Castleman disease in an HIV-infected patient with Kaposi sarcoma

Abstract

Multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a heterogeneous lymphoproliferative disorder, characterized by systemic symptoms, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, proteinuria, and rash. The clinical course is variable and may range from indolent to aggressive, fulminating in a rapidly fatal illness. Mortality is usually from infective complications and less commonly from malignancies, such as lymphoma or Kaposi sarcoma. The association of concurrent or preceding Castleman disease with Kaposi sarcoma is well documented. Castleman disease developed in a 51-year-old patient with AIDS about 10 months after diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma. MCD was found to be associated with human herpesvirus 8/Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.