Gastric Kaposi sarcoma presenting as an upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a non-AIDS patient

Elahe Zanganeh; Seyed Ashkan Hosseini; Mehdi Alimadadi; Mohammadreza Seyyedmajidi

doi:10.22088/cjim.12.0.413

Gastric Kaposi sarcoma presenting as an upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a non-AIDS patient

Caspian J Intern Med. 2021;12(Suppl 2):S413-S416. doi: 10.22088/cjim.12.0.413.

Authors

Elahe Zanganeh¹, Seyed Ashkan Hosseini², Mehdi Alimadadi¹, Mohammadreza Seyyedmajidi¹

Affiliations

¹ Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (GRCGH), Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
² Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Majority of the patients affected by Kaposi sarcoma (KS) have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) lessened the incidence of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)- related KS. Cutaneous signs are the most common, but involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is very important and dangerous because of serious complications including perforation and bleeding.

Case presentation: This report is a rare case of gastric-KS presenting as melena in a non-AIDS 67-year-old woman. We describe the diagnosis and management of this rare complication.

Conclusion: GI-KS is often asymptomatic with different endoscopic appearances, and maybe present without cutaneous lesions. Thus, a high diagnostic suspicion is needed and we should attend these GI complications.

Keywords: Kaposi sarcoma; Non-AIDS; Upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Publication types

Case Reports