J Korean Med Sci.  2001 Feb;16(1):130-134. 10.3346/jkms.2001.16.1.130.

Kaposi's sarcoma occurring during short-term dialysis: report of two cases

• Herr H
• Kim JU
• Kang GH
• Moon KC
• Koh JK

• KMID: 1066509
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2001.16.1.130

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) appears to develop in association with kidney transplantation, but unlikely with dialysis. We report two cases of classic KS that occurred in patients receiving short-term (less than 3 yr) dialysis. They have been suffering from chronic renal failure due to tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, respectively. Several to multiple, reddened-violaceous patches, plaques and nodules were found on the hand and the lower extremities. Laboratory studies showed no evidence suggesting immunosuppressed state and there was no history of taking immunosuppressive agents. The biopsies of the two cases revealed proliferation of spindle-shaped cells focally arranged in bundles and multiple dilated vascular spaces outlined by an attenuated endothelium with intravascular and extravasated erythrocytes. The specimens expressed positivity with CD34 antigen. Human herpesvirus 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) was detected in one case by polymerase chain reaction method.

Keyword

Sarcoma, Kaposi's; Dialysis; Antigens, CD34; Herpesvirus, Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated

MeSH Terms

Aged
Case Report
Herpesvirus, Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated/isolation & purification
Human
Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects
Male
Middle Age
Renal Dialysis/adverse effects*
Sarcoma, Kaposi/virology
Sarcoma, Kaposi/therapy
Sarcoma, Kaposi/etiology*