Unusual eruption of cutaneous metastases from occult gastric carcinoma shortly after HIV-1 infection

Cutis. 1993 Sep;52(3):173-6.

Abstract

We report a case of eruptive metastases to the skin of the face and neck from a hitherto unknown gastric carcinoma, occurring in a fifty-two-year-old man (a regular blood donor), about six months after he contracted human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection. The eruption, consisting of more than thirty pea-sized cutaneous nodules appeared within about twenty days. The patient complained of epigastric pain and weight loss. Histologic examination showed signet-ring cells of gastric carcinoma metastases. Gastroscopic examination showed a widely infiltrating tumor. No metastases were found elsewhere after a careful screening. Immunologic variables were only slightly altered. This case and a brief review suggest that gastric carcinomas, possibly as well as other coincidental tumors, may present atypically during human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / complications*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology
  • Time Factors