Pulmonary Kaposi Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Kaposi sarcoma is the most common neoplasm associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. It commonly affects the skin and visceral organs. The commonest organs affected are the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. A 40 year old HIV positive homosexual male presented with fever, intractable cough and dyspnea. He was noted with non blanching purple skin lesions all over his body. CD4 count was 63 cells/mm3and viral load of 50,000. Computed Tomography revealed multiple opacities and pulmonary nodules. Biopsy of the skin lesion confirmed Kaposi sarcoma. Bronchoscopy revealed multiple endobronchial KS lesions. Biopsy of endobronchial lesion confirmed pulmonary KS. He was initiated on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Chemotherapy was subsequently added. He responded well to treatment. Pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma can occur with or without cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma lesions. HAART is the mainstay of treatment.