Multicentric Kaposi's sarcoma of the conjunctiva in a male homosexual with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Abstract

A 38-year-old male homosexual with the new Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) had biopsy proven Kaposi's sarcoma of the right palpebral conjunctiva, extraocular mucocutaneous areas, and lymph nodes. Histologically, the palpebral tumor was characterized by atypical spindle cell proliferation and multiple slit-like vessels. Staining for Factor VIII-related antigen was positive in the cytoplasm of some tumor cells. Electron microscopy disclosed Weibel-Palade bodies in cells lining scattered slit-like vascular channels. The palpebral tumor mass was relatively nonadherent to its surrounding tissues and thus its simple excision was noteworthy; despite the prominent vascularity of the tumor, minimal bleeding was associated with its surgical resection. Any patient with AIDS should have all mucosal surfaces routinely examined for the presence of Kaposi's sarcoma lesions.