceral involvement in 10 cases; lung (10 cases), gastrointestinal tract (5 cases), lymphadenopathy (5 cases), liver (4 cases), spleen (2 cases). Antiretroviral therapy was prescribed for 13 patients. Six patients received chemotherapy and 3 others radiotherapy. Outcome was favourable in 4 cases with a partial improvement of the skin lesions in 3 cases and a complete regression in 1 case. Twelve patients died. CONCLUSION: AIDS associated Kaposi's sarcoma is a severe condition because of visceral localisations and the field of immunodeficiency. It requires a precocious diagnosis and collaboration. The identification of HHV8 in the aetiopathogenic mechanism of Kaposi's sarcoma can lead to the development new therapeutic approaches.