Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, Martha; CONTRERAS, Ismael; ROJAS, Joselyn  and  BERMUDEZ, Valmore. Disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma associated with use of corticosteroids in a patient with AIDS. AVFT [online]. 2014, vol.33, n.2, pp.69-75. ISSN 0798-0264.

Kaposi´s sarcoma is a frequently observed neoplasia in AIDS patients. It has been considered an opportunistic disease, due to the need for immunosupression as the main independent factor for Kaposi´s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) replication and lytic cicle. This disease is characterized for deep purple lesions, of various shapes and sizes, which could also comprime extra-cutaneous organs such as digestive system, respiratory and urinary track. The present case concerns a 37 year old, homosexual male, which is sent to the STD/AIDS consult for skin lesions that worsened after treatment with prednisone for (30 mg/day) 3 months. The patient refers cough, tiredness, and weakness, associated with bilateral pleural effusion , CD4⁺ count of 245 cells xmm³, and a 4^th generation ELISA positive for HIV. HAART was initiated with Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Abacavir/Lamivudina, accompanied skin biopsy, and initiation of Trimetropin Sulfametoxazol and Pravamycin for 2 months for opportunistic infections. Two months later, skin biopsy confirms Kaposi´s sarcoma, and chemotherapy with Adriamicine, Vincristine, and Bleomycin was added. Seven months later, the patient has evolved satisfactorily, with 40% improvement of the lesions, which has allowed him to return to his work-related activities.

Keywords : Kaposi´s Sarcoma; KSHV; HIV/AIDS; immunosupression; steroids; HAART; chemotherapy.