[Protein-losing enteropathy syndrome caused by a localization of Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS]

Abstract

A 35-year-old HIV positive patient with skin and gastrointestinal localization of a Kaposi's sarcoma was admitted for severe diffuse edema. Increased alpha-I-antitrypsin clearance (150 ml/24 h) allowed us to confirm the diagnosis of protein loosing enteropathy resulting from sarcoma infiltration in the stomach, the duodenum and the entire small bowel. At autopsy, ileal ulcerations were found. Gastrointestinal involvement occurring during Kaposi's sarcoma is common and usually symptomless. The discovery of a protein loosing enteropathy in our patient suggests that this gastrointestinal involvement could play a role in the hypoalbuminemia often found in these patients.