Cutaneous Kaposi Sarcoma of a Non-HIV Infected Patient in Korea

Abstract

Aims: We present this case to report clinical knowledge about unusual feature of classic Kaposi sarcoma in Korea. Presentation of Case: We report on a case involving an unusual clinical feature of a 76-year-old HIV-seronegative, HHV-8 infected Korean male, which was histologically confirmed as cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma (KS) on the ankle and foot dorsum. Discussion: KS is an intermediate-grade angioproliferative neoplasm derived from lymphatic endothelium in association with AIDS and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) infections. The tumor does not commonly affect non-HIV infected persons. Development of the disease occurs through the complicated interplay of HHV-8 with genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors. We discuss several risk factors presenting in most patients but were not observed in this patient, who did not fit easily into any of the well-known subtypes. Conclusion: Diagnosis of KS is often not possible solely on the basis of morphological characteristics. Based on our review of the literature, this is a sporadic case of classic KS according to its unusual clinical features.