Biomaterial Database

Pathophysiology and epidemiology of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma. 1987

B Safai

The epidemic form of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) that occurs in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) produces lesions that, histopathologically, are indistinguishable from those of classical KS or of the endemic form of the disease seen in children and adults in certain areas of Africa. There are, however, important differences in the pathogenesis of the disease in the different groups affected by the neoplasm. Compared with classical KS in people of eastern European and Mediterranean descent, which commonly takes a protracted, indolent course, the epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (EKS) is far more aggressive. However, the KS seen in adults in endemic areas of Africa may also become florid and rapidly progressive after years of quiescence. Some degree of immune dysfunction is thought to be a factor in all forms of KS, with immune depression being the hallmark of EKS and the setting in which it occurs. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is thought to be at least a cofactor in the disease, but it has also been suggested that the etiologic agent of AIDS, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), may also play a role in EKS.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000163	Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome	An acquired defect of cellular immunity associated with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a CD4-positive T-lymphocyte count under 200 cells/microliter or less than 14% of total lymphocytes, and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and malignant neoplasms. Clinical manifestations also include emaciation (wasting) and dementia. These elements reflect criteria for AIDS as defined by the CDC in 1993.	AIDS,Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired,Immunologic Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired,Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome,Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome,Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome,Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndromes,Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromes,Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired,Immuno-Deficiency Syndromes, Acquired,Immunodeficiency Syndromes, Acquired,Syndrome, Acquired Immuno-Deficiency,Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency,Syndromes, Acquired Immuno-Deficiency,Syndromes, Acquired Immunodeficiency
D012514	Sarcoma, Kaposi	A multicentric, malignant neoplastic vascular proliferation characterized by the development of bluish-red cutaneous nodules, usually on the lower extremities, most often on the toes or feet, and slowly increasing in size and number and spreading to more proximal areas. The tumors have endothelium-lined channels and vascular spaces admixed with variably sized aggregates of spindle-shaped cells, and often remain confined to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, but widespread visceral involvement may occur. Kaposi's sarcoma occurs spontaneously in Jewish and Italian males in Europe and the United States. An aggressive variant in young children is endemic in some areas of Africa. A third form occurs in about 0.04% of kidney transplant patients. There is also a high incidence in AIDS patients. (From Dorland, 27th ed & Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, pp2105-7) HHV-8 is the suspected cause.	Kaposi Sarcoma,Kaposi's Sarcoma,Multiple Idiopathic Pigmented Hemangiosarcoma,Kaposis Sarcoma,Sarcoma, Kaposi's