Disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma With Gastrointestinal Involvement and Primary Effusion Lymphoma in an Untreated HIV Patient: A Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) are human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)-associated malignancies that occur predominantly in individuals with advanced, untreated HIV. We report a 30-year-old male patient with untreated HIV who presented with progressive dyspnea, cough, abdominal pain, and widespread violaceous skin lesions. Imaging revealed bilateral pleural effusions and extensive lymphadenopathy. Biopsies confirmed disseminated KS involving the skin, lymph nodes, and gastrointestinal tract, while pleural fluid cytology and immunophenotypic analysis were diagnostic of PEL. Despite initiation of antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy, the patient developed refractory effusions, pancytopenia, and ultimately multiorgan and respiratory failure. This case highlights the aggressive nature of dual HHV-8-driven malignancies in untreated HIV patients and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt antiretroviral initiation.
Source: Cureus
Authors: Amro Al Radaideh, Amritpal Jagra, Murad Qirem, Ruhma Ali, Ahmad Habbas, Shahd Yaghi, Samer Jumean, Ismail Althunibat, Richard Miller, Hari O Sharma, Nirav Mistry
Institutions: Saint Michael's Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7118160882