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. 2021 Nov;5(4):491-493.
doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2021.9.53692.

Disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma

Laura E Goyack  1 , Matthew A Heimann  1
Affiliations

Disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma

Laura E Goyack et al. Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Case presentation: A 28-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus presented to the emergency department with odynophagia and dysphagia for a month. Physical exam revealed Kaposi sarcoma partially occluding the airway. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to assist with the diagnosis of reactive lymphadenopathy, and computed tomography revealed systemic disease. Otolaryngology was urgently consulted, and the patient was admitted for prompt tracheostomy the following day.

Discussion: Kaposi sarcoma is a violaceous vascular neoplasm that is an acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illness. Mucocutaneous membranes should be thoroughly evaluated with patients suspected of AIDS. This case demonstrates the vital evaluation of the patient's airway to assess patency. Highly active antiretroviral therapy should be initiated promptly, as well as chemotherapy in severe systemic cases.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: By the CPC-EM article submission agreement, all authors are required to disclose all affiliations, funding sources and financial or management relationships that could be perceived as potential sources of bias. The authors disclosed none.

Figures

Image 1
Image 1
Midline posterior, pharyngeal pedunculated mass (white arrow) and hard palate mass (black arrow).
Image 2
Image 2
Point-of-care ultrasound images with extensive cervical reactive lymphadenopathy (white arrows).
Image 3
Image 3
Axial computed tomography soft tissue neck showing diffuse nodular thickening of mucosal surfaces (white arrows) and extensive cervical lymphadenopathy (black arrows).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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